Act 24 - Stand

Something I love about social media is the ability to highlight causes that otherwise might go under the radar, or help people to think about something right under their noses in a different way. Many of my friends probably think I over-share about stuff I'm passionate about and I'm certain I've been 'unfriended' because of it. Mostly I like to think my friends are like-minded people who share my thirst for social justice.
Today my parent, Anna, a local activist and transgendered woman, is giving a talk at Manchester University about her passion for justice. It would be great for folk to go along (1pm at St Peter's House) - it might explain where I get it from!

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8–9 NIV)

Act 23 - Last Rolo

Today's act speaks directly to my confession last week that I have way too much stuff and my desire to 'de-stuff' my life and give away what I don't need...but what will I struggle to part with? Which are the things that I don't need but find comforting to have? If I'm honest there's probably very few things I own which are necessary but in our culture we are not good at travelling lightly through life. My desire is to streamline and simplify. I don't want my legacy in this world to be a housefull of stuff my kids are left to deal with, things that I can send back out in the world that other people need or can use.

[Jesus] said to them, ‘… life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ (Luke 12:15 NIV)

Act 22 - Essentials

Not sure if this fits the act but today we brought home 2 rescue dogs - Frankie and Benny. What could be more essential than a home? These boys needed it and we wanted to give it.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)

Act 21 - Global Warming

I have a house full of stuff, including clothes, and there's still boxes in the loft we didn't unpack when we moved 8 years ago. My challenge to myself, after I finish my studies, is to de-stuff the house - give away what we don't need - and lead a more streamlined and stuff free life. I'm going to extend this to accepting the 40 Acts challenge of not buying any new clothes (except essentials- underwear, priest vestments, work trousers) for 12 months. I'll let you know how quickly I fail!!

‘You shall not covet.’ (Exodus 20:17)

Act 20 - Beam

It's incredibly difficult to remember to smile all the time! I'm sure some folk have faces that naturally look serene and content, but the amount of times I've been asked "you ok?!" (when I'm merely resting my face) is ridiculous. Yet when, like today, you make a concerted effort to smile (particularly fun whilst doing the weekly shop) it does make a difference. Some folk of course do think you're a little odd but mostly what you get is a smile in return.

Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! (Philippians 4:4 NLV)

Act 19 - Daily Grind

I spent most of today driving. I did try and be generous whilst driving - I'm not always very generous behind the wheel (one reason I have no christian symbols on my car!). When I listen to the long list of accidents and delays on the radio - and especially when the weather is as unpleasant for driving as yesterday - I wonder how much our lack of generosity to fellow road-users contributes. We don't always view other drivers as being just like us, we tut and judge but rarely put ourselves in their position. Where are they going? Why are they rushing? And what if they're driving in a way we find frustrating? We're so focused on our own little bubble- where are we going? How long will it take? - that the people we're sharing the travelling space with become inconveniences.
Despite the weather and tight time frame my drive yesterday was actually ok, because taking the time to drive more generously made me more chilled and prepared to face whatever happened on the journey. I'm sure there's a sermon in this somewhere!

‘He will reply, ”Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”' (Matthew 25:45 NIV)

Act 18 - Fair Enough

Fairtrade for might began yesterday. If you follow the link below you can read up on why this matters:
Fairtrade fortnight
Each of us expect a fair wage for the work we do, and a fair price for products we produce - why shouldn't our brothers and sisters around the world get that too?

‘Who is my neighbour?’ (Luke 10:29)