Chaplain's Message

I decided as an aging person I needed an anti Alzheimers device! They say learning a language is good exercise for the brain so rather than “perfecting” my very imperfect French, I decided to throw caution to the wind and explore my academic potential with Hebrew through the online lessons with the University of Jerusalem. It sounded brave and challenging, so I signed up! 

It is indeed brave, challenging and incredibly difficult. I am learning much more than Hebrew, mostly about myself!!

1. I’m nervous of looking foolish
2. My memory is not what it was
3. And ‘just because’ is not a good reason for putting myself through a challenge. I need a ‘why’!

So that’s where I started, I really want to be able to stand up during a sermon and say with authority ‘In the Hebrew it says’. I want to have my own revelation in the language of my Lord!

Of course, my memory is not what it was – that’s why I’m doing it!

Worrying about looking foolish is simply pride and we are asked to walk humbly with our God!

This venture reminds me of the flowing of the Todd – the rain comes, the riverbed is totally dry, then its soft and damp - the trickle begins to flow, they all join up and the torrent rages down the waterway! 

Last night’s lesson took me to the trickle – I understood for the first time and was able to contribute to the class with confidence. My mantra since I started, all of 5 lessons so far, “Don’t panic, don’t panic” keeps me going and I know that eventually the trickles will join up, it will get better, and the river will flow.

The most important thing to remember is to persevere! The temptation to give up must be quashed, remember the ‘why’ and keep going. After all, what is the worst that can happen – I only learn a little Hebrew instead of a lot!! But what I am finding is that I am proud of myself for doing something brave and challenging and difficult! 

‘All things are possible through Him who strengthens us’.

Ephesians 3

(20) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Keep safe and God bless.

~ Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplain