‘Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.’ (Maya Angelou) I can’t create a rainbow. I can only witness its radiant beauty. A rainbow itself is created by white light, refracted as it strikes droplets of water in the air, often seen most vividly during or after rainfall. Some of the most stunning I’ve seen have been in Scotland where sunshine and rain are common together, with bright-coloured rainbows emerging like curvaceous, prismatic streamers in their midst. The Bible depicts rainbows as signs of spiritual-existential promise, of hope, initiated by God. Again, this isn't something I can make happen. I can only witness it, experience it, be awestruck by it. It’s something, or rather Someone, who clings to me amidst the violent storms, raging winds and torrential downpours of my life. Often, quite literally, this has been the only reason why I'm still alive today. Sometimes, I only perceive or discern the traces of a rainbow after the event. It’s like a mysterious pattern that appears, by faith, and is only visible from a distance. I went to theological school for 3 years. Inexplicably, my fees and living expenses were fully-paid. I remember, however, sitting on the side of my bed, alone and in near-despair. Studying God like studying physics felt like a travesty. Years later, the hidden seeds sown through that experience gradually came to fruition. I can now see the deep wisdom in that youthful decision, that strange prompt of divine opportunity that had felt so hard for me at the time. It was a period that had included a broken engagement, a snapped shin bone, tests for throat cancer and many other painful trials. Yet still, somehow...a rainbow appeared.
16 Comments
Brian Mitchell
14/1/2024 03:36:27 pm
Rainbows sounded a bit twee until I read your final paragraph, Nick. Respect is due. Hope you recovered OK.
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Nick Wright
14/1/2024 04:03:06 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Brian. Life goes on..! 🙏
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Karen Paterson
14/1/2024 03:38:55 pm
You have a lovely way with language Nick! I'll look at rainbows differently now. Thank you for sharing.
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Nick Wright
14/1/2024 04:04:27 pm
Hi Karen and thank you for such heartwarming feedback! 🌈
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Daniel Anderson
14/1/2024 04:27:12 pm
Your blog has intrigued me, Nick. SO many unanswered questions. Only hints! What did you mean when you said "Inexplicably, my fees and living expenses were fully-paid"?
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Nick Wright
14/1/2024 04:47:56 pm
Hi Daniel. That's a good question!
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Alison Flanders
14/1/2024 04:28:29 pm
Hey Nick. Where do you find such great photos for your blogs? Do you take them yourself?
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Nick Wright
14/1/2024 04:37:34 pm
Thanks for your affirming feedback, Alison. I sometimes use my own photos. I also use Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/) and Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/) for free-use images.
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Helen
14/1/2024 11:40:21 pm
I read your blog Im speechless of the gift of writing God had given you. It brightens my cloudy windy morning. Thank you Coach for bringing the 🌈 to the lives of the poorest people in PH. May JESUS bring forth the rainbow of infinite blessings each day thru the HolySpirit.🙃🙃🙃
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Nick Wright
15/1/2024 04:42:31 pm
Thank you for such kind words, Helen. It has been a real privilege for me to work in supporting you and some of the poorest people in the Philippines. Definitely a bright and colourful rainbow in my own life! I continue to value all your encouragement and prayer support to me. Jesus bless you deeply and always.
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Charles Bennett
15/1/2024 04:44:18 pm
Nick, I don't understand. What do you mean? "Studying God like studying physics felt like a travesty". I'm confused.
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Nick Wright
15/1/2024 04:58:16 pm
Hi Charles. That's a good question. The school of theology that I attended approached theology primarily as an academic discipline, in much the same way that one might approach other academic studies. This was to fulfil the demands of related secular university requirements and qualifications.
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Hans Vogel
15/1/2024 05:04:37 pm
Rainbows are for children and fairy tales. You live in a fantasy world. Grow up.
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Nick Wright
15/1/2024 05:23:48 pm
Hi Hans. 'You live in a fantasy world'. Interesting challenge. To be honest, I struggle to conceive of how I might experience or make sense of life and the world without 'fantasy' or, in others words, access to imagination. (On this theme, you may find this related piece interesting? https://www.nick-wright.com/blog/exploring-the-imagination).
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Shirley Moorse
16/1/2024 02:31:45 pm
Hi Nick. A further thought on rainbows: I like to think the only reason I'm still around is because God wants me to be a rainbow in someone else's life. With love.
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Nick Wright
16/1/2024 02:34:11 pm
Hi Shirley. You are - and always have been - a bright rainbow in my life…and in the lives of so many others! Jesus bless you. 🌈
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! Like what you read? Simply enter your email address below to receive regular blog updates!
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