Chaplain's Reflection
30th January 2026
Forgiveness is one of the quiet strengths of our community. It often begins in difficult moments when things do not go as planned, when words or actions hurt, or trust is broken, or when expectations are not met. These moments are part of being human, but how we respond to them really matters.
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring harm or pretending that pain does not exist. It asks us first to acknowledge what has happened and how it has affected us. From there, forgiveness becomes a choice: to release resentment, to seek understanding, and to allow space for healing and growth.
Forgiveness can be offered to others, but it is also something we must give to ourselves too. We all make mistakes. We all have moments we wish we could manage differently. When we practice self-forgiveness, we give ourselves permission to learn, to grow, and to begin again.
In our communities, forgiveness strengthens relationships, it encourages honest conversations, restores trust, and reminds us that no one is defined or remembered by a single moment or mistake.
It teaches patience, empathy, and resilience which are values that reach far beyond any one situation.
Forgiveness is not always easy, and it does not always happen quickly. Sometimes it requires time, reflection, support, and lots of conversations. But when forgiveness is practiced with patience, sincerity, and care, it opens the door to understanding release and renewal.
In closing, Jesus is a perfect example of forgiveness. When on the cross during that terrible time of crucifixion, Jesus spoke powerful words, not of anger or revenge but of love and compassion in saying “forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”
God’s words in the book of Colossians say this too. “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
May we continue to choose forgiveness, not because it is simple, but because it allows us to move forward with compassion, hope and a free life.
19th January 2026
Just a bit of encouragement to help you through the blue days of January. I can remember when I was very young and at every Christmas time, we used to have the whole family came to stay with us. Every room in the house was needed so I was always relegated from my room to sleeping on a mattress in my mum and dad’s room.
I can remember one particular night that we watched one of the early versions of the movie The Wizard of Oz, and I can remember feeling really scared of some of the characters in the film, especially the wicked witch of the west and her green face. Anyway, my mum put me to bed, and I fell asleep only to wake up in the middle of the night to see what looked like the wicked witch standing in front of me. I was frozen in terror and never slept the rest of the night because of what I could see.
However as soon as dawn approached, the light came through the curtains, and I could see things for what they really were. The wicked witch turned out to be my mums dressing gown that she had hung on the hoover before she had got into bed.
All of that fear because of a dressing gown. The light shone in and my fears subsided.
I want to encourage you with this. When the light shines in on a situation, we see it differently to what it looks like in the dark. We can hide our problems and anxieties, keeping them in the dark so to speak and they can grow bigger, increasing our fears and worries.
The light can be shone on our situations just by speaking to others about them. The saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved.”
Please be encouraged to find someone in your world to talk to, don’t hold onto those fears a moment longer. Get those worries and anxieties out in the open and in the light. It’s a life changer.
In closing, Jesus Christ is described as the light of the world. He brings light and is only a prayer away.
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—who shall I fear?”
5th January 2026
New Year Reflection
A new year is a chance to pause and look at how far we’ve come. It’s not about being perfect, but about learning from our mistakes and growing from our experiences. This year, think about one habit you want to improve, one challenge you’re ready to face, and one way you can be kinder—to yourself and to others. Small, consistent efforts can lead to meaningful change. The new year isn’t a fresh start because the past disappears; it’s a fresh start because we’re wiser than before.
Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9