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.

Friday, 1 May 2026

Wrexham, Weddings, and a Family Weekend

Red and white Wrexham AFC scarf folded beside a bride and groom wedding figurine and an old leather book with black‑framed glasses resting on top, all set against a textured green background beneath the title ‘Wrexham, Weddings, and a Family Weekend.’ Symbolic composition representing football, marriage, and reflective fatherhood.

It’s a bank holiday weekend. May bank holidays usually have us taking part in the Sweeps Festival, but this one is different. The six of us are driving to Wrexham to celebrate Hannah’s brother getting married on Monday. The rest of her family arrive on Sunday. We wanted to stretch the weekend into something more than a timetable and a wedding, so we left today.