Alison and the whale

Taking on the mantle

Elisha glimpses God's reality: and it is this which empowers him to take on the prophet's mantle. So what does this mean for us?
A reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-15a given to Sanctuary, 30 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019

A spirituality in the midst of people, in the chaos of life

Most spiritual teachings assume solitude and silence. But the story of Elijah suggests that a God-centred spirituality is to be found in the midst of people, in the chaos of life.
A reflection on 1 Kings 19:1-18 given to Sanctuary, 23 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Lady Wisdom and the gender diverse community of God

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lady Wisdom called out at the public places—the city gates, the crossroads, the mountaintops—and she said: “The Lord began the work of creation with me ..."
A reflection on Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 given to Sanctuary, 16 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

A Story of Courage and Freedom

The urgency and adventure in Acts can be daunting to a small young church - so, where are we up to in our story?
A reflection on Acts 16:11-34 given to Sanctuary, 2 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Not me, Lord!

Healing means both responsibility and conflict.
A guided meditation through John 5:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 26 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Love, Forgive, Repeat

Loving like Jesus means loving through betrayal and beyond.
A reflection on John 13:31-35 given to Sanctuary, 19 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Radiating Resurrection

Peter raises Tabitha: for Christ lives on in his disciples.
A reflection on John 10:22-30 and Acts 9:36-43 given to Sanctuary, 12 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

What would you give?

What would you spend a year’s wages on? A house deposit? A fancy car? A university education? How about some fabulously expensive perfume for a man about to die? 
A reflection on John 12:1-8 and Philippians 3:4b-14 given to Sanctuary, 7 April 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Satisfying the Hunger Within

What are you hungry for? What are you craving? Food? Friendship? The dulling of the pain? An end to loneliness? The lighting up of the darkness? The warm embrace of love? To be hungry is to be human. To feed ourselves is to be human. And we live in a ravenous age ...
A reflection on Isaiah 55:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 24 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Predatory foxes and powerless hens

Where was God? A friend's question answered.
Please be aware: This reflection contains a brief description of domestic / family violence.
A reflection on Luke 13:29-35 given to Sanctuary, 17 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.