So what role does self-harm play in peopleās lives? It tends to function in one of 4 ways:
All these techniques help people keep on living in a world full of pain. But they are notgood solutions or long-term solutions to the effects on a fallen world. As Christians we have the awesome gospel message of the Son of God who took the punishment we deserve, to wash us whiter than snow so we can follow the loving, sovereign King of the universe and enjoy life and life in all its fullness. Over the next few posts we are going to explore how we can better understand those who self-harm and support them with these truths as they recover.
It can seem a bit unfathomable: the fact that rational, intelligent human beings at times choose to cause themselves harm. People often ask āwhy?ā because on the surface it makes no sense. But the reality is that self-harm need not be a mystery. It is understandable. It is a privilege to stand alongside those who are struggling. And those who are currently hurting themselves can be confident that there is a way out.
So this week on the blog weāre going to dip a toe into what self-harm is, how it functions and how we as Christians can support the many people who struggle.... continue reading
We've been having quite an exciting time over the past few days!:
Huge congratulations to the Good Book Company's Logistics Manager, Tom Beard who tied the knot on Saturday to the lovely Katie. It was a fantastic, Jesus-centred service ... and a rare opportunity to see some of the Good Book lads wearing suits (so smart!).
The ladies of the company weren't looking too shabby either!
And just a few hours later, it was congratulations to one of our directors, Tom Seidler who got engaged to the wonderful Rowina!
And last but not least ... many congratulations to Senior Editor, Carl Laferton and his wife, Lizzie who are now parents of a beautiful baby boy.
What a wonderful time!
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. - Psalm 107:31
Your love, O LORD. reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
Psalm 36:5-7
This week we're doing Naked God at 50% off! This makes it even more affordable to give away. It's written for those asking the tough questions and wanting the truth about God. We think it's great but don't just take our word for it......
'Challenging, enjoyable and biblically faithful. I'm delighted that Naked God invites its readers to examine the naked truth behind their own beliefs, then moves on to a compelling and persuasive explanation of the person and work of Jesus Christ.'
- Rico Tice, Associate Minister (Evangelism), All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
'I really like this book. Martin Ayers not only gives excellent answers to important apologetic questions but he also gives compelling reasons why the indifferent sceptic should think of asking them in the first place. He writes directly into the life and experience of a thinking unbeliever and commends Christ both by his attractive presentation of the gospel and his portrayal of the bleak consequences of an alternative naturalistic worldview. I am already thinking of people I could give it to.'
- Vaughan Roberts, Rector, St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, UK
Simply use the code ng50 at checkout to get the 50% off!
Boris Johnson faces legal action over banned anti-gay bus adverts
Judge declares Christian radio ad 'political'
Russell Crowe cast as Noah in Darren Aronofsky film
Archbishop of Canterbury to lose worldwide Anglican role under traditionalist plans
It's that familar story I'm sure we've all experienced: evil Norse legend teams up with equally evil alien race to attack Earth. Naturally, the U.S. government gathers a crack team of superheroes, monsters and scientists to thwart the tyrant and his hoardes. Okay, so the premise may be an unfamiliar and fanciful one, but the emotions, frailties and problems at the heart of this super movie are very human and recognisable...... continue reading
One of the joys of being the Childrenās Editor at The Good Book Company is the letters, cards, pictures and emails sent in by our youngest readers. These are mostly under 11s who are reading the Bible with XTB (eXplore The Bible). I thought youād enjoy a few of their comments (unedited by me except for removing names):
I have files of letters from XTB readers going back nearly 12 years. Some of them will be parents themselves now. Itās great hearing from children who love reading their Bible and getting to know God better through it ā and who want to tell their friends about Jesus too. What a privilege.
Over the next few Mondays we thought weād introduce you to The Good Book Blog team. A little glimpse behind the screen to the people who type away week by week ā¦ First:
Helen Thorne, Blog Editor
An unlikely member of the blog team (given that a year ago sheād never actually read a blog post let alone written one and has a general disposition of extreme techno-phobia), Helen oversees the day to day running of the blog at Good Book. Her main role is to bring order out of the many and varied ideas that seem to spontaneously ooze from the creative team members!
A Christian since 1989, sheās worked at Good Book since 1999 which officially makes her an āold-timerā. She has resigned ā twice ā but keeps coming back and now accepts there is no escape from these hallowed walls.
As well as looking after the blog, she manages the Open Bible Institute ā Good Bookās distance learning college. Itās a role she loves because it combines her passion for theology with the opportunity to get to know at least some of the 900 students enrolled on the courses.
When not at work, Helen attends Christ Church Kingston where, among other things, she plays the piano most Sundays. Sheās a trustee of Capital Youthworks a Bible-centred youth work charity which runs events like Sorted. Sheās active in local politics and is attempting to do a doctorate in the field of teaching parables (though itās probably not a good idea to ask her how thatās going just now!).
But Helen is probably best known for her irrational love of all things cute ā¦ She is regularly mocked for her over-zealous affection for the 3 felines (psycho-cat, dim-cat and barge-puss) with which she shares her home ā¦ and rumour has it that it is only a matter of time before she buys her first micro-pig.
