The weaponising of words

It is a good thing that the green benches in the House of Commons are spaced exactly two sword lengths apart! This was done deliberately to prevent duelling 'gentlemen' from doing any actual harm to one another. This week, however, there have been shocking scenes of angry confrontation. Words and terminology have been drawn from their scabbards in verbal combat such as has not been seen in decades. And both sides of the Brexit debate seem determined to use such words to curry favour with the electorate. On one side harsh and inflammatory terms are being bandied about to portray the opposition MP's in the worst light possible. On the other, plaintiff cries of outrage appear occasionally to be part of an effort to convince the populace that their opponents are 'unfit to govern'. What a sad indictment of our democracy that the so-called 'mother of parliaments' has come down to this.

It does not reflect a limited vocabulary on the part of the speaker - quite the opposite in the case of Britain's present Prime Minister. But it does reveal that both sides need to draw back and reconsider their weaponising of language, before someone does really get hurt.

I would like to let some light in onto this shady use of language. Consider this biblical advice:
'A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.' (Proverbs 16:23-24)

And to leaders in particular: '...excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love' (2 Cor. 8:7) and 'set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.'(1 Tim 4:12). And 'your words [should be] solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.' (Titus 2:8 The Message).

In every situation of conflict and misunderstanding the practical advice of the scriptures speaks clearly to us all:  'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' (Proverbs 15:1)

Give yourself time to explore life, faith and meaning.

Alpha@Vazon 2019 begins in just a few days, Wednesday the 2nd October 2019, at Vazon Church, Guernsey. Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, run over nine evenings and one Saturday daytime. Each talk looks at a different question exploring life, faith and meaning and is designed to help create conversation. Alpha is run in 169 nations all around the globe, and over 29 million people have done the course up to now! It runs in cafés, churches, universities, prisons, schools and homes – you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but generally they have three key things in common: great food, a talk and good conversation.

The food is going to be good – finger licking good with great desserts! Then, the talks are really quality and inspirational, designed to engage and inspire conversation. Usually no more than thirty minutes long, they come on video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from 'Is there more to life than this?', 'Who is Jesus?', and 'How can I have faith?' to 'Why and how do I pray?' etc

Good conversation means just that – an environment where you’re welcome to say nothing or ask any question about life, faith and meaning. This is the chance for you to revisit the foundations of your faith or discover why others believe as they do.

So, please think about whether you would like to join us at Alpha@Vazon 2019. Everyone is welcome, especially if you are of no faith or really would not consider yourself a Christian. If you would like to reserve a place for yourself and/or a friend (if you're in Guernsey of course) then message me or email matt@vazonelim.org.gg. There is no charge and no pressure! 

If you want to watch a short video about Alpha take a look at www.vazonelim.org.gg.

One less question for Siri or Alexa - try Alpha!

Suicide shock at fabulous beach location

I was walking on the beach on Guernsey's fabulous east coast early in the morning, just as the sun was rising over the nearby islands of Herm and Jethou. It was a stunning scene of peace and beauty but I was in for a shock. The bundle of clothing that moved lazily in the shallows as the waves lapped the shore, began to take form as I approached it. I drew my breath in fear and apprehension. It was a body. A beautiful young woman had taken her own life there on the beach. As I waited tearfully for a policeman to arrive on his motorcycle, I prayed for a family about to be torn apart by grief and remorse. Much later I discovered that she was a wealthy heiress, but had been overcome by what turned out to be a terminal mental illness.

This was forty years ago, and I was just starting out on my ministry in the island, but I learned a terrible lesson that day. Living with plenty and prosperity is no insurance policy against loneliness, depression or despair. I believe that Guernsey's suicide rate is still, pro-rata, one of the highest in Europe, in spite of its great beauty and close community. The World Health Organisation has designated today, the 10th September, as suicide prevention day. They claim that nearly three times as many men as women die by suicide in high-income countries, in contrast to low- and middle-income countries, where the rate is more equal. Globally, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds.

I was motivated by that incident, very early in ministry, to take seriously the issue of suicide prevention. I try to listen carefully for the evidence of the potential for self-harm when people speak with me. During my 22 years of heavy opiate use for intense chronic pain, I was occasionally tested by thoughts that my loved ones would be better off without me (and that I could be with God). Those were lies from the enemy of my soul and my family. If I had short-circuited my life in that way I would have missed the amazing research developments in surgery, for instance, that changed my life in 2017. But much more than that, I would have torn a hole in my family and community that could never have been filled.

Please be aware of this problem, and if you are affected by thoughts like the ones I mention above, do talk to someone you trust about it. If you want to contact me, please do. You can search for me by name on Facebook, or use this email: ericgaudion@me.com which I have set up specifically for this purpose. The Samaritans are also always only a phone-call away (116 123 free from any phone).

You really do matter to God, and he does have a plan for your life down here. When his time comes he will call you home, but till then, take advantage of every offer of help and love that might keep you from falling into the trap of believing those lies.