Friday 21st March

Youve got to love the UK.   In the past 24 hours over a million pounds has been given to Cancer Research UK because someone decided to start a fundraising campaign on Facebook.   The makeup-free selfie ( and associated £3 suggested donation) has gone viral and the charity has been inundated with texts - as have several other cancer charities.  How wonderful.  I wonder how the person who came up with the idea feels today about having kick started something so simple yet effective.  Its the sort of thing which makes one rejoice in the internet - which, lets face it, can often get a bad press

As with everything in life, the internet is something which can be used for good and bad.  Yes, of course one might spend way too many minutes ( hours, days?) playing stupid games and putting off doing the ironing whilst watching youtube clips of your favourite bands.  But it can't be denied that it is also a tool for great good.

There are lots of isolated and lonely people on the planet.  Many of them are now on the internet.  In the old days we used to send a card to someone to let them know we were thinking about them.  Now we can send an e-card.  Or order them a bunch of flowers online.  Or Skype them.

So today I have a challenge for you as we cross the halfway point of Lent.  Go through your email addresses or your friends list and pick out half a dozen people to encourage.   Send them a message/email/text to say you are thinking about them and tell them something great.   It will take five minutes out of your day - but just like the person who started the Cancer selfie campaign, who knows the effect it might have.

Lord Jesus,  thank You so much for all the amazing technology we have at our disposal these days.  Help us to use it for good.  To bless and encourage people.  To witness and testify.  To re-establish and maintain contact and even to make new friends.  I pray that everyone who comes across the ' virtual' me will see something of the real You.   Amen