Desmond Tutu 1931-2021

A true legend of the anti-apartheid movement; a man not afraid to criticise all parties, including the white supremacist regime that caused so much harm to South Africa's people and the ANC governments that have not truly delivered on the equality hoped for. There are very few like him.

Rest in Peace.

Christmas 2021

This has been a better year than last, with the vaccine rollout making lives a lot better allowing for many restrictions to be at least temporarily lifted. Omicron is now posing a big challenge and it is clear that the fight against Covid-19 is by no means over yet.

All this has caused a lot of problems for people's mental health; uncertainty over plans and what we'll be allowed to do next week means that there isn't always a lot to look forward to.

But Jesus is something to look forward to. One day there will be no more guilt, no more fear, no more tears and no more uncertainty. Just an eternity of happiness with him in heaven. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be able to keep going at times. He came to save sinners - and we are all sinners - taking our sins away from us via his perfect sacrifice. Things will get better.

With that message of hope, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Coronavirus #35 - The Omicron lockdown?

With the rate of Omicron's growth and its ability to get round the vaccines to some extent, the ultimate question is just how much severe illness it causes compared with Delta. The evidence from South Africa is that it isn't as bad by quite some margin, but it remains to be seen just how applicable that is with other countries.

A number of nations are implementing restrictions already to slow the impact of this; people in other places are adjusting their plans to minimise their risk. I was going to see the new Spiderman film yesterday, but I decided against it in the current circumstances.

We may end seeing further restrictions after Christmas. A lot depends on how this week - with the schools off, remember - goes, particularly with hospital admissions.