Invitation to write for posterity

Fed up with Covid as it tips us further into isolation once more?  We should have been sitting in a remote Northumbrian cottage today (with sea at the bottom of the garden) instead of looking out on lockdown Leeds.

Terry Waite has suggested via social media that we stop moaning – it could be worse. He should know! And there's other negative comfort around, like the facebook post with tips for survival: 1) Don't watch the news. 2) Don't get on the bathroom scales.

But in spite of how it might feel, God is still around and there is one piece of news that offers a clue. Have you heard of the Eternal Wall of answered prayer; the national monument twice as big as the Angel of the North coming to Coleshill next year here?

It's not only that North Warwickshire planning council gave unanimous consent to this 'in your face' Christian monument, expected to be seen by half a million journeys each week. The story behind the vision inspires me beyond words. God delights in surprising us. He wants us to build a monument of hope! He is telling us to remember our answered prayers and share. You can read the amazing backstory on the YouTube clip Heavenly Land here.

The Wall, which will be in the shape of a symbol known in mathematics as a Mobius Strip, was designed by the winner of a competition run by the Royal Institute of British Architects. This iconic loop represents infinity – the never ending love of God through all ages.

We are invited to submit our answered prayers in up to 500 words, accompanied by photos and/or video clips. Here's your chance to write for posterity. I have sent in the story of my parents as a memorial to them. A short time before she died earlier this year, Mum told me that on her confirmation, aged fifteen, she had asked God to chose her husband. Two years later she met Dad, they married, produced seven of us and went on to enjoy seventy-two years of marriage. Their christian example impacted a great many people.

Each of the million bricks will represent an answered prayer. Situated close to the junction of the M42 and M6, there will be a car park, shop and cafe. A phone app will enable you to read individual prayers. The website tells us:

75,000 'heritage bricks' will be included in Eternal Wall to celebrate answered prayer dating as far back as 600 AD. This is to preserve and remember how God has helped people all throughout our nation's rich history.

Maybe we need a national monument of hope because things are scheduled to become even more grim. The human prospects look dire. So thank you God for this twenty-first century miracle of which we can be part. God bless you all.

 

Eileen Padmore retired some time ago from health care and academia with a vow to indulge in writing more creatively and less academically. Her background in Africa, Eire, Northern Ireland (in the troubles) as well as inner city Birmingham and Leeds provides plenty of copy. She has had articles published by Woman Alive, Christian Writer and contributed to the popular ACW Lent book. 

    Eileen operates a dynamic prayer shawl ministry under the name of Tabitha. You can read all about it here.