Mirjam Ngoy-Verhage reflects on a profound encounter with a Black Madonna statue in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Liesse in rural France. She observes how this image challenges perceptions of God and the way people interact with divinity. The presence of a Black Madonna, representing Mary or God as a black woman, is significant, especially for her daughter, who can relate to the image as a young, black woman of dual heritage.

Following a family interfaith wedding, Nicola Smedley reflects on the gift of difference – both in our lives, and in the Spiritual Direction relationship.