Tag: stronghold

ADDICTIONS

Posted on by Olaf

How many Biology terms do you recall from school lessons?  How about Symbiosis, Commensalism and Parasitism?! Symbiosis describes a close and long-term relationship between different species. Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits while the other is not affected, with examples such as barnacles and birds nesting in tree hollows.  Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which the parasitic species benefits while the host species is harmed.  This is less pleasant but obvious examples are mosquitos, fleas, aphids and tapeworms!  Whilst not such an extreme example of parasitism, ivy does use the structure of a tree or bush to support its growth, subsequent domination and eventual destruction of its host plant.  If this ivy is not dealt with, it will destroy this vine meaning there will be no more lovely fruit.  Addictions act just like this.

  • ‘I wanted to write about the moment when your addictions no longer hide the truth from you. When your whole life breaks down. That’s the moment when you have to somehow choose what your life is going to be about’ – Chuck Palahniuk

TRAPPED

Posted on by Olaf

To be trapped physically in a snow drift is very scary and you might wonder about your survival.  Erik Weisz made his career out of sensational escape acts in the early 1900s.  He was better known as Harry Houdini – despite appearing trapped in chains, he always managed to escape. Many today are genuinely trapped in all manner of circumstances – poverty, illness, success, failure, poor self-image, relationships, lack of relationships, anxieties, fears and phobias of all kinds.  It’s ironic to think that everyone begins their existence ‘trapped’ inside the body of their mother and finds freedom through birth.  Sadly, it doesn’t take any of us long before we become trapped through many snares, disbelief and cynicism turning a double lock.  Happily many find freedom through a second birth!

GOD’S COVENANT PROMISES HOLD FAST

Posted on by Olaf

Can you think of a promise you made that you’ve broken?  It’s a painful thought.  A more painful thought would be if you could think of a promise God has broken – thankfully God’s very nature makes it impossible for him to do this.  When God makes a covenant promise, it stands good for all time.  We may break a promise from our side but he never does.  Once in the grip of God’s amazing grace, he never lets go.  Shepherd boy turned King, David celebrates this reality throughout the Psalms that told the story of his spiritual ups and downs. In Psalm 19, his soul sings out ‘my Rock and my Redeemer’ and this is the theme tune of his life.  Let it be yours rather than disappointment with the deceitful shallow promises all around us in the world and you shall be as solid as a lighthouse to shine out for others.