The North American bull elk is a spirited animal known for its strength and stamina and its ability to run for many miles, even after having been shot and wounded by a hunter.

Known as blood trailing, the hunter tracks the elk, finds it, and kills it.

In my breakthrough book, Wounded and on the Run, I draw on the uncanny parallels between wounded Christians and the elk. Sharing my deeply personal story with courage and vulnerability, I reveal how the hunter, Satan inflicted decades of wounds involving shame, trauma and hurt within the church. This kept me running for years, until I found the power of the redemptive blood trail of Jesus, turning my worst pain into my greatest calling.

So, come with me if you will, and picture a scene of a little wooden cabin in the forest with smoke smouldering out of a metal chimney poking through a grey slatted roof. Imagine the dappled rays of light peeking through the branches of the trees, as they shine their warmth on each petal of the colourful flowers adorning the window boxes neatly positioned either side of the front door. 

Take off your muddied shoes and make yourself at home as you pass under the sing above the door frame, that simply says, ‘Welcome’ and find a cosy chair in which to rest your weary soul. I’ve created a safe place for you to sit awhile, where there is no judgement or fault-finding, just a comforting glow from a log fire that offers your its warmth.