Well since times immemorial humankind have sought shelter and safety in times of trouble, from cold, rain, snow and storm, from wild animals, and from fellow humans, who seem to be continuously fighting and shedding blood. Early on caves and caverns and holes in the ground served their purpose, and then all other kinds of structures suitable for their environment, often built with amazing ingenuity. Such structures can be seen here in Scotland at so many interesting sites. These including brochs and towers and island fortresses, and attract many archaeologists, tourists and visitors every year. These can easily be researched on line. Here are a few photos from Skara Brae in Orkney.
Of course in later eras 2000 to 3000 castles were built in Scotland, and whilst many now are just ruins, around 1500 are still standing and it would take a lifetime it seems to visit them all! But here are some photos of some magnificent ones we have visited, which in their time provided a place of safety for their residents.
Finding a safe place during WWll in Glasgow however looked nothing like the photos shown above. We were fortunate however to have two air raid shelters next to our newly built block of flats, and I remember being carried down to one after the sirens sounded. A rectangular reinforced building with three or four rooms with concrete benches on either side and a long corridor with one end door. A stray bomb did go off at the other end of our road killing a number of people so that encouraged more folks to make use of the shelters. Here are a couple of photos of one old shelter the same as the one used by us, still standing today, but modified with front door and window, I guess to use as storage space. Probably been standing for 85-88 years, without it would seem, any maintenance.
This blog has partly been inspired by a first hand report from Ukraine at our church recently, telling us of the war situation there and its devastating effect on the Christian community and the population at large. It was good to hear that amidst the chaos and tradgedy caused by bombs, drones and missiles bringing death and destruction, the church was playing an important role in bringing shelter, relief and succour in Jesus’ Name. We are also receiving at church regular reports from Lebanon with the same stories of tragedies, suffering and loss, where again the church is playing its role in relief and counselling efforts to help the bereaved, injured, homeless and traumatised people. I guess we could write screeds on the Middle East, and Sudan (currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis) that we seldom hear about. I was in Sudan as Tearfund’s representative during the civil war, so know something of the horrors of such situations. And so we could go on, and on. At Tearfund we sometimes spoke of supporter fatigue, where people would give money but didn’t want to know the details. I would recommend Tearfund if you have a heart to give, they do a great job and have a Glasgow Office. Just go on line and click Tearfund
Donor fatigue of course is understandable, for we all receive so many requests for help, whilst having difficulties and problems of our own. Thankfully we have been saved from warfare on these shores for over eighty years, and have had no need to find shelter from bombs and missiles, and by God’s grace, long may that continue. However isn’t it true we have many other battles going on in our hearts and minds, that we wish we could find shelter from? Family, finance and fear? Health, heartache and hopelessness? And I guess many more. Sadly in our society today the place for shelter too often is sought, by running to alcohol, and drugs. Then there is the proverbial ‘head in the sand’ approach, which keeps pressing on with life, ignoring all difficulties until they eventually catch up with us!
For me the answer is found in a person, God’s own Son the Lord Jesus Christ who promises life in all its fulness. including peace and forgiveness as we respond to His call to come. ‘Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. Before he returned to his Father he also said to those who loved and followed Him, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.‘
When storms of life do come. its good to have a pilot aboard. At church recently we were looking at Psalm 46, it was a favourite of my dad’s, it starts like this:
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
A popular hymn these days uses these words from the lips of Solomon The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. Prov.18.10 Plenty versions of this hymn to choose from on You Tube, check it out!
With that I’ll sign off, summer is anticipated here and seedlings in the greenhouse are now being planted out. I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are, and whatever season you are in. Its always good to hear from you. Matthew
Matthew McKinnon's Blog 