“This Is Not Heaven” – featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album “Uplifted” recorded and produced by Bob Ross

Of course a plug first ! – Risen! The Musical at the New Theatre Royal on Saturday, April 9^th at 7.30 pm and Sunday, April 10^th at 2.30 pm. Featuring the fabulous 18 strong London Touring Cast. Tickets available from www.newtheatreroyal.com and www.risenthemusical.com.

In order to find another jig saw puzzle to help our understanding of suffering in the world this week I have turned to another book “Puzzling questions” by Paul Griffiths and Martin Robinson. They tell of a personal story -“Andy’s story.”

Andy was a Christian and first his best friend died in a motorbike accident and then his father became crippled after an unsuccessful operation. Andy says “I don’t understand the ways of God, but I am learning to trust that He is good. That does not mean that people who trust Him always come up trumps.”

He continues “A friend of mine lost one son to suicide and almost lost another to illness. She says something wise when you speak to her. She says that God is God and life is life. I think she means that bad stuff happens but it does not stop God being good. I know there are a lot of theological words that explain this more deeply, but what she says is good enough for me, because I’ve experienced the truth of this myself.”

Andy explains “Whether it is the tragic loss due to a flood or that of a devastating earthquake, pain is everywhere. It’s the way of the world, but I also see that God is everywhere too and His love and peace can be found in the midst of the pain and I guess what I am learning is that finding it may mean letting go of anger, blame and recrimination although that is easier said than done.

Another suffering jig saw puzzle next week and no doubt one final plug for Risen! The Musical as the New Theatre Royal production will follow two days later!