I recently reread Jo-Anne Berthelsen’s new book, Swansong. I had already read it as an endorser, but when I received a paperback copy hot off the press, I just had to read it again! (Ah, the tactile pleasure of reading a tangible book. Who’s with me?) Berthelsen’s exhortations toward words of affirmation resonated with me. Many […]
Author: Steph Penny
You Mustn’t Let a Little Thing Like ‘Little’ Stop You
I really enjoyed watching the new Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. One of the catchiest songs for me was Naughty, in which the eponymous Matilda, a plucky young girl, sings: You mustn’t let a little thing like ‘little’ stop you! The song is about how you can be brave and take matters into your own hands, even though […]
Weird Childless Relief
After my recent surgery I experienced intense nausea and vomiting for a week. As the vomiting finally backed off, I remarked to a friend, ‘If morning sickness is anything like that, I’m glad I was never pregnant!’ I was slightly surprised at my own comment. Childlessness brings many unpleasant emotions with it: disappointment, anger, grief. […]
Surgery for Easter
On Maundy Thursday As the world holds its breath for Good Friday I will be slowing down my breath For surgery. As we remember the Last Supper Held in memory of the Passover I will be passing out On a cold surgical table. I will awaken In time for Good Friday Lying motionless in recovery […]
Reflecting on Stories of Life
I recently read the 2023 Stories of Life anthology, Terracotta Travellers and Other Stories of Life, and I found myself deeply moved by the tales I absorbed. Each narrative described unique ways of meeting God, like facets of a turning kaleidoscope. Some were mundane (not that there’s anything mundane about God), some were extraordinary and some […]
The Pressure to Marry (and Become an Instant Baby-Making Machine)
‘So, when are you guys gonna have kids?’ My friend’s question hit me square between the eyes. To say I was surprised would have been an understatement. I was freshly engaged, not yet married. Was it normal to be pestered by baby-related questions the minute one got engaged? Unfortunately, I am not alone in my […]
Random Acts of Kindness
Sickness can be lonelifying. Not to mention depressing. So it goes without saying that simple acts of kindness in the midst of sickness can go a long way. I’ve been sick for the past few weeks. This week, while resigning myself to another lonely week of persistent nausea (I’ve got enough nausea to light Sydney […]
Music is My IV
I’ve been listening to music during my latest illness flare. A lot. You could say music is my IV. Music has always been a lifeline for me. From childhood days when I would sing songs softly to God at bedtime, through teenaged years of alternate rock and angst-ridden folklore, to now when I sing for […]
Praying Through Infertility: On A Personal Note
A new devotional for people facing infertility was recently released in Australia. Praying Through Infertility is an up-close-and-personal look at the rollercoaster of infertility and childlessness, and it offers encouragement, comfort, scripture and prayer for those who are struggling. On a more personal note, I want to share why contributing to this book has meant so much […]
What is Praying Through Infertility?
There are few books devoted to people facing infertility. Fewer still address issues of faith, and even fewer are written with both men and women in mind. That’s what makes this book so special: it achieves all three. Praying Through Infertility is a unique book that seeks to reach out and comfort men, women and couples […]