Comments for Seymour Street

Comment on quotes and a prayer by Lou

Lou — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:49:09 +0000

I particularly like the Thomas Merton quote

Comment on Humility or humiliation by Carolyn

Carolyn — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:40:53 +0000

As you said, having our illusions and delusions shattered, painful and traumatic as it may be at times, does humble us. I think though, at times, we can find ourselves in situations that we would never have imagined. This may be a very uplifting situation or perhaps a regretful situation but can still have the same humbling effect on us and cause us to pause and think more highly of others.

Comment on Love wins. by Jane Dawson

Jane Dawson — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:37:17 +0000

Its interesting how the debate around this has spiralled before the book is even out. I read that the American Evangelical who said “Farewell Rob Bell” has only had access to a few chapters of the book so perhaps it would be better if he waited to get the whole story rather than rushing to judgement. You could be right about a media campaign, its certainly making me want to buy it!

Comment on Being Barefoot by Brian

Brian — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:58:06 +0000

What a wonderful illustration of what I was trying to say Ali- Very moving – brillant.

Comment on Being Barefoot by Ali

Ali — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:44:22 +0000

Brian, I have been reading your blog and there are many books, people, songs and words that have evoked very emotional and proud moments from my life with my parents. Humility and grace are two of the God given qualities that my Mum especially, showed and taught us, by example during our time with her on this earth. Your barefoot blog reminded me of the person that taught and nurtured those qualities in her – her Mum. She came from a small townland around Ballycastle and was part of a large family, who were all farm labourers. Indeed during my family tree research there are various school registers that show periods of absenteeism and eventual dismissal as the children, including my Nannie, could not attend as they had to help on the farm, in order to pay the rent on their labourer’s cottage. When they were able to attend, it was around a three mile walk to the school and they were in with the ‘townspeople’. Nannie had boots, as she had to have them for some of the farm jobs, but they were usually hand-me-downs, and had been mended many times. This, she felt was acceptable to go to school in…the children in the town had very little and always went to school barefoot. As my Nannie’s older siblings started working and helping a bit with the family income, my Nannie was bought a new pair of boots – something she had never had before…or never had again as a child. She worried about this and said she’d rather ‘keep them for good and for church’ but her Mother, who would have been proud that they could buy their little girl a pair of new boots, insisted she wear them to school. Nannie, with great humility did not want to make the townschildren feel bad, as she had a pair of new boots for the Winter. Her choice was to set off on the journey to school, with the boots on and decided to hide them in a hedgerow and collect them on the way home. That day it was very cold and she walked barefoot, connected with the earth she helped tend, all the way to school. Whilst at school there was a heavy snowfall and after a very anxious time trying to find them, she headed home to tell this awful news to her parents. She was severely punished and never recovered the pair of boots. I asked her when I heard this story as a young child, if she regretted this after her beating. She just shook her head and said that she couldn’t have other children feel bad or wanting something they’d never have because of her. I thought this very apt as a reply to your great blogs! Keep it up x

Comment on The Journey to the Cross by Mark

Mark — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:06:21 +0000

Hi Brian. The concept of Humility particularly rings with me. We can be so obsessed with “self” we loose sight of the bigger picture. I have been working on my next service theme – I have chosen “truth” and have read John 8 several times. I would highly recommend it – it is such a powerful text. Jesus speaks very humbly and simply, without judgement, and is only interested in telling the truth despite the threats and challenges he is facing. To me, this chapter really shows us the “simplicity” of being a Christian. (Oh, and I have also worked in my Toyota story!) Mark

Comment on The Journey to the Cross by Jane Dawson

Jane Dawson — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:57:39 +0000

Thanks for that, Brian. I’ve been thinking more of taking something up over lent rather than giving something up (perhaps I’m just too fond of chocolate!) so I’m intending to try returning to journailling during lent, & hopefully beyond if this gets me back in the habit. Also like the idea of the acts of random kindness so will endeavour to do that too.

Comment on The Journey to the Cross by THM

THM — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:56:22 +0000

Thank you Brian – its good to be reminded of the background to the season