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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Tobi Olujinmi, Founder of WTALK Network, the Entertainment & Faith Network for Women

Good morning

I recently re-read one of my favourite novels, ‘Redeeming Love’ by Francine Rivers the successful American author of fiction with Christian themes. It follows the story of a man, Michael Hosea who falls in love with a woman, Angel from a lower social class. Angel struggles to receive or accept that she is worthy of being loved by Michael. However, Michael continues to pursue her. A classic love story. It’s such a beautiful novel and is based on the Old Testament account of the prophet Hosea. He was directed by God to marry a woman of ill-repute, Gorner who’s unfaithful to him, symbolising people being unfaithful to God.. The eventual reconciliation of Hosea and Gomer is treated as a hopeful metaphor for the reconciliation between God and his people.

At its heart it’s a story of reconciliation, love and hope. I also love the narrative that where you start in life doesn’t have to determine where you finish. Having spent some of my formative years living on a tough estate in London caused me to reflect on the power of hope within my own journey. Hope has empowered me to defy the odds and the statistics and determine my success and future. and as the writer of New Testament letter to the Hebrews says beautifully, it provides substance for my faith.

Father, I pray for all of those who are worried that this year has set them back. We bring before you the socio-economic gap here in the UK, and those that are living in particularly disadvantaged environments. I pray we may all be reminded of your power to restore and redeem.

Amen