I have been encouraged not to worry about how my blog looks, whether I’ve got a name for it yet, or even if I am feeling overwhelmed. And to tell why I am here.
I am here because I have things to say. For most of my life I think I have been content to speak through the many means at my disposal but of late I have been yearning to say more. I preach (as in my current parish of St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury, Manchester), speak (in every kind of group from the three-somes of prayer ministry to the General Synod of the C of E) and write (articles, reflections, theses, chapters and letters to people across the world with whom I share an interest). And yet it’s not enough. I feel as though there is still more to say. I want to tell my story, too.
Perhaps this has something to do with growing older: I am 64. I think the Beatles knew a thing or two when they sang about this age. I am also female, married, and mother of four adults of whom I am immensely proud – three boys and a girl. Each one pursuing their own way and delighting their father and me with who they have become.
I have been a priest since 2000, working in Manchester, as curate, rector, area dean, training incumbent, in diocesan roles, inter-faith, and now chaplaincy in an ordination college alongside my half-time parish role. Within the breadth of my denomination I would call myself ‘accepting evangelical’.
Before my ‘call’ in ’92 I was a nurse, midwife, district nurse, geriatric health visitor, multi-level marketing business-woman and property manager.
As to hobbies, well, I like my chess games, scuba-diving, baking bread and craftwork. As to what I love, it’s people, and learning (three masters’ in contemporary theology, a degree in nursing and diploma in post-graduate counselling). As to what makes me sing, it’s family, Israel, the Church, the Hebrew language, France and spending time with Jesus.
Lisa Battye blogs 