This is a love poem reminding us that those we truly love become part of us, so they are never lost to us, however far apart we may seem, and that love really does conquer the separation of death.

The Good Morrow by John Donne

This is mine and my mother's favourite gospel passage.  It is particularly close to my heart as it talks of God as the Word, helping me to realise the power and majesty of language.  I feel powerless right now, unable to do what I would normally, but I can still share the word of God.

John Chapter 1 Verses 1-14 (New Revised Standard Version)

I discovered Emily Dickinson through Matt Haig's writing "The Humans".  This poem reminds me that we are spiritual beings on a human journey and that death is waiting to take us into eternity.

Because I Could Not Stop for Death (479) by Emily Dickinson

Reading this helped me to recognise the power of self-mastery.  I have long thought that being able to keep a steady, calm centre in the middle of turmoil is the answer to making good decisions.  Holding back our panic response and breathing into the difficulty to keep a balanced view are essential to manoeuvring the difficulties we face now.

If by Rudyard Kipling

This one was suggested by my Mum.  It starts with the cry "My God, my God, why have you foresaken me?" which Jesus is described as saying on the cross just before he died.  Mum had always told me this was a cry of triumph not despair and she suggested I read it now as many people are looking for God right now and may feel foresaken.  Reading it aloud I was taken on a journey from total despair to the triumphant claim that God has "done it."  This left me realising that triumph only comes out of despair as Spring comes out of Winter.  In the seeds of our desolation new hope and love will emerge.

Psalm 22

A beautiful psalm about the protection offered to us by God in our lives, when we face danger and threat against us.  At a time when many of us are fearful about the safety of ourselves, loved ones or others and have so little control it is comforting to call on God's protection in our need. It is also comforting to know that humanity has faced these perils before and prevailed.

Psalm 91

This was requested by Zoe Stewart and seems really appropriate at this time.  While we are all physically separated we are united by Mother Earth who is unfolding her beauty to us everyday.  The shared pictures of Spring blossoming around the country have really lifted my heart.

Loneliness by Mary Oliver

This has been my favourite prayer since was a teenager.   I love the sung version too.

Prayer of St Francis

My church home group have been praying this prayer each week produced by the 24-7 prayer movement.  At times when it seems there is little we can do to improve the situation, being able to pray for guidance and support for ourselves and others, is a powerful action.

Corona Virus Prayer by Pete Greig for 24-7 Prayer

In times of despair it can be easy to forget that hope is always with us, it is the tiny bird that flies along with us and lifts our hearts with its faithful song.

Hope is the thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson

This was written by Michael Rosen on the event of the 60th anniversary of the NHS.  I understand Michael has not been well and so this is my gift to him and to the NHS.

These are the Hands by Michael Rosen

I love the quote in this, "Be still and know that I am God."  This helps me to recognise that my frantic action is not required to solve every problem.  Instead I am to do my part and let the future unfold, safe in God's protection.

God's Defence, Psalm 46

Whenever my faith seems to separate me from others I remind myself that God is love, his love is for all of us and it shines through us in all acts of love.   Love is the centre of my faith and I think, whoever we are and whatever our faith tradition, we can all believe in the power of love.

God is Love, 1 John, Ch 4

This was requested by my Mum's friend that I knew growing up.  It is a call to give up trying to control our destiny and instead let God lead us where he will, showing us the path one step at a time.

Lead Kindly Light by John Henry Newman

I have found myself becoming very anxious at times, worrying about how things are going to turn out and what the future holds.  Meditation with my breath as the focus brings me back into my body in this moment, which is always a wonderful moment.

On Breathing by Thich Nhat Hahn

My grandfather used to recite this poem to me and whenever I read it he is brought back to me, his smell, his voice, his size and his smile.

The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear

Warm, elegant and hopeful female voice actor with a a neutral British voice and a keen ear for other accents, especially my native West Midlands.   The voice of Enid Blyton's Malory Towers series and others on Audible.co.uk.

Esther Wane - Voicesther

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