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

Judas’s name is the Greek version of the Hebrew “Judah” which roughly means “Praise” or “Let God Be Praised.” However, the origin of...

"Abide with Me" is one of the best-loved English hymns of the past 150 years. We see this both in its enduring usage in churches today...

The Christian life can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride when strong hope and faith collide with an unexpected reality. When our...

Millions of people voted in an online poll in 2015 to have the face of Harriet Tubman on the US$20 bill. But many like me did not know...

A man in Kansas City was severely injured in an explosion. The victim's face was badly disfigured, and he lost his eyesight as well as...

Many people today seem to think they know how true happiness is found. True happiness can be experienced by anyone. Some would claim this...

Our lives are full of loss and grief. Though there are times we experience great swells of joy, we also experience deep depths of sorrow....

Joy. It’s a short but powerful word. Perhaps you can think of a moment of joy in your life? For many, it might be the moment of their...

Does the book of Ecclesiastes say life is worthless? Some people think so. Perhaps you have thought that. After all, in just the second...

The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel...

Sometimes it feels like life is falling apart. Sometimes it comes crashing down in a moment of tragedy. Sometimes it slips slowly through...

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). What a joy it is to have a friend, one we can...

Contentment is not simply about settling for what we have, but trusting in what God has said. Both anxiety and greed rise in our hearts...

Some days ago my aunt sent me this list of spiritual one-liners. I want to share that list with you. I have no idea where my aunt got...

"Oh, what a happy soul I am, / although I cannot see! / I am resolved that in this world / Contented I will be." Frances Jane Crosby was...

Many of the greatest fears in life come not from what we can see, but from what we can’t — from the next unpredictable natural disaster,...

Resilience is the quality of being able to adapt to stressful life changes and “bouncing back” from hardship. Resilience is a response to...

This year the Harvest has been the strangest year of most of our lives. As churches and communities across the UK prepare to celebrate...

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! Chances are, you started humming along as you read those Amazing Grace...