Rector’s Blog April 2023
Dear Friends,
This Lent, for me, has been tinged with grief. The death of some dear parishioners, some of whom I counted as friends, has ensured that these last few weeks have been lived in a minor key. As I reflect on the meaning of Lent – to become more aware of our mortality, our fragility, and our need of God – it strikes me that three of those who died all had something in common. Giants. Yes, I know, it sounds a bit strange, but hear me out.
James Brown was a giant of kindness. His unwavering ability to give to others even when he was low himself was a lesson to us all. Just a few weeks before he died, James was with his sister at the cinema. He was feeling low and was struggling. When they came out of the cinema, James saw someone lying down, cold on a bench. Although James was feeling low, instead of walking past the stranger, he went to sit with them. For a long time James just sat quietly with this person who was feeling defeated and desperate. The man was able to open up about how low he felt and James shared that he had had his own struggles and tried to provide hope to this stranger. He even drove him home, and promised to see him that week so that the stranger knew there was someone who cared. Kindness was at James’s core.
Elizabeth Druce, was a giant of the faith. Her firm belief in a good and loving God, and her propensity to always find the joy in life. And her smile. Oh, that smile. Her whole face would light up until her eyes twinkled. Her heart that served others; poured out again and again over many years. Her door was always open – many people worried about their little ones found help and kindness on her doorstep. Even as Elizabeth grew more infirm, she would still pick flowers from her garden and bring them to the Thursday club on her scooter so that people would have a little bit of sunshine on their table.
Nigel Eagle had the heart of a giant. He was a friend to many in Sutton, Stanton Harcourt, across this area and beyond. Nigel had an ability of putting people at ease, whoever you were, and that is a rare gift. From being our Tower Captain at St Michael’s to holding court in the Arms – always offering a seat at the table (by the fire if you were lucky); he would chat to you when he was out walking Isla or simply stop in the car and have a chat by the roadside. He was able to make you feel welcome and part of something good. I will remember Nigel for his humour, candour, love of ale and above all his kindness.
Jesus was a friend to many – giving dignity and friendship to those on the margins of society; looking out for the vulnerable and was a voice to the voiceless. Easter is when we celebrate his life, death and resurrection. All of this brings hope to the darkest and dustiest of hearts, and I for one am grateful. As I stand with many in our churches on Easter Sunday giving thanks for this hope, I shall also give thanks for those who have gone before and left such wonderful legacies. The golden thread throughout the three lives I mentioned from our villages was kindness. It’s an underrated gift. When we’re gone we leave a legacy. We can choose what that will be by the way we live our lives. I’m hoping to take a leaf not only out of the life of Christ, but also from the examples of James, Elizabeth and Nigel.
With best wishes this Easter, Revd Jo.