In 2017 I hit a bit of a crossroads in my way of thinking. Maybe even felt a little forsaken?

You see, I’ve always been a bit of a volunteer. I can’t help it.  It’s my arm. It automatically goes up on hearing, “Can anybody help?” But I was beginning to doubt if my efforts really mattered.  It seemed people didn’t want help as much as serving.

Is it really worth continuing as I do? Or should I fall in line driven by shallow trends, Facebook cruci-fictions and whiney banter. Oblivious to the little kind deed we are party to each day. And simply dismissing the purveyor like a servant!

Whilst discussing this with a friend, Paul, I asked why do we bother? He paused, then in a shrugged tone said, “It’s what we do!“

That simple little statement instantly held such clarity and reverence for me.

It’s what we do.

We! 

Then I got to thinking, I bet nobody has felt more forsaken than this guy on the cross. Yet throughout all the suffering, his message was not one of revenge, but of forgiveness.

In this gesture I have tried to capture that forgiveness amidst all that suffering. Personally reflecting either forsaken or saviour depending on personal standing.

The polished pewter head of the nail is meant to symbolise a gift of reflection. The base with its aged cross texture  is meant to symbolise a gift, Scriptures, crossroads and cross. The pewter section between base and arm is meant to symbolise a holy relic of the past but bears no anatomical reference. 

During the modelling of this piece, I also had for reference a photograph of a falling swans feather.  This swans feather with its turned up corners held such gentle grace in its fall. And It is this gentle grace and delicate colour I have tried to capture here also.

For all you out there today who takes one for the team and is simply brushed off.  You are not alone.  It’s like my friend said. It’s what we do. We. 

Forsaken? Psalm22. By P Wharton. 

A big thank you to everyone for their kind comments in the comments book at Manchester Cathedral. And a big thank you to Wendy from Manchester who wrote, 24/2 so reassuring to know others feel this. A very deep touching piece which gives solace even reading its meaning.
 

Manchester Cathedral 2018. Ash Wednesday

Sung EucharistWith Imposition of ashes.

A big thank you to all involved for a beautifully heartfelt  moving service. Truly inspiring. The Choir was brilliant. Well orchestrated.

Everyone’s hard work was well noted.

I would also like to thank Canon David Holgate and Canon Marcia Wall and others involved for the tremendous honour of presenting Forsaken? Psalm 22 in person during the Offertory. It was a little nervy for me but I hope my sincerity was well received.

Thank you all.

And best wishes to the congregation.

https://issuu.com/manchestercathedral/docs/manchester_news_march_2018_issu