hope

I had a fall at home this week. I was doing some gardening and tripped on some branches and landed on a branch. I knew straight away something was wrong as a huge lump instantly appeared below my knee.

Having experienced a few years ago, acute spontaneous compartment syndrome in my other leg I knew I had to get to the doctors to check out my injury.

The doctor did a thorough examination and said it was a pool of blood that would resolve itself but I needed to use ice, rest and use compression bandages.

Last night I was in a lot of pain as I tried to sleep so I prayed, “Jesus hold me”. The pain meds were not helping and I couldn’t sleep so I just wanted to be held. I instantly knew that Jesus was holding me. No judgement, no platitudes. Just a beautiful awareness that I was loved by God who knows me and loves me anyway.

He loves you too.

This photo popped up on my phone as a “memory”. It was from visiting a Van Gogh exhibit not long after Covid restrictions were eased a bit.

Being able to go to a public place outside the previously imposed restriction zone of 5 kilometre from home, was liberating.

I think there can be a lot of truth to the phrase, “You don’t appreciate what you have until you don’t have it”. Who would have imagined a time when it was illegal to travel in your own city, and that staples like toilet paper and testing kits would be fought over?

Today, I am grateful for essential workers who risked their lives for societies sake, for well stocked shelves and freedom of movement.

What are you grateful for today?

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It’s time to address some truths about Christianity and mental health.

1. Christians can and do struggle with mental illness. It is NOT a sign of secret sin, hidden shortcomings or lack of faith.

2. Many people in the Bible struggled with their mental health.

Hannah who struggled to have a baby.
Elijah was burnt out.
Job lost everything and everyone that he held dear.
David suffered the depths of depression.
Jonah was suicidal. Etc etc

3. No one is immune. Being in the ministry doesn’t make you immune, in fact, statistically speaking mental illness can be more prevalent in Pastors than many other professions.

4. It is NOT wrong to take medication, seek professional help or be hospitalised due to mental illness. It is no different to diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

5. Things are getting better, but we are way to go. My church knows that their Pastor, me, takes medication, has been hospitalised for treatment and still consults doctors to stay healthy.

Reject shame. Don’t let anyone look down on you. You are courageous, you matter and you are loved.

After going through a really tough time mentally, I can finally say I’m feeling much better. The heaviness has lifted, my thoughts are clearer, and I feel more like myself again. It took time, patience, and small steps, but I’ve come a long way.

I'm focusing now on building healthier habits, staying present, and appreciating the calm after the storm. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about feeling okay, and that feels like a huge win.

If you're in the middle of your struggle, just know that things can change. Healing happens in quiet moments, and one day, you might look up and realize you're doing better than you thought.

#mentalhealthrecovery #healingjourney #feelingbetter #Hope #selfcare #progress

You are loved, you are seen, you matter and you are not alone.

Sometimes I surprise myself at how I can be blind to obvious solutions. For too long I have endured a load of stress trying to navigate Sydney traffic trying to get to appointments on time.

Traffic can be upended so easily if there is an accident or other interruption so we use a live traffic gps program all the time to avoid getting stuck in a jam. Even then though it can be unpredictable and frustrating.

For too long I have found myself getting very stressed trying to be on time. This morning driving to Tai Chi the traffic was challenging, then the obvious dawned on me.

I could turn this problem into a procedure by simply planning to arrive ten minutes early. If I am early I have some time up my sleeve. If I am delayed then I will still be on time without stress.

So simple, so promising.

I am in court today, this is so out of my comfort zone. The 3 year legal fight we recently endured, and won, means it’s quite triggering bring here.

Four weeks ago a lady fleeing domestic violence moved into the charity my Wife and I run. She has been in Australia for four months after arriving from Iran. Her abusive husband has kept her under his control and kept her as a virtual slave. In an attempt to escape she damaged some of his things and was arrested.

Today she will appear before the court in this matter. I have helped prepare a defence for her. Praying this case is resolved favourably and very quickly. I really don’t want to be here.

Update: The judge asked me to speak about the charity my Wife and I run. He asked lots of questions. He could see that living there offers an incredible opportunity for this lady to be safe and also turn her life around.

He put her on a 2 year good behaviour bond but more importantly recorded no conviction. This means she doesn’t have a criminal record. This is the absolute best outcome possible. I am exhausted but so happy.

Yesterday we drove 7 hours from Sydney to the town of Mallacoota. We are staying with good friends. 5 years ago this small town was engulfed by unprecedented bush fires. 300 homes were destroyed and 4000 people from Mallacoota and surrounding towns were evacuated to the beach for their safety. The navy had to send ships to rescue the residents.

This morning walking on the beach I saw this blackened tree that had been burnt in the fire but surrounded by new growth.

Our hard seasons might look barren and devastating. Yet, eventually hope of a new day comes. Hold on. Hope is calling your name.