A bruised reed...

Anna Chaplain in Newcastle, Joan Grenfell, turns to scripture for encouragement as lockdown restrictions tighten in the north-east: 'I am now writing a little "Thought for the Day" and handing them into the care homes, hoping they will help both residents and staff.'

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A bruised reed he will not break, a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. Isaiah 42:3

The person spoken of by the prophet Isaiah is the coming Messiah. It is Jesus. These verses tell us so much about the character of Jesus.

But who are these bruised reeds and smouldering wicks? Surely we are not to think of them as actual reeds or wicks? I think not.

At any time in our lives, it may be that any one of us is that bruised reed or smouldering wick of which Isaiah speaks. It may be that ill health; financial worry; broken relationship; an addiction; a family crisis – any of these might make us feel less than whole… make us feel bruised and struggling to live life fully.

When we find ourselves in that place, the prophet’s words offer hope.

At such times we may feel that we have been abandoned by family and friends, and that might be true... but we are never abandoned by Jesus.

We live in a society which tends to uphold only the successful, the strong, the winner, the unbroken. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Messiah of the broken, the unsuccessful, the hurting, the troubled. There is no bruised reed or broken life, no life so crushed by pain or sorrow, that cannot be held by Jesus and restored to wholeness.

A final thought. It may be that our healing comes to its completion when we reach out, in the name of Jesus, to other bruised reeds or smouldering wicks, encouraging them to begin their journey towards wholeness and a life restored.

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Joan reports:

'Things have got tighter again here in the north-east with care homes completely shut down again, and with essential visitors only allowed on the premises.

'I have been continuing my Skype services and feel that we are all getting used to it and feeling more comfortable worshipping in this way. I sense increased connection between us with responses coming from the residents.

'For the future I am planning, on Remembrance day, a short service and another, sometime around All Soul’s Day, as a way of recognising and giving thanks for the lives of those who have died in the past months.'

We applaud all who are staying resolutely cheerful despite current challenges and especially our network members who are finding positive ways to spread hope and good cheer even as visiting is severely curtailed in care homes. Such 'Thoughts for the Day' remind residents and staff they are not forgotten.