Let all who are helpless take heart (Psalm 34:2; NLT).
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).
Introduction
Hello, my name is Ruth, and I try to follow the example of Jesus. My website explores the trials and sorrows I face, and shares what I learn along the way. My aim is to help those who are struggling with their own lives to feel less alone.
My faith is
Christian
Liberal
Non-denominational
Egalitarian
Inclusive
Universalist
Constantly developing
My writing reflects my core beliefs that
God loves us all unconditionally
God lives in, over and through everyone and everything
Everyone is of equal value
We are all one with God
We all have free will
We can all choose to embrace God, or to separate ourselves from God
God includes and transcends all that is feminine, masculine, and beyond
Gender-neutral language for God
Since 14.5.25. I have used solely gender-neutral language when writing about God. Earlier blogs refer to God in more traditional ways.
My background
I am 73 years old, and my life has been full of physical and mental challenges following an emotionally abusive childhood. My health is poor, but I am still changing, struggling, failing, and growing.
My inspiration
Whilst praying, or just going about my day, I often experience spiritual insight and inspiration. Sometimes I also have strange dreams and visions. These experiences form the basis for everything I share here.
Neurodivergence
In July 2025 I discovered that I have always been face blind. I am now working on ways to help myself cope with this issue. I am also waiting to be assessed for autism at the end of January 2026.
No charges,
Everything on my website is free. I hope you will find something here which interests, helps, or comforts you. Every day I pray for all who visit and follow here. May each blog reach the one who needs it most, wherever they are in this troubled world.
Finally
I have been slowly upgrading my website for the last few months, but the scale of this task is enormous, and could easily take over my life completely. Having fully updated every blog going back to 24.3.22, I can manage no more at present. This means that earlier blogs are not edited to the standard I have developed over the last few years. Everything I have ever posted is still here, though, starting from November 2013, when the website was launched.
With love, best wishes, blessings and daily prayers for all who visit here each day,
From Ruth xxx
Thank you for your lovely blog. I am the editor of a Catholic vocation guide, VISION (vocationnetwork.org). We are considering use of a photo from this page of your blog: https://ruthkirk.org/jesus/#jp-carousel-18393
Might we have permission to use it?
If so, we’d credit it as you instruct. The art would accompany an article on following Christ. Thank you for your consideration and best wishes in your continued publishing.
Dear Carol, thank you so much for looking at my website and contacting me. I’m always happy to share. I used the photo in question before I knew anything about crediting photographers, but I think I probably got it from Yandex, though I’ve failed to re-find it this morning.
I therefore suggest you include a credit reading something like this:
“Photo via ruthkirk.org, from Yandex”
With best wishes, from Ruth xxx
Thank you for this link today……… it is very poignant on this ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’…prayers for those in absolute despair, may the Lord watch over them and keep the safe.
I echo your prayer XXXXXX