Joy and Compassion

How can we live as people of faith in this world? What does it mean to believe, to belong, to risk, to serve, or to find true life? At times of trouble, how does faith strengthen and sustain us? And how is God alongside to guide us on the way? This book shows how a life of faith is one of joy and compassion, as gifts from God for how we can live, and live with others, to become the people God knows we can be.Joy and Compassion offers more than eighty story-oriented reflections to support your faith life. Each reflection has an accompanying prayer and one or more questions/comments to prompt further thought, discussion, or action. The reflections show how 'story' is an immensely powerful means for understanding ourselves, our experiences, and our relationship with God, as we live in faith and seek to be as Christ to others. Stories are drawn from the Bible and many other sources, including literature, movies, art, sport, politics and the simple ordinary events and moments of life, like losing your keys, getting hurt, being in the dark, or having to wait.Joy and Compassion is ideal for individual or small group contemplation, and as a resource in ministry contexts such as pastoral care, chaplaincy, family and youth ministry, or spiritual direction. Each reflection is concise and focuses on a specific aspect of faith life; and written in a style that is personal, interactive, and accessible.These 'Stories and Prayers for a Life of Faith' reflect the author's long experience as a school chaplain, family/children's minister, hospice/hospital pastoral carer and telephone crisis counsellor; and draw on her extensive background in leading worship across many settings.