What does resurrection mean to you?

On Easter Sunday (yes, a few weeks ago now), we were asked if we wanted to share a little something about what Easter means to us.

Easter for me is about death and resurrection.

I didn't prepare anything. I didn't expect to have anything to say, but when the moment came, I was compelled to share a few words.

Through tears and trembling, I said something like:

Resurrection and Easter is about:

Hope where there was none

Peace when their is none

Life where their is none

Grace where their is none

Wholeness where their is none

Strength where their is none

Forgiveness where their is none

How about you?

PS: I love this little video about resurrection.

The Abbey Sanctuary

On Friday, my Father-in-law experienced a massive brain haemorrhage.

On Saturday, his body breathed it's last.

There have been many tears shed - and they won't be the last. But one thing is certain, Peter knew where he was going after his time on the earth was done. He is with His Saviour, whom he loved and served for 50 years.

I have so many things I could say about him, many words that could be written, but for now I say "thank you, Peter".

We will remember, and celebrate his life on Friday 15 April at Lorimer Chapel of Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh. If you want to come, please don't wear a black tie.

If you want to find out more about Peter, read his blog.

Denial of loss

If we can explain it, then maybe we don't need to be sad about it.

Maybe we don't need to lament.

Following what I wrote last night here, I found this video with Walter Brueggeman about pain, lament and a safe place really interesting.

Providing A Safe Place from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.

It makes me think that we (media, public and every else!) are quick to look for reasons, rationale and restitution at the expense of the lament.

Stopping to cry is no bad thing.

I wonder if the reason for some belief systems requiring people to be buried within 24 hours of dying is to focus the attention of those grieving on that - rather than on vengance? I don't know, but it's a thought.

Either way, we lament the killing of the innocent.

Not a fan of complaining for the sake of it...

...but I just submitted this to the BBC and Ofcom...

Hi,

First off, let's be clear. I have nothing against the BBC. No axe to grind. I'm also no fan of News Corporation, but that's no reason to let insensitivity on the BBCs part be unchallenged.

Catching the 10 o'clock news today, I was shocked by the events in Cumbria today. I appreciated the timeline laid out and the initial reports of the what had gone on.

I was then a little disturbed when the use of the phrase "hunted down" was used in the second report to describe the actions of the gunman today. We don't know if he intentionally hunted down all those people he killed. It's wrong to even suggest that. We simply don't know (as other BBC correspondents admitted).

While my thoughts were with those who were in mourning and those victims still alive and possibly fighting for their lives (no news on them?) I understand that many would be asking "why?" and using that to channel their confusion, anger and frustration at what had taken place.

Then in the third report... there was an interview with a member of (excuse my ignorance and lack of the organisations correct name) the Gun lobby saying "don't do anything rash, we might not be able to host the Olympics again".

EXCUSE ME?

There's 12 people DEAD because of a licenced gun and we give a monkeys about staging the Olympics again.

Come on.

No-one has said guns will be banned tomorrow so do we really need to hear about this kind of thing right now? Now, I get that the BBC want to be seen to be balanced. I understand that.

But there's people grieving and there was little if no effort to bring those people to the minds of your viewers. I'm not talking about having tearful widows on camera.

Just have some respect. Please?

The general tone of the whole section was more balanced than some other news outlets, however, can we have some consideration for those who have lost loved ones.

Can we have some marking of the moment, rather than rushing to find answers that will come in the fullness of time? I hope I am not alone in this.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Did you see the News at Ten on the BBC tonight? Did you agree with what I wrote? It'll be on iPlayer here.

Feel free to contact the BBC here. And Ofcom here.

And pause a moment to remember those who died. Those injured. Those who have been affected by today's events.

Lord, have mercy.