Rev Shirley Murphy
The thoughts, reflections, faith stories and meanderings of an 
Anglican Priest

Ordinary people, extraordinary stories. The story of my journey from India to Pembrokeshire and my life at the heart of the community....

"You are just slaves. So go back to where you came from..." is what I was told by an elderly British lady when I was working in a travel...

Psalm 85 (NIV) You, LORD, showed favour to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.   Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing lov

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return” Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season–a season that begins with dust and ashes–an ancient tradition, symbolizing our humility before God.  The Ash Wednesday liturgy calls us to see ourselves as we truly are; to reflect on our attitudes, actions, and priorities; and to return to God through penitence and prayer. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a 40-day  journey–a journey from brokenness to restoration; fr