God works in strange ways. Maybe there's a little bit of Celt in me, but it seems to me that God weaves stories using our lives. If you look back over your life you may see unexpected meetings with people; unlikely God-incidences; unexpected events and connections. So it was that in 2000 I was invited to go to Buenos Aires to a Harvest Evangelism Conference. It was there that I "met the Irish". Individuals from both North and South, from Cork to Coleraine. It was a life-changing encounter.

To my shame I had lived almost 40 years without ever flying the 45 minutes it takes to get to Dublin or Belfast. I have since then travelled a few times to Ireland. Nowhere near as much as would like, but as much as I can afford.

What I have learned is that as a Englishman I have to go in an attitude of servant-hood. England has almost always acted from "superiority", "power" and "control". That has to stop; the process reversed and the effects of the past - as much as we can - undone.

For the sake of Irish readers, please be assured that I do not presumptuously suggest that I "understand the Irish problem"!       Far from it. However I have a heart and a mind to learn. Neither am I naive in thinking that it is all the fault of "the British". But clearly the weight of responsibility and culpability lies there.

It was N American "Indian" chief Nigel Bigpond who said, " When I am asked how often do people have to say sorry for the sins committed against my people I reply, 'Until it doesn't hurt anymore' "

There will be no solution to the troubles and the situation in Northern Ireland until we have learned to take responsibility for our ancestors actions and are capable of admitting and repenting of the fact that they behaved in unGodly, immoral and unethical ways.

How many more times will I travel to Ireland? As many times as I can. As many times as I feel I should.

More personal stuff @ www.malcolminthemiddle.me.uk

The "Union" Flag and the Tricolour     -      Both symbols of Unity used now as Symbols of Division

England Scotland and Ireland "united"           -            'Catholic' Green; Protestant Orange joined by the White of Peace