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17/09/2014

Spiritual reflection to start the day with writer and broadcaster Anna Magnusson.

2 minutes

Last on

Wed 17 Sep 2014 05:43

Script

Good morning.Ìý Tomorrow – finally - people in Scotland will cast their votes in the Independence Referendum. For months and months the two sides in the debate have been appealing to hearts and minds.Ìý

We come alive when we use both.Ìý When heart and mind combine, there is spirit and passion. The story in Ezekiel about the valley of the dry bones has always made the back of my neck tingle: Ìýthe great rattling as they come together, bone by bone, sinew by sinew, and then the breath of the four winds, summoned by God, which gives them life.

Ìý

Because I’m rather contemplative by nature – or maybe just lazy - I’ve always admired people whose passion drives them to action.Ìý History is teeming with the stories of philanthropists and social reformers who saw need or injustice and did something about it.

Ìý

William Quarrier was a businessman in Victorian Glasgow who walked home every night past street children begging and scraping for food and money. One night he found a crying match-seller whose stock and earnings had been stolen. ÌýQuarrier gave the boy money, went home and immediately fired off a letter to the newspapers about the scandal of destitute children.Ìý He pledged to find a way of getting them paid employment and shelter.Ìý It was the beginning of a great charitable organization which continues today.

Ìý

Heart and mind give us dreams and goals.Ìý To achieve for others, and for ourselves. After she won her Olympic gold medal, the rower, Katherine Grainger, travelled the country talking to young people, encouraging them to find and work for their dream – whatever it was. ÌýÌýThat was her Olympic legacy.

Ìý

God of life, grant us inspiration to dream, and hearts and minds to act.Ìý Amen

Broadcast

  • Wed 17 Sep 2014 05:43

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