Thursday, 14 May 2026

When Survival Isn’t Abstract 

Minimalist yellow thumbnail with a white silhouette of a head in profile speaking. The speech bubble emerging from the mouth is crossed out with a red prohibition symbol, symbolising silenced communication. The title “Survival Isn’t Abstract” appears in bold navy text at the top.

Tuesday morning I published a post about the difference between being a victim and being a survivor. I wrote about naming harm, refusing minimisation, and understanding the patterns that shape how disabled people are treated.

A few hours later, life handed me another real time example. 

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Survivor, Not Victim

A raised clenched fist breaks through a cracked burnt‑orange surface, symbolising strength and solidarity. Above it, the title “Survivor, Not Victim” appears in dark charcoal letters stamped inside a rectangular border, resembling a branded mark.

Being a victim and being a survivor sound similar, yet the difference determines how people treat you, hear you, and decide whether your story is valid. This difference has come up in several conversations recently, from ordination discussions, the current CoE safeguarding audit, and general chats. This has caused me to reflect on what I name, why I name it, and how I understand the harm I have survived.

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

When Your Past Leaves No Trace

 A symbolic image showing a burnt and torn photograph resting on a mauve‑purple background. The edges of the photo are blackened and smoking, with ashes scattered beneath it. Above the image, pale yellow text reads “When Your Past Leaves No Trace.” The design is clean and minimal, representing memory loss and an erased past.

Childhood memories feel like blurry moments once lived. Photos, certificates, medals, and school reports usually prove those moments existed. I do not have that. My past has been erased. Adoption took the first part. Life took the second.