Personal Blogs

And I heard a great voice, coming from the throne.

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Some days, I feel like an ant lying in a red wheelbarrow inside a green garden shed, pondering the universe with existential angst. Inside that wheelbarrow, my world is small and confined. Yet, beyond the wheelbarrow, another world exists, and outside the shed, an even greater world awaits. Just as the ant's mind has its limits, so do we as humans, limited in our understanding of the vastness around us.

This brings us to the profound question: Why does God allow suffering? It's an age-old question that challenges our faith and our comprehension. But perhaps a simple story can help us reflect.

One spring, a robin tirelessly built her nest, carefully gathering straw to create a safe home for her future family. Each evening, the farmer would come and knock the nest down. The robin, persistent, would begin again the next day. This continued for several days, until the robin finally sought a new place to build her nest. Shortly after, a storm arrived, felling the very tree where she had been trying to build. The farmer, knowing the tree was diseased and that the storm was coming, was protecting the robin from greater harm by encouraging her to find safer ground.

Sometimes, like the robin, we may not understand why things fall apart. But there is often a purpose we cannot see. Many people turn away from God when faced with suffering, unable to comprehend the reasons behind it. Yet, God's wisdom is greater than ours, and His reasons often lie beyond our immediate grasp.

The Bible speaks to this in Romans 8:18-25, where we are reminded that the suffering of this present time cannot compare to the glory that awaits us. God allows suffering, but He also promises deliverance. He knows the pain we endure, and He calls us to patience and trust in His greater plan. 

Imagine you had the means to create a perfect paradise—an island with beautiful houses, rivers, gardens, and abundant wildlife. What could spoil such a paradise? Human choices. To maintain the peace and harmony of your creation, you would carefully observe those who inhabit it, seeking those who appreciate your gift and respect the laws necessary for its preservation.

In Genesis, God gave humanity free will—a gift that carries immense responsibility. We have the freedom to choose good or evil, but our choices affect not just ourselves, but others as well. In His wisdom, God observes how we use this freedom, shaping a future where those who live with love, loyalty, and respect for His creation will inherit His paradise.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Suffering, then, is not meaningless. It reveals the true nature of our hearts, testing our character in ways that comfort never could. In Luke 23:39-44, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus mocked Him, while the other recognized His innocence and asked to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus, seeing the heart of the second man, assured him of his place in paradise. 

God is preparing those with loyal hearts to inherit the paradise He has promised. Though we may not always understand why suffering is permitted, we are called to trust in the One who sees the bigger picture, guiding us toward a future free of pain and filled with glory.

Revelation Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2012 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Image by https://unsplash.com/@singlepinkc

The English language is not flush with untranslatable. Serendipity is the most well-known, but there is one we don’t here much of these days. It is crestfallen, the idea of being bitterly disappointed. The thought took me back to my youth.

It’s Saturday night and I’m lying on the couch reading commando comics while my pal, Jay is trying to do the crossword. After twenty minutes, he throws the magazine on the coffee table and goes to the toilet. I pick it up to see what he’s done. When he comes back, I address his lack of ingenuity.

            “Pal?” I ask.

            ‘Ye, what about it?’ he says.

            “Friend of Adam, three across”, and you put down “pal?”’

            ‘So?’

            ‘You’re a moron, it’s Eve, not’ “pal.”’

‘I hate it when you do that, just pack it in, will you?’

            ‘Look, don’t get upset. Do you want to do something?’

            ‘Like what?” he replies looking like one of those Easter Island statues.

            ‘Fancy phoning up folk in Norway?’

            ‘How do you do that?’

I get out the telephone directory and show him the country and regional codes.

            ‘Look, you just write those numbers at the start and pick any four numbers. I’ll show you.’ I dial the number for Directory of Enquiries.

            ‘Directory, which country please?’

            ‘Yes, … hello, it’s Norway.’

            ‘May I have the number?’

            ‘It’s 32…’

            ‘I’m putting you through now?’

As the phone starts to brrr brr! I tremble. No one seems to be answering. I wonder what’s the time in Norway. Then I hear ‘Hallo, Anna Snakker.’ I freeze. ‘Hallo,’ she says again. It sounds like an old woman.  Can she hear me breathing and Jay is giggling with his hand over his mouth? Maybe she thinks I’m a perv. I put the phone down.

            ‘Well, what happened?’

            ‘A was feart.’

            ‘You’re a dummy. Let me try. Get me another number?’

As the phone is ringing, I notice that Jay is as cool as a Wall’s Woppa.

            ‘Hallo, Astrid Snakker?’

            ‘Hello, do you speak English?’ Jay asks.

            ‘Ja.’

            ‘Hello, I hope you don’t mind, I just felt like phoning someone in Norway?’

            ‘You are from where?’

            ‘Scotland.’

            ‘Oh! It’s a long way, yes?’

            ‘You sound young, what age are you?’

            ‘I’m twenteen.’

            ‘You mean twenty? So am I. You speak good English.’

            ‘Oh, we do much at school, and now, I study at universitet.’

            ‘I’m at university too. I’m studying to be a plumber.’

            ‘I don’t know this word, I will sheck it later. Do you have hobbies?’

            ‘Aye, horse-riding. What about you?’

            ‘I like to write poetry?’

            ‘My friend, Jim likes to write poetry, but he’s not very good at it. Tell me, do you have a boyfriend?’

            ‘Oh, I’m just at home with my cat Gandalf, my parents are out with friends.’

            “Gandalf?” Aye right, like The Lord O’ The Rings an’ that?’

            ‘I don’t understand, what does “I” mean?’

            ‘Aye? It’s Scottish for yes.’

            ‘Oh!’

‘You sound pretty?’

            ‘Oh, not so pretty.’

            ‘My friend Jim thinks all Norwegian girls are pretty. Tell me, do you have long, blonde hair and blue eyes?’

            ‘My hair is black, and I have brown eyes?    

            ‘I’ve got black hair and brown eyes too. Some say I look like Tony Curtis. Tony Curtis the actor, have you heard of him, he’s in a picture called The Vikings?’

            ‘No, I don’t hear of this man.’           

            ‘Is it okay if I call you again sometime?’

            ‘Sure, why not? What is your name?’

            ‘It’s… Kirk, aye, it's Kirk. I’ll call you next Saturday. I’ll put the phone down Astrid. Goodbye.’

            ‘Goodbye.’

 ‘What was all that about? Kirk, university, twenty and horse riding?’ 

He stands up and swaggers round the room, wiggling his backside like Twiggy modelling a Pierre Cardin dress and singing ‘I’ve got a date a pretty Norwegian date.’

‘Aye, Norway? Lock up your daughters, the Brylcream lady-killer is on the loose?’

‘Will you chuck that?’

            ‘You better write down her number?’ I tell him.

            ‘Number, did you no’ write it down?’

            ‘Naw?’ I say, observing his smile suddenly shifting.

            ‘Why no’? You were just sittin’ there. Find it?’

            ‘Find it? How can we find it? It was you who dialled the random numbers.’

            As he sits there looking crestfallen, I get up and sing.

            ‘Prince Einer had a date, a pretty Norwegian date.’

            ‘You know this, you get right on my nerves so you dae!’

            Einar is the Viking prince Kirk Douglas plays in The Vikings movie. He is Jay’s hero. 

            Jay was like a snow-globe sometimes, easily agitated, but on this occasion, he had a right to be upset.

As the day ends, I’m lying awake feeling sad for him. I could see when he came back from the toilet, he had been whipping his eyes.’

 Still, these disappointments in life will one day be the ‘good old days’ we’ll laugh about one day.

"Chan ann leis a’ chiad bhuille thuiteas a’chraobh."

"It is not with the first stroke that the tree falls."

 Portree Harbour by https://unsplash.com/@breebuddy

I was watching Billy Collins on a YouTube podcast answering the question, “How to be a Poet,”

Oh dear, you may not like the answer; ten thousand hours of reading poetry including the heavies like Milton.

I have an MA Creative Writing Degree, but I have not indulged much in poetry although I like to read it. But like any other endeavour in life like learning a language or playing an instrument or tennis, you need to discipline oneself and do the hours.

The Gaelic proverb reminds one that discipline, persistence and engagement are involved in accomplishing your goals.

Billy Collins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9reBY7EwM

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion..."

Image by https://unsplash.com/@timwildsmith

I was in the Philippines, enjoying a meal with my wife, when a group of women and children entered the restaurant. They were accompanied by two men. One of the men approached us to say hello, which was quite unusual for the Philippines, where many men tend to be shy. But this man was different. He had a dignified presence and wore a white barong. After a brief introduction, he explained that the single parents and their children were part of his church group, and they were being treated to this meal by him and his male colleague.

I was deeply moved. Immediately, I thought of James 1:26-27:

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…"

Despite my initial affection for this man, I felt a sense of caution. I’ve been in similar situations before experiencing what is often called "love bombing." It's a tactic used to attract people to a religion, but I’ve come to recognize that it can be temporary, often driven by a desire to either convert someone or to gain favor with God. At times, I must separate this kind of religious love from the genuine love Jesus spoke of.

This distinction reminds me of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In the story, the son makes reckless decisions, squandering his inheritance on a wild, self-indulgent life. Eventually, he realizes the mess he's made of his life and decides to return home.

I've often wondered what must have been going through his mind as he walked that lonely road back home. He must have known his father well because many people wouldn’t dare return after such disgrace. But this father was different. In the story, as the father is working in the fields, we read:

"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to celebrate." (Luke 15, BSB).

The Figurative Seat of Repentance

Many years ago, I visited an ancient church in Scotland. Up at the front and facing the audience was a seat of repentance where the sinner would sit and be humiliated in front of the congregation. But what strikes me most about Luke's  passage is how immediate the repentance and forgiveness were. There was no waiting period, no sitting at the back of the congregation awaiting forgiveness, and no interview with the pastors or leaders  to assess repentance. The father’s love was unconditional, and the son was forgiven before the father even knew the full state of his heart.

There are many young people and not so young who have followed similar pathways but would never return to their former religious organisations  due to the unmerciful hoops they would have to jump through in order to be accepted. 

Have you sinned, then go and speak to God, asking forgiveness.

The Father in the Prodigal son story is the kind of love the father—and Jesus—manifested.

Writing:  © 2024 Jim McCrory

"The best writing gives a voice to our deepest humanity—it's not just about the story, 

but about the truth that lies within." —  Unknown

Image by https://unsplash.com/@thoughtcatalog

When a student asked me, “What kinds of stories do we need more of?” I knew they were asking the wrong person, or at least someone with a different focus. For me, writing isn’t just about adding another voice to the noise; it’s about creating a space where I can explore ideas, reflect on the human experience, and, ideally, contribute something meaningful to the world. I want to offer something nourishing in a landscape that often feels cluttered with superficial or harmful content. There’s already an abundance of stories that revolve around sex, gratuitous violence, morally bankrupt characters, and even the occult. But what are these stories really doing to the minds of those consuming them? Countless studies in the social sciences have raised concerns about the effects of such content, yet much of modern storytelling seems determined to push the boundaries, often to the detriment of the audience.

I completed my MA in Creative Writing in 2022, and during my studies, I was introduced to the personal essay—something that deeply resonated with me. I specialized in creative nonfiction, and the personal essay became a form I cherished, a vessel for exploration. I often think of it like a camel on the Silk Road: capable of carrying an eclectic mix of quotes, news, stories, and personal anecdotes—whatever is needed to drive the narrative forward toward that powerful “aha!” moment.

If I had to name a single book that has profoundly influenced my approach to writing, it would be Henning Mankell’s Quicksand: What it Means to be a Human Being. It’s not his well-known crime fiction, but his collection of personal essays that left a lasting impact on me. Writing courses often stress the need for tension, insisting that it’s essential for holding a reader’s attention. And while that’s true to an extent, I’ve found that much of what’s marketed as “tension” today is just an excuse for ugliness, designed to shock rather than engage the reader on a deeper level.

What I learned from Mankell’s essays is that you don’t need overt conflict or sensationalism to craft something compelling. His writing draws you in, not with tricks or cheap thrills, but with genuine insight and reflection. It’s about life’s complexities, not life’s staged dramas. I’m often put off by modern television dramas that insist on major conflict every five minutes, as if we, the viewers, have no patience for anything else. It feels manipulative, like the writer is constantly trying to pull strings rather than trusting the strength of the story itself.

That’s not to say conflict doesn’t have its place—of course, it does. Any writing course will tell you that conflict is essential, especially in fiction. Life itself has its moments of struggle, and the hero’s journey depends on those peaks and valleys of tension to push the narrative forward. But surely, like all things, conflict is best in moderation. Too much of it, and the story becomes a mere exercise in endurance, rather than a meaningful exploration of human experience.

So, what kinds of stories do we need more of? In my view, we need more writing like Mankell’s Quicksand—writing that can captivate and resonate without being drowned in conflict for conflict’s sake. Stories that offer depth, nuance, and insight into what it truly means to be human, without relying on gratuitous violence or contrived tension. We need more stories that nourish, that challenge the mind without assaulting the senses, and that leave us better, more thoughtful people than when we first picked them up.

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The Prose

"It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.

 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.”  All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things."

*****

 The passage is from the Book of Luke chapter 23: 44-49 in the World English Bible. It’s one of the most powerful moments in the Bible, isn’t it? The scene opens with this eerie, unsettling darkness that falls over the land in the middle of the day. It’s as if the whole world is responding to what’s happening—like nature itself knows something monumental is taking place. And then you get this stark image of the temple veil tearing in two. For people back then, that veil wasn’t just a piece of fabric—it represented the separation between humanity and God. The moment it tears, it's as if the barrier between heaven and earth is being ripped open, signalling that something has changed forever.

 And then Jesus speaks, with his last words being both a cry of surrender and trust: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." You can feel the weight of that. He’s not just physically giving up his life, but spiritually handing himself over to God. It’s such an intimate, deeply human moment. He’s been through unimaginable suffering, and yet his last act is one of trust in his Father.

Then there’s the centurion—of all people—who looks up at Jesus and realizes, “This was a righteous man.” It’s unexpected, isn’t it? Here’s a Roman soldier, part of the machinery that just crucified Jesus, and even he can’t ignore what’s happening. He glorifies God. It’s a recognition of something beyond just a man dying on a cross. The sheer gravity of the moment strikes him, and it’s like he’s speaking for the reader, too—like we’re meant to realize that something far bigger is going on.

And then, the crowds. They came to watch, out of curiosity or even cruelty, but by the end, they’re leaving in this strange silence, beating their chests in sorrow or guilt. There’s something haunting about that—the way the spectacle of death turns into this moment of collective realization. Everyone feels it, even if they don’t fully understand it.

Meanwhile, the people who loved Jesus—the women who followed him, his close friends—they stand at a distance, watching. You can imagine their heartbreak, their helplessness. They’re not just onlookers; they’re people who’ve been with him, who’ve shared meals and life with him, and now they’re witnessing this unbearable loss. They don’t say anything, but their silent presence says everything. It’s a grief that’s too deep for words.

All of it—the darkness, the tearing veil, Jesus’ final words, the centurion’s confession, the crowd’s change of heart—it pulls you in. You feel like you’re there, standing among the crowd, witnessing something that transcends the ordinary. It’s a moment where the physical and the spiritual collide, and it leaves you thinking, “What just happened?”

What just happened? Indeed.

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

or set foot on the path of sinners,

or sit in the seat of mockers

Psalm 1:1 (BSB)

Image by https://unsplash.com/@trhammerhead

One of my favourite words is *sincere*. Its soft, double syllables glide easily off the tongue, offering a sense of comfort. To me, it’s a soothing word, evoking the presence of people I admire—those who are genuine, kind, and without pretence. There’s a sense of warmth, almost like the Danish *hygge*, that comes with sincerity. But it’s also a word that calls for self-reflection. Do I bring that same sense of comfort and authenticity to others?

There’s a difference, though, between moments where we might lack sincerity and the deeper presence of people whose energy feels truly harmful. The latter can have a profound impact on our well-being.

Some time ago, I had a realization: certain people in my life were draining my happiness. There was a constant undercurrent of gossip, lack of empathy, and even control. It took courage, but I made the decision to step away and seek new friendships. It wasn’t easy—many of these people were part of my life for years. But in doing so, I found more peace and joy. My epiphany was this: I was happy in myself, but I had allowed the negativity of others to cloud that happiness.

Letting go of people who drain you can be difficult, especially when they are close to you—family members, co-workers, or long-time friends. But sometimes, we must walk through the darkness to reach a new dawn, a fresh start.

Ask yourself: How do the people in your life treat you? Do they wear down your confidence, then brush it off with "I was just joking" or "You're too sensitive"? Do they make decisions for you, leaving you feeling powerless? Are they kind to your face, but critical behind your back? These behaviours can slowly erode your sense of self.

It’s important to be realistic and not expect that toxic people will suddenly change. They may have behaved this way for years, and hoping for them to be different won’t bring peace. The old saying, "Marry in haste; repent at leisure," holds some truth—big decisions about relationships should be made with careful thought.

Can you recognize the people in your life who make you unhappy? Perhaps they are narcissistic, always putting themselves first. Or maybe they drain your energy with constant negativity or gossip. I remember someone I knew who always spoke of others with disdain, spreading bitterness. It was hard to be around her, and I found myself withdrawing, as did others.

If it’s your partner causing distress, there may be practical barriers to leaving, but it’s worth exploring other possibilities. There might be support networks or friends who understand what you’re going through. And if there is violence involved, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and any children who may be affected.

If it’s friends or family who are the issue, try seeking out new social groups where you can meet like-minded people—whether through walking clubs, photography, or other activities. You might find new connections with people who have shared similar experiences. 

There's a promise of happiness expressed in the Psalmist's words when we are careful who we choose as companions 

Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

or set foot on the path of sinners,

or sit in the seat of mockers

Psalm 1:1 (BSB)

Image courtesy of  https://unsplash.com/@davidclode

As a Christian, I’ve often encountered challenges from those who ask me to "prove" my beliefs. These critiques often come from individuals who hold a materialistic worldview. It’s true—I cannot provide definitive proof of my faith in the way one might prove a scientific fact. However, I can offer meaningful evidence that corroborates my beliefs, which I believe is worth considering.

But let’s think more broadly for a moment. I’d like to ask a materialist a few questions in return. For instance: What is energy? While the common response might be, "E = mc²," that only describes energy’s relationship with matter and light—it doesn’t tell us what energy is. If you dig deeper, we find that no one really knows the true nature of energy.

Similarly, what is consciousness? Though there are many theories, the simple fact is that we don’t fully understand consciousness either. Another question: how did non-living matter become living? Despite advances in science, especially since the discovery of DNA, we still don’t have a definitive answer. In fact, these discoveries have raised even more questions about life’s origins.

Whether we approach these mysteries from a Christian or an atheistic standpoint, we can agree on this: energy, consciousness, and life exist. But we do not fully know how or why and therefore cannot prove a Christian belief  or materialist's belief that matter just appeared. This is down to the simple question, why do we believe what we believe without the proof? 

Now, if there is a God—a Creator—He would likely exist outside the bounds of space and time. This fits with what we know from science, which suggests that matter, time, and space all began at the Big Bang.

Why do I personally believe in Christianity? Here are a few reasons:

1.The transformative impact of the Bible: I have seen people radically change their lives for the better through the teachings of the Bible. Their newfound happiness and purpose are profound, and I’ve witnessed it more than once.

2. The beauty and complexity of our world: I see the intricate design of the world, and it reminds me of intelligent creation. When I walk through Scotland’s stunning landscapes—Arran, Rothesay, or the West Highland Way—I often come across simple cairns. It’s obvious that someone arranged those stones with purpose. How much more intricate is DNA, which holds the blueprint of life itself? To me, the design we observe in nature points to an intelligent designer. Here's a short clip from scientists explaining DNA's complexity: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEps6lzWUKk

3. The gift of consciousness: Consciousness, with its depth and richness, is miraculous. Genesis 1 tells us, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image.’” The Bible teaches us what it means to be human: to love, to be kind and gentle, to avoid pride, jealousy, dishonesty, and other destructive tendencies. It gives us principles that reflect God's nature (see Psalm 15).

 The Bible also explains why evil and goodness exist. It gives us hope for the future and answers to the deep questions of life. As Jesus said, "You will be with me in paradise." We seek happiness in life; we hope for stories with happy endings. These longings suggest we are more than mere accidents in an aimless universe. If there is no higher purpose, if we are merely products of evolution with no direction, how can concepts like good and evil, right and wrong, even exist?

Consider this: a new-born baby has the potential to learn any language it’s exposed to. Where does this "software" come from? The complexity of our minds, the world, and life itself hints at something beyond mere chance.

Image by https://unsplash.com/@charlietylers

I woke up to a beautiful sunny morning here in Scotland, but with the drop in temperature, I’m reminded of winter approaching and I’m reminded of the gracefulness and gentleness of Chiyo-Ni’ haiku that reminds us that although the poet lived in the eighteenth’s century, the message of those approaching season is timeless.

The first soft snow!

Enough to bend the leaves

of the daffodil.

“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12” (WOB).

Image kindly provided by https://unsplash.com/@nagaranbasaran

The Family

It is quite a statement made by the Apostle Paul in the above verse. And it raises the question, is there any evidence in society that demons influence us?

Let’s take a particular example I have in mind: The family; the very structure of civilisation.

There was a time when all the family went to the same store for clothes. There was a time when all the family spoke the same language. There was a time when all the family listened to the same music. But that is all changed in the last two centuries. If you have someone who speaks a different language, wears different clothes, and listens to different music, you have a foreigner. A foreigner in your own home.

Now think of sit comes and dramas that make father stupid and children who know best. Think of the aggressive language among family members in the soaps. Think of the way children and youths address their parents and talk about their parents and promoting the idea that parents can be an object of abuse. Now with the emergence of the cyber-sea, we have children isolating in their own room addicted to computer games and their own television and smart phones. Added to that is the dangerous predators that pray on youths on social media.

With the family crumbling, the support mechanism crumbles also, we now have a pandemic of depression, drug addiction and alcohol addiction.

Young people also grow up with the idea that outer beauty is of more value than inner beauty.

In addition, we have the me-first culture that breeds narcissistic values and the I and the Me stand erect like Terracotta warriors.

The family is crumbling before our eyes. So, what is the solution?

Everyone in the family is an individual that needs a voice and a need to be heard. If a child goes in a huff, there must be a reason. If there is aggressive speech, communicate your feelings in a private discussion. If you have an issue with a child, parent, or sibling, speak to them alone and not to others. There is no point in building up resentment and being stressed. You do not know a person well unless you talk with them and find out their feelings and why they act the way they do. If there is a dominant character in the family, communicate your feelings in the spirit of mildness. Finally, have a family discussion regularly with God’s word as a focus There is no point in building up resentment and living a life of stress. Find value in the family by listening and acting. No family is perfect, but they can be happy with good focus. Remember, there is powerful forces at work.

“…with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (WEB).

Soft digital touch,
Gentle words from a cyber sea—
AI's kind response.

Thanks to https://unsplash.com/@santesson89 for the fascinating image

Maybe it’s because I am British, but I hold the door open for a lady, I get up when someone older than me is seatless, I always say thanks and please and apologise; even when I am corresponding with AI. I did some research today and after thanking ChatGPT, I got the following reply,

“You’re welcome, Jim! I’m glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your book!”

I felt so uplifted with the courteous reply. My wife laughed. Yes, I know I am writing to a cyber machine, but I still felt uplifted. So, I pursued this further and asked,

“It is always nice to thank Chat GPT and get a kind response despite it being artificial intelligence. Does that help the creators? Also, I get a lift from the kind response despite it being AI, what is the psychology on my part when I feel like that?”

 “It's great that you feel uplifted by kind interactions, even with AI. Here’s a bit of insight into both your questions”

 Does Thanking ChatGPT Help the Creators?

While direct thanks don't impact the AI itself, positive interactions and feedback are valuable for the creators and developers. They help:

Improve Systems: Feedback on how helpful or pleasant interactions are can guide developers in making enhancements.

Understand User Experience: Knowing that users appreciate the kindness or effectiveness of responses can shape how future versions are developed.

Psychology of Feeling Uplifted by AI Responses

Feeling uplifted by positive interactions with AI can be linked to a few psychological factors:

Humanizing Technology: When AI responds kindly, it can mimic human social interactions, which often evoke positive emotions. Our brains are wired to respond to social cues, even if they come from non-human sources.

Social Validation: Receiving positive feedback or validation, even from an AI, can boost self-esteem and mood. It’s similar to how positive interactions with people can make us feel good.

Emotional Impact: Engaging with AI in a supportive, friendly manner can trigger feelings of warmth and comfort. This is especially true if you’re accustomed to having supportive conversations or if the interaction meets a social or emotional need.

Overall, the way AI interacts with you can still impact your mood and feelings positively, even though the responses come from a machine.

---------------------

There's a lesson in all of this; the human need for validation 

In a fleeting glance,
a smile that speaks of comfort—
hearts touch in silence.

"Truly I tell you, 

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, 

you did for Me."

Lovely image provided by Image by https://unsplash.com/@shelbymdesign

I recall being in a zoo when I was younger and becoming uncomfortable when an eagle with its penetrating eyes staired at me as if it could enter deep into my soul and read my thoughts and past life.

But, as I became older and wiser, I realised it was just a creature with limited abilities despite its hypermetropia.

Some years ago, I read and pondered on the following verse,

“I, the LORD, probe into people's minds. I examine people's hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.” Jeremiah 17:10 (English Net Bible).

There was a time I would have felt uncomfortable with this verse, but now, well, God knows my heart; a sinner trying his best.

When Jesus walked the land, he outlined what would be his bases for judgement come the day.

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’

And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”’ Matthew 25: 34-40 (BSB).

We can see this basis for judgement play out when Jesus was in Capernaum when a Roman Centurion sent friends, (presumably Jewish friends) to ask Jesus to perform a miracle for his servant,

“When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him, ⁵ for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.” ⁶ Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. ⁷ Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁸ For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”’ Luke 7:3-10 (BSB).

First, we have a Roman Centurion who must have a deep love for his servant, because this unnamed Centurion got a hold of some Jewish elders and asked them to approach Jesus and grant a miracle for his servant.

When the elders approached Jesus, they made an appeal based on a previous act of kindness made by the Roman,

“He is worthy to have you do this for him, because he loves our nation, and even built our synagogue.”

Jesus, granted the miracle due to the Centurions considerable faith Luke 7

It raises many questions about judgement and mercy. Sometimes religious organisations wrap us up with many rules and programmes of human thinking, and yet, the Centurion who was part of the occupied forces would seem the least person worthy of Jesus’ mercy and yet…Jesus said, I want mercy, not sacrifice." Matthew 11: 9-13

Note: All those who follow Jesus are his brothers Hebrews 2:11.

The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® https://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”

Sambovikt: The contentment derived from long-term trusting relationships

Image kindly provided by https://unsplash.com/@whereisfarid

I was having a chat with a man who was doing work in my house recently. In our brief conversations, we had much in common. We both lost our parents in our teenage years and one thing becomes apparent, the loss hits harder as you get older. In both our cases, it was death that caused the loss.

The conversation rewound me back to the mid-90s whilst crossing over from Newcastle to Gothenburg on the Princess of Scandinavia. I had a drink before bedtime and went upstairs to the top deck to shake off the vodka effects. The Northern sky was clear, all the stars were out, all of them in infinite silence. Being alone, they belonged to me; no one else would ever see this exact constellation again. Feeling helpless in the moment, I became like Bergman in The Magic Lantern, who also had his demons, I silently concealed my insane wail and feeling imprisoned forever as I thought of my adopted father whom I lost when I was 12 years old. I mused:

Meet me amidst the ocean

Under my Northern sky

To the light of constellations

As our restless stars pass by.

This is why I like the Swedish word, sambovict, It stands upright and for me, it is what it means to be human. Too many children are growing up without one of their parents, quite often the father. I pray for the pain they go through and will go through in the future.  Happiness comes from secure long-term trusting relationships, not only for the couple, but the children born to the couple.

My father closed his eyes when I was twelve, I understand the pain a child goes through in the absence of the father figure. Children need guidance, daily direction, and bedtimes stories that capture their imagination. The stories that make us human. Goodness, I recall my dad reading David Copperfield, Oliver Twist and Pinocchio. Many single fathers and mothers rise to the occasion, but trying to prop up house and home and deal with the emotional fallout of divorce intensifies these pressures.

Children also need both parents to say, “Well done” or both parents to be honest and suggest improvements.

But when one parent is not around. Well… they grow up with a deep sense of loneliness and the feeling that something is missing in their life.

“ Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.”

Colossians 3:14 WEB

Writing:  © 2024 Jim McCrory