I have just spent the past week doing LICC's Toolbox course, and after a day and a half of sleep to recover, I think I am just about ready to reflect on what I've learnt!

For those of you who aren't aware, Toolbox is LICC's course in how to be a whole-life disciple within the contemporary world. I am planning to write a series of posts on different things that I have learnt through the course, but there are two things that I have taken away from the experience as a whole.

The first is a delight in the innovation and creativity of the body of Christ. One of the devil's greatest tricks is to try and prevent us from engaging with one another. Why? Well, he knows that when two or three gather together with Christ amongst them, his kingdom is shaken and Christ's kingdom grows. There is a real power in getting together to discuss practical solutions to real problems for the whole-life Christian - and that power goes with us as we scatter out into the world.

Secondly, I have been excited by our examination of various world views such as consumerism, modernism, post-modernism and the like. The way in which these are spoken through advertising and products is astonishing. What is encouraging, however, is the disillusionment with these ideals and values expressed not only through the Tate Modern's collection (a true eye-opener), but also through the opposing, if confused values expressed in other creative media. For this Toolbox course, we went to see The Prince of Persia. Whatever you think of the film critically, as a social commentary it expressed a deep desire within people for family, identity, loyalty, trust, truth... What a contrast to the individualistic, live for yourself values of the world.

I find hope in the failure of the world to offer a successful, fulfilling and attainable alternative to God. While TV, film and art may seem to express extremes of the human condition in the present time, what they show is the state of society writ large. And to a society that is confused, lonely, isolated, depressed, gasping for meaning, and disillusioned - not necessarily all at once or all so distinct - we, the people of God, have something to offer. We offer access to the one relationship that is fulfilling. Access to a love that is truly unconditional and inclusive of all. Access to a family that strives to express true, deep love and concern. Access to a future that is tasted now and will culminate in a feast in its time. Access to significance, clarity, trust, hope, purpose, direction, adventure, rest.

My friends, we have a world thirsty for God - though they may not know it. And we have the key in our hands and hearts - Christ himself. Why should I not speak up? There is a world wanting and I know the One who can meet their needs.

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
       I will take hold of your hand.
       I will keep you and will make you
       to be a covenant for the people
       and a light for the Gentiles,

 to open eyes that are blind,
       to free captives from prison
       and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isa 42:6-7

Shopping in the Temple

So I haven't actually been shopping in a temple. However, I have just been to Westfield London. I don't know whether my new job at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity is giving me a more finely tuned awareness of the culture around me, but I became more and more disgusted as I shopped today. Why?

Well, I started in New Look. I like their clothes, but after about 5 minutes in there I suddenly became conscious of the music playing - after a quick google search just now, identified as 'Pass Out' by Tinie Tempah: "We bring the women and the cars and the cards out / Lets have a toast a celebration get a glass out / And we can do this until we pass out..." Apparently, he lives a 'very very very wild lifestyle'. I'm not entirely convinced that his lifestyle includes any significant moral reasoning on behalf of his fans.

So, after feeling rather grumpy-old-lady about the song in New Look, I moved on through the crowds,continuing with my shopping. And the next thing I saw was an advertisement: 'Clairvoyant, 2:30pm til 10pm, Tarot and Palm readings'. I don't know if anyone else has realised this, but you can't pay to have your future revealed. All you get is false hope in a false world - and you find yourself trusting a false god. I couldn't help praying for blindness - if no-one sees her, how can she profit from lies?!?

I decided to pop into one more store before going home. Just after I walked in, the music in the store changed to that distorted, husky sort of rapper voice, and said something along the lines of: 'All the young people spending money, but when they stop spending, what happens to the economy?' Hmm. Last straw.

Westfield might look wonderful, but it offers a haven of quick fixes with dire spiritual consequences. Buy this top, skirt or tarot reading and you'll feel better, you'll support the economy - can't afford it? Use our store card. Spend £30, and you'll get a voucher for a wash and blowdry to prepare you for summer. Look good, and you'll feel good. Feel good, and you are good. Be skin deep. Sort things out on the outside, so that no-one will see the inside. Don't think, don't question, don't see - just do.

I left Westfield with this buzzing about in my head: 'Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.'

Think.

Welcome to Words of Wifedom!

If you find any encouragement, enlightenment, or wisdom from these pages, God is at work. Any spelling and grammar mistakes are me at work!

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As I tend to write series rather than lone-standing blogs, you will find a list of all my blogs below, in order. Please feel free to leave comments - I am just stepping out as a writer and I would really appreciate your constructive criticism and encouragement!

Many blessings,






The Lord's Prayer Series

Over and Over Again

Get my Meaning?

Our Father in Heaven?

Your Kingdom Come

Your Will Be (Reluctantly) Done
Banker's Bread
I forgive you (if you do this and don't do that, and because I am great)