Challenged by events

FOLLOWING on from events over the past few weeks, I know that many people must feel challenged by the thought of Faith and Religion. Although I have found the attacks in Manchester and London extremely sad, I have been amazed at how God has been at work in the many people who put their own lives at risk to help others.

I am in awe of the bravery and selflessness of these ordinary people who have gone form enjoying a night out with friends and family to putting themselves in danger.

I give thanks for all who work in our emergency services and hospitals, people from many different religions and backgrounds, called to help and protect those in need.

During our celebrations of Pentecost in the Methodist Church, I was fortunate enough to spend time with a group of children sharing how the Holy Spirit is at work within all of us, a true gift from God.

The Holy Spirit is within and amongst every single one of us and shows itself in many different ways.

At times like these, it is very easy to be challenged by the world around us but if we stop and look deeper in our sorrow and grieving, we can see that God is with us through others. My prayer is that our communities will become stronger.

’But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness’

Galatians 5:22