The Ghosts of the Elizabeth Line: A Great Cloud of Witnesses

The Ghosts of the Elizabeth Line: A Great Cloud of Witnesses 

The Elizabeth line has been a game changer for travel across London. It has made my journey to work each day much quicker and much more comfortable. It is, quite simply, fantastic!

But beyond its efficiency and convenience, the Elizabeth line has also given rise to an unexpected phenomenon...

At various stations along the line, there are seats on the platforms for passengers to rest while waiting for their trains. These seats were placed against the pristine white walls of the platform, but over time, something peculiar happened. The constant presence of passengers leaning back against the walls left behind grey, mucky outlines—shadows of those who had once sat there. These became known as the ‘ghosts of the Elizabeth line.’

To combat these marks, Transport for London has now installed stickers behind the seats to brighten up the platforms. But as I reflected on those faded outlines, I found myself thinking about something far more profound: the people who have left a mark on my life.

We all have them, don’t we? The people who have shaped us, encouraged us, challenged us, and walked alongside us. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Those who have gone before us, those who stand beside us, and those who cheer us on from a distance.

I call to mind the young people’s team at my Corps (church) in York who faithfully nurtured me. The Corps officers (church leaders) who gave me opportunities to learn, develop, and express myself, even at a young age. The two faithful men who have been my prayer partners—one of whom has now been Promoted to Glory—who prayed for and supported me without fail. My family, especially my parents, who have cared for and nurtured me throughout my life. The friends who message me daily, who offer support, encouragement, challenge, and space to think and reflect.

We are surrounded by amazing people who cheer us along the journey, leaving their mark in ways that shape who we are.

Who are you thankful for today? 

Perhaps take a moment to drop them a message and let them know. Their impact might not leave a visible mark on a wall, but the imprint they leave on our hearts and lives is something that lasts forever.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My last blog (for now…!)

Image
My last blog (for now…!) There are times when words alone can’t fully capture the story of our lives—the mountain tops and the valley bottoms. Often songs come into my head that help me better articulate what I’m experiencing, and this past weekend I’ve been singing these words; Jesus, What a Saviour You Are “ You are my strength When all my strength has ended You are my hope When all my hope is gone You are my joy When my world is full of sorrow You’re the peace in my tomorrow For I know that You’ll be there… ” These words summarise my testimony. The past 18-months have been fairly traumatic for me, filled with more change, pain, and growth than I ever could have imagined. I write my thoughts and reflections down because I find it helpful—and I hope that, in some small way, sharing my experiences might help others too. This is my last blog (for a while…!), as taking a break from writing is for me a symbolic act of closing one chapter and starting another. Recent months have been marke...
Read more

Rethinking Homelessness Services: A Call for Change in The Salvation Army

Rethinking Homelessness Services: A Call for Change in The Salvation Army For over a hundred years, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland has provided vital homelessness services. In more recent history, these services have often been funded through contracts with Local Authorities. These contracts usually dictate how services operate, setting financial limits, service models, and key performance indicators (KPIs). While they ensure some level of support and accommodation is available, they also present significant challenges—challenges that make me question whether this is still the right model to be used. The Problem with Contracted Services At first glance, contracts appear to offer stability and reduce risk. They provide funding, structure, and a framework for homelessness service provision. However, they also force providers—charities, faith groups, and housing associations—into a competitive business model that simply doesn’t work for a people-focused sector. Inste...
Read more

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry I today had opportunity to have coffee with the one and only Andrew Vertigan. It was good to share with Andrew, especially as he co-leads my home church and was pivotal in my own call to ministry.  Afterwards, my mind turned to the following questions:  • What happens when leaders don’t fit into a box? • What happens when leaders don’t flourish on their own? • What happens when leaders have their skills, talents, and preferences assumed? These are vital questions for The Salvation Army today. As we seek to be a movement led by the Spirit, sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus, we must consider how we release people into ministry and mission in ways that allow them to truly flourish. Some leaders flourish best in structured, clearly defined roles, while others, like myself, thrive in the messiness of life. I flourish best in messy, intergenerational settings where life is lived out in supportive, loving...
Read more