On the road again
Barney and Bradley find adventure in Asia
Biblical mother’s life helped me as a mum
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What is the War Cry?
The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
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Being a parent has its challenges – but for Bradley Walsh those challenges have a different dimension to most other mums and dads.
As we report in this week’s War Cry, the TV presenter is returning with another series of Breaking Dad. In the programme he travels with his son Barney to Asia, where he undertakes challenges including sumo wrestling and walking across a flimsy bridge high above a valley.
A dramatic crime wave has hit TV and streaming platforms. Whether it’s the cosy feel of clerics solving mysteries or the gritty storylines of inner-city murders investigated by detectives battling their own demons, viewers can’t seem to get enough of whodunnits. In this week’s new series of ITV1 police drama Unforgotten Sinéad Keenan have more cases to solve.
While those trials make entertaining viewing, they aren’t the more common tough times that parents tend to face. Those challenges often consist of trying to provide financially for the family, helping with homework that they don’t understand, cooking and cleaning – and sometimes with only a couple of hours’ sleep after being up in the night with an ill child.
Perhaps the popularity of these crime dramas is explained by the satisfaction that viewers gain from seeing wrongs put right and the guilty brought to justice. Often the shows’ wrong’uns are bad to the core and have deliberately chosen to follow a life of crime.
However, according to people who work with offenders, the reality is often far more complex. After becoming a prison chaplain, the Rev Tracy Sickel quickly realised that various factors played a part in women becoming inmates.
No wonder so many children will take the time this week to say ‘thank you’ to their mum on Mother’s Day. In this issue we look back on the origins of the day and discover it has its roots in the Middle Ages and how some of its traditions today were imported from the United States.
‘I sat down with women in their induction interviews on their first day in prison,’ she tells us, ‘and it was the same things I was hearing continually: lack of self-esteem, abusive relationships, trauma, unforgiveness and addictions. Often they were victims themselves.’
This week we also discover more about one of the most famous mums in the world – Mary, the mother of Jesus.
While Tracy never dismissed the implications of the women’s crimes, some years ago she grew disheartened at seeing women returning to prison after their release. So she established a Christian charity, Imago Dei, to support them once they had completed their sentence.
Author Chine McDonald has explored the clues in the Bible that tell us what Mary was like. She explains in her interview that traditionally Mary is often portrayed as submissive, uninteresting and passive while often depicted in art ‘looking contemplative and quiet’.
As a mother herself, Chine found such a portrayal of motherhood difficult to relate to. However, through her research, Chine uncovered a different perspective on Mary.
As well as offering practical help, Tracy wants to show the women how a relationship with God can help them.
‘We work with people of all faiths and none in prisons,’ she says. ‘We build relationships, placing value on the women and helping them see themselves as the Lord sees them... We then allow the Lord to step in and do what only he can do – transform lives.’
‘I think Mary is multifaceted, complex, brave, compassionate, powerful and prophetic,’ she says. ‘She’s not perfect, because only God is perfect. But I don’t believe she has to be perfect anyway.’
God’s offer to transform lives is for us all, no matter who we are or what we have done. If we allow him space in our heart, we’ll detect changes in our character that we couldn’t have possibly imagined.
It can be reassuring to know that the woman who God chose to be Jesus’ mum was not perfect. It can remind us that God is still interested in us and loves us, whatever weaknesses and challenges we may face.
INFO INFO
City limits
A trip to Tokyo is a testing time for father and son duo
TV preview: Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad Saturdays ITV1 and ITVX
By Ewan Hall
In among the millions of people who call the bustling capital city of Tokyo home are tourists and TV personalities Bradley and Barney Walsh. Fascinated by the neon glow and life of the city streets, the two are ready to test their bond as father and son – as well as Bradley’s personal limits – in ITV’s Breaking Dad.
The pair are hitting the road for the sixth time, but unlike in the previous series which were set in America and Europe, they will be venturing through the continent of Asia, where they will learn what Japan and Thailand have to offer.
Barney is, once again, in charge of the itinerary which means that Bradley won’t be getting any rest and relaxation as the pair take on adrenaline-rushing challenges in order to push Bradley to his limit. Will Barney ‘break’ his dad this time round?
As their travels begin in Tokyo, the pair prepare to face Japan’s culture head-on with all of its traditions, tech, cuisine and karaoke.
Their journey’s first stop in the capital is a shop where they can purchase items for the road ahead. The two are quickly overwhelmed by the wide variety of products of sale. Barney is desperately
searching for snacks that will keep them going in their motorhome while Bradley is more taken with the fancy dress section.
Once the shopping trip ends, the true adventure begins, with Barney enlisting a tour guide to help show them round the city.
As time goes on, the duo face fights and heights as they take part in sumo wrestling and walk across a shaky suspension bridge high above a valley, where Bradley is pushed far beyond his comfort zone.
Bradley worries that ‘people are sitting at home going: “What is the matter with him? He’s a wimp.”’
When Barney asks how he’s feeling, Bradley gave an honest response: ‘I feel a bit sick actually. It’s just a bit of anxiety.’
Viewers may find that they can relate to Bradley’s feelings of worry and anxiousness. These feelings can strike us anywhere and for any reason – as a result of work meetings, crowds of people or even when attending family events. However, in such times of inner turmoil, the good news is we are not alone. The Bible tells us that God can
Bradley facing his fear of heights
support us whatever we may face.
One Bible writer urged: ‘Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything… God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand’ (Philippians 4:6 and 7 Contemporary English Version).
Each day may present us with its own challenges and worries, but if we ask him, God will be there for us, day after day. He will be right beside us as we travel through our greatest challenges. A relationship with him will make, not break us.
Barney and Bradley in Tokyo
talk talk Team talk Team talk ‘ ’ j TEA M TALK
WAR
A silent crisis?
The perfect description of ‘a specific sort of 21st-century crisis’ pulled me into an article in The Times
Susie Goldsbrough wrote of ‘the fraying conviction’ that she’d made a mistake. ‘Hope gradually hardened into resignation, followed by a bitter streak of self-reproach,’ she continued. ‘By this point it was too late to turn back. Instead I simply had to face it: the existential blankness of a journey without headphones.’
I laughed because I have absolutely been there, with the same degree of dramatics. It seems silly, but realising I’ve forgotten my headphones for a journey sometimes feels disastrous.
I, like Susie – and the majority of my fellow passengers – have become accustomed to the sounds of music, a podcast or my friend’s voice notes when I’m on a journey.
I’ll go on a walk without listening to anything
The first ‘truly portable’ listening device, Sony’s Walkman, was launched more than 45 years ago, Susie informs readers. Since then, society has hurtled towards what she describes as ‘headphone dependency’.
While the possibility of being audibly entertained any time, any place has benefits, it has costs too. ‘What does it mean to move through the world without hearing it? To constantly put your thoughts on mute?’ she asks.
We might be robbing ourselves of the benefits of daydreaming and letting our minds wander. ‘Solutions to knotty intellectual problems often arise when we’re thinking of something else, or barely thinking at all,’ Susie writes.
On the odd occasion, I’ll go intentionally on a walk without listening to anything to give myself the opportunity to hear… myself. Alone with my thoughts, I stand more chance of figuring out what I think about certain situations in my life. I’m also better able to hear what God thinks about them.
Although I have often felt God speak to me through other people’s words, it’s also important that I make room to listen to what the Bible describes as ‘the still small voice’ of God.
If we have decided to follow God and to learn more about him, then we can hear from him in all sorts of different ways. And the more we choose to listen to him, the more we will discover how God only wants what is best for us and those around us. His wisdom will always be worth listening to.
Larry Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia in 2001, has shared online that he has become a Christian.
In a blog post on the website larrysanger.org, he explained how he came to believe in God from a background of rationality and scepticism.
Larry wrote that, when he was young, he had questions about faith and philosophy. At 12, he was confirmed at a Lutheran church in Missouri, but he lost his faith during his teenage years when his family stopped attending church.
He continued to explore philosophy for years, even teaching the subject at university until 2005, but he explained that he became disillusioned with the dismissive attitudes of new atheism and antiChristian movements. In December 2020, he decided to start reading the Bible for himself.
‘When I really sought to understand it, I found the Bible far more interesting and – to my shock and consternation – more coherent than I was expecting,’ he said. ‘I looked up answers to all my critical questions, thinking that perhaps others had not thought of issues I saw. I was wrong.
‘Not only had they thought of all the issues, and more that I had not thought of, they had well-workedout positions about them. I also, fairly soon, started “talking to God”.’
warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk
WAR CRYWnRLD
Faith ‘holds up’ Judi
In tough times, Judi Dench credits her ability to cope to her Quaker faith, according to Yours magazine.
After reflecting on the difficulties associated with ageing – including the loss of loved ones – the publication quoted Judi as saying: ‘The whole business of being a Quaker is enormous. It’s like the stick you put in a rather wilting plant. It holds you up. It gives you strength.’
The Oscar-winning actress also touched on the value of attending Quaker meetings, saying: ‘It’s a group of people together. You go in and you sit down, and silence kind of drops. And it’s the thing of sharing a silence and sharing a meditation.’
The article concluded with Judi saying that the Quaker faith – which is based on traditional Christianity – ‘informs everything I do. I wouldn’t be without it.’
Scientists float idea about Noah’s ark
nSacha Jones, a former bride from E4’s Married at First Sight UK, has announced she has ‘got married’ again – but ‘to Jesus’, reported MyLondon
Despite making it through the entire series with her match Ross McCarthy, the couple struggled off screen. Sacha has disclosed that she was dumped via text message and felt heartbroken when she saw Ross had posted an update on social media weeks later with his new partner.
Since then, however, she has taken to social media herself to explain her faith journey, which included being baptised in November at a church in Walsall.
Scientists have discovered a boat-shaped formation in Turkey, which they believe could be the remains of Noah’s ark from the Bible, reports the Daily Star. Located near Mount Ararat, in eastern Turkey, the Durupinar Formation matches the biblical dimensions of the ark. Scientists examining soil samples have discovered remnants that suggest the area was flooded 3,500 to 5,000 years ago.
Leading researcher Professor Faruk Kaya is quoted as saying: ‘Our studies show that this region was once covered by water, which suggests that a catastrophic event of epic proportions took place here.’
She discussed the struggle of reconciling her past with her new-found faith, saying: ‘The Lord has given me a lifeline, without him at the moment I would not have the strength that I do. Remember, only God can judge you and Jesus loves you.’
More help needed for addicts
After more than 1,000 suspected drug-related deaths were recorded in Scotland in 2024, The Salvation Army is calling for increased specialist support to address drug and alcohol use in the country.
The church and charity, which has helped thousands of people overcome addiction to drugs, called for collaboration between the Scottish government, local authorities and health and social care partnerships to ensure support is available for users during the evenings and weekends.
The organisation also emphasises that no one, especially those experiencing homelessness, should be denied mental health support due to substance abuse.
Major Dr Will Pearson, assistant director of addiction services, said: ‘More than 80 per cent of drug support services in Scotland are unavailable over the weekend. Better support for substance use outside normal working hours is essential and will save lives.’
ALAMY
Radio 3 controller
SAM JACKSON explains what the score is with the network’s online stream Unwind, why he wants to introduce more people to classical music and how his faith provides him with a sense of perspective
Interview by Emily Bright
Relaxing music from Radio 3 Unwind plays on my laptop, steadying my nerves ahead of a video call interview with the network’s controller. I needn’t have worried. Sam Jackson is genial and enthusiastic. His face lights up when talking about classical music and about his Christian faith – two central pillars of his life. He pauses apologetically after giving a lengthy response to a faithbased question, but I appreciate his authenticity.
Appointed to the role of Radio 3’s controller in January 2023, Sam oversees the musical output for both the station and the UK’s biggest classical music festival, the Proms.
The station’s latest project is the online stream Unwind, which plays a mix of calming classical music 24/7 on BBC Sounds. For example, counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams plays calming melodies in her daily morning show Classical Unwind, DJ Edith Bowman showcases her favourite film music in Cinematic Soundtracks and Irish musician and author Niall Breslin helps people relax with neoclassical and ambient music in Classical Wind Down. During the night,
there’s the likes of The Sleeping Forecast, Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast played against gentle background music.
Since being launched in November, Radio 3 Unwind seems to have struck a chord with listeners. The BBC reported that in one week in January, more than 140,000 BBC Sounds account holders ccessed the online stream. I wonder what has made it such a hit.
Relaxing is about escaping to a different place
‘It
taps into this desire for classical music from a large proportion of the population,’ explains Sam. ‘It’s easy to view classical music as a niche, and on one level it is – it has a particular appeal. But studies over the years – done not just by us but by all sorts of organisations –have made it clear that, for many people, mood is a route into classical music. We hear people use phrases like “It helps me escape. It helps me focus. It helps me step away from it all.”’
Turn to page 8 f
From page 7
through church, who I’ve gone through life with for the past 20 years.’
Growing up in a non-Christian family, Sam became a Christian when he was 18. His beliefs have come to shape the way he sees his life and career.
‘The core of who I am is not defined by how successful I am at work,’ he tells me. ‘I’m not defined by good or bad listener figures, or by the feedback that you can get so addicted to – whether that be people singing your praises or people telling you that you’re terrible at what you do.
When I listen to a Bach Passion, I sit down in tears
‘It’s
a blessing to do the things I do and to work with amazing people, but I try to remember that my worth is not dictated by my job. When it comes to the question of faith, if everything else fell away – if work tomorrow didn’t exist – would it fundamentally change who I am as a person? I don’t think it would.’
Sam’s belief in God has been strengthened by memorable experiences.
‘While on holiday, I’d bent my finger back playing volleyball in the pool with my family,’ he remembers. ‘This had been a niggling thing for six months. But what was bothering me was that I couldn’t play the piano without it hurting.
‘We went to a local church one Sunday morning. This lovely old lady came to the front and said: “I sense that there’s somebody who has got this niggling pain in their hand.”
‘I’m naturally sceptical and was like, “Well, that’s like asking if there’s anyone with a bad back or anybody who’s feeling a bit emotional. With the law of averages, there’s going to be people here who have.”
‘Nobody responded to her, and then the woman said in a very calm way: “I think it’s somebody who is musical, and every time you get this niggling pain, it’s stopping you from doing the thing that you love.”’
After this significant encounter Sam was delighted to discover that his finger was better. He says that he ‘can’t discount’ such a remarkable experience.
‘As much as I would like to think it’s explainable,’ he adds, ‘I can’t explain it. I look back on that time, and it always gets me telling this story.’
His voice cracks with emotion as he
remembers his story of healing while thinking of friends who didn’t get the miracle that they were so desperately hoping for.
‘There are many things in my life that I don’t understand. I had a friend whose 10-year-old son had a tumour the size of a tennis ball. People were praying for him and he didn’t survive. Another dear friend died of cancer a couple of years ago. I can’t claim for a moment to understand why.’
Sam’s acknowledgement of such mysteries is something that generations of people before him have grappled with, including various Christian composers. While he has an eclectic taste in music genres, he believes that classical music in particular can often help articulate or express depths of emotion.
‘Classical music has a gift to reach part of you that other music can’t always reach,’ he says. ‘I can think back to countless times where I’ve listened to a Mahler symphony and there’s that wonderful moment at the end where there’s just complete silence. You feel almost broken and then put back together, because of the depth of that music, or you feel that you know
something of the composer’s heartache.
‘When I listen to a Bach Passion, I sit down in tears. The final chorus from the St Matthew Passion in particular is just so moving and gets me every time.’
As our interview draws to a close, Same tells me that he is keen to pass on his love of music to new, as well as existing, listeners.
‘It’s important to continue to evangelise about classical music and say how brilliant it is,’ he says. ‘At the BBC, we have an opportunity to tell stories that nobody else does and to play music that you simply don’t hear anywhere else – we want to enable listeners to learn more about music, discover new repertoires or – as with Radio 3 Unwind – enjoy music that helps them in this busy stressed-out world.’
There’s something about Mary
After exploring the life of Jesus’ mother, author CHINE McDONALD explains why she wants to dispel the myth of perfect motherhood
Interview by Claire Brine
As a child, Chine McDonald had a very clear picture in her mind of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was white, beautiful and perfect.
‘The only time I really heard about Mary was in church at Christmastime,’ reflects Chine. ‘The message was always: “Here is a woman who said yes to God.”
‘And so that’s how I saw her for most of my life – as a passive, submissive receptacle, someone who sacrificed herself to become a mother.
‘Seeing Mary as a beautiful, white woman – depicted in art with doting gestures, always looking contemplative and quiet – meant that I couldn’t really relate to her. So I spent years not paying her much attention because she just wasn’t interesting to me.’
Then Chine became a mother. And she began to see Mary – the most revered mother in history – with a fresh perspective. Stories in the Bible revealed aspects of her character that Chine hadn’t considered before.
‘Firstly, Mary was a key leader in the Jesus movement,’ she explains. ‘She was one of the earliest followers of Jesus in the first century, but she continued to be part of the Christian movement after her son’s death.
‘Secondly, the song she sang after learning that she was pregnant with God’s Son – called the Magnificat – talks about justice, the Kingdom of God and the world being turned the right way up. Her words show us that she was a fearless, prophetic woman.
Every parent can identify with that panic
nd then there’s my favourite story of Mary. When Jesus is a child, she and Joseph take him to the Temple in Jerusalem, and then notice that he is missing when they are making their way home. I think every parent can identify with that moment of panic.
‘Eventually, when Mary finds Jesus still in the Temple, she says something along the lines of: “Didn’t you know that we would have been worried about you?”
And it’s in this place of maternal worry that Mary feels very real to me. I can connect with her.’
Though her study of the biblical accounts enabled her to identify
Turn to page 10 f
Chine McDonald
DONNA FORD
From page 9
with some of Mary’s experiences as a mother, Chine argues that the works of the majority of artists and writers across the centuries give the impression that Mary was – and is – a woman impossible to relate to. In paintings, she’s often depicted sitting with her beautiful post-pregnancy body next to a baby who never cries.
‘The ways in which Mary is represented in art has shaped our ideas about what we expect motherhood to be,’ Chine says. ‘Author Lucy Jones wrote in Matrescence that the baby Jesus was “never having a tantrum” on Mary’s lap – and that “motherhood looked chilled”.
‘Maybe there are moments of “chill” in being a parent, but a lot of motherhood is the opposite of that. And I think that Mary – being represented and viewed as the archetype perfect mother – causes a lot of women to feel inadequate. They can’t live up to her standards. She may be a mother who is familiar to us, but she’s unreachable.’
The pressure that mums face to be perfect in their parenting, and the need to remove such pressure, are subjects that Chine explores in her book, Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood.
‘I want to shatter this myth because of the way it makes women feel,’ Chine tells me. ‘Trying to live up to this ideal of perfection causes deep anxiety and pain – and we can never achieve it anyway. I want to provide mothers with the opportunity to exhale a little bit. To know that they are not alone.
‘To help with that, I’m quite open in the book about the challenges I have faced as a mother – some of which feel taboo. And although it can be quite scary to talk about these things, I hope that saying them out loud helps to release other mums from any similar pressures they are under.’
As well as addressing the joyful and painful realities of motherhood, Chine hopes that her book will point readers towards a greater understanding of God and his maternal love for humankind.
‘Christianity has been characterised for centuries as a patriarchal religion,’ she explains. ‘Yet at the heart of this faith, God chooses for Jesus to be born of a woman. That tells me that God doesn’t see women as the first-century world saw them. I think it teaches us about the radical, inclusive and creative nature of God.
We draw close to Mary through her pain
‘There is also a story in the Bible in which Jesus talks about God being like a mother hen who cares for her chicks. I think that whether people have had good or bad experiences with their mum, when someone talks about the mother-love of God, there’s an understanding of what that maternal love looks like – profound, unbreakable, unshakeable. It’s a love that keeps loving, no matter what.’
After outlining the qualities of Mary as a young mum, later chapters in Chine’s book explore the role she played in Jesus’ adult years and ministry. When her son suffered a most painful death
In ‘The Madonna and Child’ by William Dyce, Mary appears devout and Jesus is calm
by crucifixion, Mary was there.
‘While there’s this strong Christian tradition that Mary symbolises perfect motherhood, I think that being at the foot of the cross, watching your son die, is no one’s idea of perfect,’ says Chine. ‘Yes, Mary is remarkable in that she brought Jesus up. Yes, she’s the mother of God’s Son. But Mary was a mother who also went through absolute hell. A child dying at any age is horrific. Heartbreaking. Yet she watched this. And it’s through seeing her suffering that I think Mary begins to feel most human to us. We are able to draw close to her through her pain, rather than her perfection.’
As Jesus hung on the cross, the Bible records that he called down to Mary and one of his disciples, named John. To
Mary, he said: ‘Woman, here is your son.’
And to John: ‘Here is your mother.’ Chine feels that such words – some of the last to be spoken by Jesus before he died –reveal the love he had for his mother.
‘He loves her, wants to care for her and ensure that she is looked after,’ Chine says. ‘I think they must have had an interesting relationship during his ministry. And we aren’t told much about it in the Gospels. But I think the ending paints a picture of mutual love and care.’
After studying the life of Mary, and her words and actions as recorded in the Bible, Chine no longer believes what she thought as a child: that the mother of Jesus is submissive, uninteresting and perfect. For Chine, she’s so much more than that.
‘I think Mary is multifaceted, complex, brave, compassionate, powerful and prophetic,’ she says. ‘She’s not perfect, because only God is perfect. But I don’t believe she has to be perfect anyway.
Mary’s human. And I feel released as a mother when I think of her like that.’
l Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood is published by Hodder & Stoughton
A painting depicting a grieving Mary cradling the body of Jesus by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Prayerlink
The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their circumstances, for publication. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@ salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.
jBecoming
a Christian
There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God
Browsing the Bible
Nigel Bovey gives chapter and verse on each book of the Scriptures
2 Kings
Against a background of widespread idolatry in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, 2 Kings focuses on the spiritual influence of two faithful prophets, Elijah and Elisha. Elijah had previously challenged King Ahab of Israel, and now he confronts his son, Ahaziah. He berates the king for seeking guidance from false gods (1:1–16). As he did with Ahab, Elijah has to flee for his life. When Ahaziah dies, Ahab’s son, Joram, becomes king (1:17).
Elijah and his successor, Elisha, make a final journey to Bethel, the centre of prophecy. En route, Elijah divides the River Jordan (2:8). Shortly afterwards, he is taken up to Heaven ‘in a whirlwind’ (2:11).
Elisha continues the miracles. A jar of oil keeps flowing, a barren woman gives birth to a child that is later raised from the dead, poisonous food is rendered harmless and 100 men are miraculously fed. Elisha heals a leper, makes an axe head float and strikes Syrian soldiers temporarily blind (chapters 4 to 6).
Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.
Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.
Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen
Such displays of God’s power are not enough to stop the moral decay of either Israel or Judah. Around 722BC, Assyria (which, from its heartland in modern Iraq, had expanded across the region) invades Israel, captures its capital city, Samaria, takes its citizens into captivity and populates Samaritan cities with peoples from other conquests (chapter 17). The 10 tribes of Israel fall and the kingdom is no more.
In the south, Assyria forces money out of Judah (chapter 18), and an invasion is averted when an angel kills the Assyrian army (19:35). Judah, though, is living on borrowed time. When Judah’s King Manasseh promotes the worship of false gods, prophets warn that Judah’s perpetual disobedience will be subject to divine judgement (21:10–15).
King Josiah carries out Temple repairs and spiritual reforms, but after his death Babylon invades Judah (chapters 22 to 24). With Jerusalem under siege, King Jehoiachin and his court are taken into captivity (24:10–17). When the vassal King Zedekiah rebels against his Babylonian masters, Jerusalem is besieged (24:20 to 25:2).
In 587BC, Jerusalem falls. The Temple is destroyed (25:8–17). The leading citizens are taken into captivity. David’s kingdom is no more.
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QUICK QUIZ
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Which historian is the host of comedy podcast You’re Dead to Me?
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Mum’s the word
Mother’s Day gives children the chance to say thank you
Feature by Ewan Hall
I
t’s that time of the year again when many children will be frantically trying to think of how they can spoil their mums. Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is a joyful celebration when people show their appreciation for all that their mothers do.
The origins of the day come from the Middle Ages when, on the third Sunday before Easter, people would return to their ‘mother church’, which was the church or cathedral where they were christened and grew up.
Servants were given the day off by their employer to go back home, and the meeting of families resulted in the focus shifting from the ‘mother church’ to mothers in general.
In 2025, Mother’s Day in the UK is a mix of the Middle Ages traditions – including the date and family reunions – and American customs that were gradually adopted after the Second World War. The US traditions, initiated by an activist called Anna Jarvis, focused on the sending of cards, gifts and flowers to celebrate mums and the positive impact they had on their children’s lives.
Whatever its origins, Mother’s Day can be a special celebration, but it can also be difficult for those who don’t have a close relationship with their mum. While many grew up with their mother’s unconditional love, not everyone had that same experience.
The good news is that there is someone who loves us all unconditionally even if we don’t feel that love from other people. God loves everyone, regardless of any disappointments they may experience with human relationships.
One Bible writer who experienced God’s love for himself said: ‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love’ (Psalm 103:8 New International Version).
No matter what we may have gone through in our personal relationships, if we decide to put our trust in God, we can experience his unconditional and never-ending love.
That’s definitely something to celebrate – every single day.
ACROSS
1. Feather pen (5)
5. Steps (5)
8. Yellowish (5)
9. Head monk (5)
10. Group of eight (5)
11. Angry (5)
12. Be anxious (4)
15. Water boiler (6)
17. Cut off (5)
18. Run quickly (6)
20. Presume (4)
25. Student (5)
26. Clutch (5)
27. Happen (5)
28. Live (5)
29. Vote in (5)
30. Detested (5) DOWN
1. Misgivings (6)
2. Drink (6)
3. Lock (5)
4. Loathe (5)
5. Thrive (7)
6. Piece of meat (6)
7. Parody (6)
13. Zenith (3)
Spray (3)
Central (3)
Falsehood (3)
Cutting (7)
One cricket run (6)
HONEYCOMB
Sublet. 5. Pledge. 6. Double.
Edible. 2. La-di-da. 3.
Elicit. 22.
Tell (6)
Draw out (6)
Impaired (6)
Ruin (5)
Textile (5)
CROSSWORD
1. Quill. 5. Paces. 8. Amber. 9. Abbot. 10. Octet. 11. Cross. 12. Stew. 15. Kettle. 17. Sever.
Sprint. 20. Deem. 25. Pupil. 26. Grasp. 27. Occur.
Exist. 29. Elect. 30. Hated.
1. Qualms. 2. Imbibe. 3. Latch. 4. Abhor.
Prosper. 6. Cutlet. 7. Satire. 13. Top. 14. Jet.
Key. 16. Lie. 17. Snippet. 18. Single. 19. Relate.
Marred. 23. Spoil. 24. Cloth.
Fitted.
Hearty vegetable and lentil soup
INGREDIENTS
4 carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
50g dried red lentils
¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
900ml reducedsalt vegetable stock
Ground black pepper
4tbsp low-fat natural yogurt
2tsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2tsp vegetable oil
Ground black pepper
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 small red onion (or 4 spring onions), finely chopped
¼ cucumber, finely chopped
4tbsp tomato puree
Place the carrots, onion, red pepper, lentils and ginger in a large pan. Add the stock and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes until the vegetables and lentils are tender.
Blend the soup using a hand blender, then season with pepper, to taste.
Ladle the soup into 4 bowls and swirl the yogurt over the top.
Sweet potato wedges with salsa
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6.
Slice each sweet potato lengthways to create 6 wedges and place in a roasting tin. Add the oil and season with the pepper, then toss to coat.
Roast the wedges in the oven for 40 minutes, or until tender, turning them over halfway through cooking.
Meanwhile, make the salsa by mixing the tomatoes, onion, cucumber and tomato puree in a bowl.
Serve the sweet potato wedges with the salsa on the side.
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He careS for those who trust in him
Nahum 1:7 (New International Version)