A trainee vicar in Wales is using poetry to help lift people's spirits as they remain indoors during the coronavirus crisis.
Ben Lines, who is an ordinand at St Padarn's Institute in Cardiff, is using social media to share his one-minute messages of hope each day of the lockdown, to encourage people in their faith.
Lines' poems share his personal experiences of life at home throughout to pandemic as well as reflecting on bible verses and characters.
Lines was due to be ordained in June and is on student placement at Llandudno Junction and Deganwy in St Asaph Diocese. He explains that juggling family life, work, home-schooling and a masters has had its challenges and he hopes to bless others as he shares his own story of lockdown highs and lows.
Day #16 - Bay days & Grace @ChurchinWales @StAsaphDiocese @PadarnSant pic.twitter.com/9ukB4wujb3
— Benjamin Lines (@benjamin_lines) April 29, 2020
"Lockdown has left the whole of the UK searching for a new normal," Lines said. "Most of us have lost our routines and rhythms that we depend upon. Instead we are confined to our homes, attempting to work and function remotely. We are all more familiar now with Zoom and other video conferencing software than we would ever want to be.
"Some are thriving in isolation whilst others are struggling to keep themselves going. [As a family] we have had moments of joy and moments of despair. We are conscious that our situation is not unique and it has been important for us to be honest and share our story with others," Lines explained.
"My hope and prayer is that, in a very simple way, I am able to be an honest voice of hope and joy during these difficult days."
