I saw a very sad thing today. I had noticed a guy walking through the airport carrying a cheap esky. It was a little odd. Then, as I was checking in for my flight home, he was checking in to a flight a couple of desks down. I could hear the airline staff member asking if he had luggage to check in, and he put … Continue reading A cheap esky and a handful of papers
By Ruth Limkin I marched once, on ANZAC day. I am not a returned soldier, but I am the granddaughter of one. Several years ago, when my grandfather lived in the same town as us, we marched together. My cousins, my sister, and my grandfather. We marched because he asked us to. We felt out of place if truth be told. Those who’d risked their very … Continue reading I marched once, on ANZAC day
by Ruth Limkin Results from a recent cross-parliamentary report in the UK are a reminder of the now pervasive nature of online pornography, and its effect on young people. The first generation to grow up with prolific, anonymous access, the Daily Mail reveals report findings that ‘four out of five 16 year old boys and girls regularly access porn online, while one in three ten-year-olds … Continue reading Why Telstra deserves a trophy! Celebrating companies who do the right thing.
By Ruth Limkin In some ways, I’d hoped that I would awake to news that there were Kony 2012 posters everywhere. Not because I necessarily agreed with the campaign plans or methods, but because of the soul residue that may be left in a generation if this campaign fizzled. I remember the way my Facebook and Twitter feed were overwhelmed by enthusiasm at making a … Continue reading When changing the world doesn’t look like Covering the Night: reclaiming passion to make a difference
By Ruth Limkin I have a small magnet on my fridge. It’s from Alcatraz Prison, and lists Regulation 5 – “You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege”. I bought it as a humourous reminder of a holiday and of a wonderful day exploring what is now a tourist attraction. However, I also bought to remind me … Continue reading Lessons from Alcatraz that I keep on my fridge
By Ruth Limkin Last night I heard about small successes which made me a little bit teary and very much happy. The news in and of itself was less than earth-shattering, but for the disadvantaged children involved, it may be life-changing. The charity I work with runs a medium term food support program called the Fresh Start Program. The philosophy of the program is that we partner … Continue reading Small starts and significant success – how communities make a difference
By Ruth Limkin Shameless plug time. I’m a contributing author for a book which is coming out shortly, and I think everyone should buy a copy (or two). My chapter looks at community development by the church and charity sector, and was an absolute honour to write. So often, the immense contribution by the not-for-profit and volunteer fuelled sectors get overlooked. I know so many wonderful … Continue reading A sneak peek of “Right Social Justice: Better Ways to Help the Poor” – out soon!
By Ruth Limkin Do you ever get tired of reading about the problem with porn? I know I sometimes get tired of writing about it. There’s a reason I persevere though, and if I ever feel like my participation in the conversation is flagging, I can draw upon a recent memory which shoots adrenaline into my soul. It’s a sad memory. It made me sick to … Continue reading Can’t we just stop talking about the problem with porn?
By Ruth Limkin I’m always conflicted when I hear the mantra: “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.” On one hand that’s absolutely correct. On the other, it misses the point absolutely. Yes, a gun usually requires a person to operate it to kill someone. However, a person’s ability to kill, harm, and maim is exponentially enhanced when you give them a semi-automatic weapon, as … Continue reading Guns, words and other powerful things
By Ruth Limkin I heard something the other night that took my breath away. It did so because I had several childhood friends with severe asthma and it’s impact should not be minimised. Their struggle to breathe, the constant threat to their life, their fear that their illness would overtake them all made their burden one which deserved the very best support. No-one questioned it’s medical legitimacy. … Continue reading Gasping for breath: why young Australians need intentional support
bread and justice 