Lent Confirmation

This blog post was going to be a long piece about my Lenten journey but it simply comes down to this, reconfirming that I am Christian which literally translates to follower of Christ.

Follow

When life feels increasingly hollow;

I make the sign of the cross and remember to follow.

He cleanses me without a single drop of soap;

I am born in a baptism of hope.

On Good Friday I venerate the cross with a mixture of joy and sorrow;

Then I lift my head and follow.

Each Lent I reflect on God's love everlasting;

Through prayer, alms giving, and fasting.

When Satan tempts me with a lie he thinks I will swallow;

I take Christ's hand and continue to follow.

When life sends me careening towards a wall of bricks;

I give thanks and reach for my crucifix.

When I follow the lessons He taught;

There is no need for an earthly court.

He took my pain along with every sin;

I pick up the cross and follow my King.

Chris Van Ingen | 18 April 2025

Comments

Defend Our NDIS

Defend our NDIS; people have had enough of cuts and changes to the NDIS. The Every Australian Counts campaign has organised a national day of action and events across Australia to take place on 28th of April. I have been involved in the NDIS from the initial trial phase through to today. People may remember that I was involved in an advertising campaign spruiking the benefits to come once the scheme was up and running. ‘You’re in charge! Yes we are, aren’t we!’ For awhile this was the truth for participants like myself. I have been very lucky and received 90 percent of what I need from NDIS. The question is would I have received the same benefits if I was not a skilled disability advocate? People with disabilities want the original version of the scheme that was promised without having to fight for a reasonable request. It would be a more efficient scheme if the government put the millions of dollars in legal fees into service delivery instead. Accord...

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks. I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...

Wisdom Takes Work

The final book in Ryan Holiday's Stoic Virtues series came out this year. The book Wisdom Takes Work is a powerful and thought provoking addition to his phenomenal works on Stoicism. The book's central theme is that wisdom ties together all the other virtues. There is no courage, discipline, or justice without wisdom. Holiday breaks down the concept of wisdom into five key attributes: knowledge, education, self reflection, truth, and peace. Knowledge and education covers both traditional schooling and learning as well as self education, the 'school of life' so to speak. As part of the journey to becoming a wise man, or woman, there must be self reflection so that don't just memorise lessons but internalise and apply them. Doing this self reflection leads you to look beneath the surface of life leading you to truth and peace. If you haven't already, read Ryan Holiday's Virtues series: Courage is Calling , Discipline is Destiny , Righ...

Humanity Platform

Search This Blog