Finding Stability in Times of Change
Change is nothing new, ever-present, and often faster than many people can cope with. We live in a world where change is often feared, stability can be elusive and busyness interferes with listening to God.
Using the miracle of the calming of the storm as its focus, "Finding Stability in Times of Change" considers how the storm symbolises periods of change, transition, and difficulty and how the calming influence of Christ helps us to find stability. The book includes practical and achievable suggestions for readers to consider in their own life.
The book will be launched in September 2022 and will be available as an e-book, paperback, and hopefully an audiobook at the end of 2022.
About the Author
Married to Jane, who is a vicar, they live in Devon with Daisy, a cocker spaniel, and have two adult children. They serve in the Haldon Mission Community of eight churches. A Christian since 1979, Richard has been a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) in the Church of England since 2003. Richard is a Chaplain to the South West Ministry Training Course and Chair of the Diocese of Exeter’s Clergy Household Hub. He is also an Oblate (a ‘third order’, lay member) of the Anglican Benedictine Monastic Community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire.
Richard started work as an employment advisor in 1979 and specialised in supporting people with mental health conditions to remain at work. Working for Devon Partnership NHS Trust at Workways from 2002, he previously worked for what is now Dept for Work & Pensions including working in Jobcentres helping people who were long-term unemployed and those who have a disability. In his work for the NHS, he also developed and led Mindful Employer, an international ground-breaking initiative helping employers to support staff experiencing mental ill-health. Richard moved on from this work in December 2018 to begin the next stage of life (some call this ‘retirement’).
Showing how it’s never too late to learn, having failed A-levels at school, he passed his driving test at the age of 38, and 15 years later, gained an MSc in Vocational Rehabilitation. Richard was appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018 for services to mental health.
He has published two books "Life with St Benedict" and "A Story to Tell". His first novel "Looking to Move On", is due to be released in October 2022. A contemporary story of loss & love. The title reflects the message of the book which is one of hope over adversity and that moving on, and rebuilding life, is always possible.
Richard is available for quiet days, preaching, and mental health awareness workshops – please contact him to discuss.
