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I saw You first when morning light was new,
Yet in Your gaze, a home my soul has known.
A whisper in the winds, both bright and true,
A call that bids me never stand alone.

Your mercy rings like echoes from the past,
A grace I’ve touched in lives I’ve yet to see.
The present and eternity contrast,
Yet in Your love, both time and soul agree.

Your hands ignite a fire within my chest,
A flame unquenched, though wandering hearts may stray.
The universe bows low where You have blessed,
And love remains beyond the bounds of day.

If time repeats, let this embrace be mine,
For in Your arms, all worlds and stars align
People are bigoted, God is not,
Love is the lesson the world forgot.
Bound by borders, lines they drew,
Yet grace falls freely, ever new.

No creed nor colour sways the light,
That shines for all, both wrong and right.
Yet hearts grow heavy, stained with pride,
While mercy waits with arms spread wide.

So let not hatred bear the crown,
Or fear and fury wear us down.
For love was spoken, love was taught -
People are bigoted, God is not.
Racial Discrimination and Systemic Racism
Healthcare Inequities: A class action lawsuit in Queensland alleges that state health services discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The suit, filed in the Federal Court, details claims that patients were routinely spoken down to and given substandard care in facilities across north Queensland.1

Racist Bullying in Schools: In Scotland, increased incidents of racist bullying have forced schools to take action. One recent case involved a young girl who, after suffering repeated racist taunts and isolation, had to change schools. Reports show that incidents of racist harassment in Scottish schools jumped by 50% in one year.2

Institutional Racism in Healthcare: Coverage of racial bias within the NHS reveals ongoing struggles with systemic prejudice. Studies and personal accounts have highlighted how Black and minority staff and patients often face dismissive attitudes and inadequate responses.3

Judicial Bias: At an international forum, a Canadian presentation discussed how judicial racial bias remains a rarely addressed yet critical issue in the justice system, shedding light on how court decisions can reflect entrenched prejudices.4

Xenophobia and Nationalism
Scapegoating Immigrants: In South Africa, political figures have been accused of using inflammatory, xenophobic rhetoric to demonize immigrants ahead of contentious general elections. This kind of toxic speech not only stokes division but also risks inciting violence against foreign nationals.5

Anti-Immigrant Violence in the UK: Recent reports from Amnesty International and other bodies have highlighted disturbing incidents of racist violence—attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, vandalism at mosques, and other hate-fuelled actions. These examples underscore how nationalist sentiments can translate into real harm for minority communities.6

Religious Intolerance and Sectarianism
Attacks on Religious Minorities: In Jerusalem, there have been a series of attacks against the Christian community. Incidents such as the vandalism of statues and desecration of graves, along with verbal and physical abuse experienced by pilgrims and local worshippers, are clear manifestations of religious intolerance.7

Sectarian Violence in Syria: Another example comes from Syria, where reported episodes of renewed sectarian violence have targeted specific religious communities. These tensions, which sometimes erupt into lethal confrontations, echo long-standing divisions and serve as a stark reminder of how religious differences can be weaponized in conflict.8

Contrasting Models: On a more hopeful note, positive coverage from regions like Kurdistan in the Middle East demonstrates that religious pluralism is possible. Here, a national prayer breakfast bringing together Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, and others offers an inspiring counterpoint to the intolerance seen elsewhere.9

Political Polarization and Cultural Tribalism
Fragmented Communities: Articles like “The Erosion of Friendship and Family Bonds in the Face of Political Disagreement” highlight how political polarization increasingly fractures personal relationships. In an era of echo chambers and partisan media, even long-standing social bonds are strained by ideological divides.10

Culture Wars and Authoritarian Rhetoric: Analysis such as “Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the roots of Trumpism” shows how political tribalism has not only reshaped public discourse in the United States but also influenced governance.11

References

1
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) | MSN
Class action lawsuit accuses Queensland Health of racial discrimination in north Queensland
www.msn.com
2
BBC
Racism forced my daughter to move primary schools, mum says
www.bbc.co.uk
3
Index on Censorship
Annabel Sowemimo on the silent killer in the NHS
www.indexoncensorship.org
4
rabble.ca
Discussing judicial racial bias in Canada at the UN
rabble.ca
5
www.hrw.org
South Africa: Toxic Rhetoric Endangers Migrants - Human Rights Watch
www.hrw.org
6
www.amnesty.org
UK: Government must address 'root cause of racism that plagues our ...
www.amnesty.org
7
www.bbc.co.uk
Jerusalem Christians say attacks on the rise - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk
8
theconversation.com
Syria faces renewed sectarian violence as government fails to deliver ...
theconversation.com
9
The Hill | MSN
Opinion - In the Middle East, Kurdistan offers a hopeful model of religious freedom
www.msn.com
10
craigbushon.com
The Erosion of Friendship and Family Bonds in the Face of Political ...
craigbushon.com
11
theconversation.com
Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the ...
theconversation.com
Morning breath, hush – it stirs, it speaks,
A gift not taken, one that leaks.
Not to keep, not locked away,
Pass it forward, let it play.

Moses - what’s that in your grip?
Just a staff? No, watch it flip.
It carves the sea, it clears the way,
Not by chance - He made it stay.

A word, a hand, a glance, a beat,
Not small, not lost, not obsolete.
It tumbles, crashes, rings aloud,
A ripple tearing through the crowd.

Let life burn bright, not shrink, not fold,
Pass it down - red, fierce, bold.
It spreads, it climbs, it runs, it flies,
Lights up faces, splits the skies.

Every move, each step, a pull,
A voice that rips, that won’t grow dull.
And listen - hear that hum, that call?
“Encore,” He says – take it all.
written to order - as an oral beat poem and introduction to the Sunday message
Beer cures what ales you,
A clever twist on thirsty lore;
When life's too bitter, just imbibe a brew,
And let that lager lore restore.

A pint of humour in a frothy glass,
Where worries stir but soon subside;
In every sip, let troubles pass,
While malt and mirth provide a ride.

So raise your mug and toast the day,
For every brew brings laughter anew;
When life turns sour, don't rue the fray;
Just cheers, and let your spirit spew!

May your woes be whisked away by ales,
And your laughs as bold as foamy trails.
Geof Spavins May 20
In the name of the Father,
In the name of the Son,
In the name of the Spirit,
You’re washed in the blood,
Buried with Christ,
Raised in new life,
Baptised

I step into the sacred waters where mercy flows like a gentle stream,
Each ripple echoing the promise of a love that cleanses and renews.
The remnants of my past dissolve into the current,
Washed away by grace, leaving a soul reborn in light.

In the quiet depths, I find the strength to let go of my burdens,
Knowing that in every drop of water there is forgiveness,
And the silent power of resurrection whispers through the tide.
The old is laid to rest beneath the surface,
As the promise of new life sings in the rising dawn.

With every breath, I carry the legacy of sacrifice and hope,
A heartbeat resounding with the truth of redemption.
In the stillness after the flood, the Spirit rises within me,
Transforming despair into a vibrant hymn of faith,
A testimony that beyond every trial lies the embrace of eternal love.

Now, walking in the radiance of this unending grace,
I discover that the scars of yesterday become symbols of tomorrow's strength.
In the glow of divine mercy, I stand unashamed,
A living rebirth, forever marked by the transformative power of the Spirit.

Each step forward is a pilgrimage of the heart,
An affirmation that, through baptism, we are renewed,
And the miracle of resurrection echoes in every moment -
Guiding us ever onward in a journey of love, hope, and eternal life.
Inspired by Zach Williams album "Rescue Story" Track 9 "Baptised"
Geof Spavins May 19
Bitters fade away
Golden brew soothes heavy souls
Joy in each small sip

Froth crowns the moment
Memories swirl like soft foam
Cheers spark a new dawn

Raise a glass tonight
Laughter echoes in soft clinks
Hope in every toast
Geof Spavins May 16
The family gathered, voices bright,  
In the steakhouse glow of amber light.  
Sizzling plates and stories shared,  
Love well-seasoned, deeply cared.  

The mother poured a glass of red,  
Softly nodding at words once said.  
The father carved the tender beef,  
A simple act, yet rich belief.  

Children whisper, napkins torn,  
Trading bites with giggles worn.  
Fizzy drinks, dripping fries,  
Magic dancing in their eyes.  

The grandpa chuckled, took a sip,  
Savouring time that tends to slip.  
For in the hum of knife and fork,  
Life was seasoned—bold, uncorked
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