Old Soul
Old Soul seemed an apt title for my blog page because, contrary to my skewed self-perception, most people would now consider me to be ‘old’! One hopes that with that label comes a degree of lived experience and acquired wisdom that might resonate with others of a similar age, and – wonder of wonders – might even be of interest and value to those of a dissimilar age.
I find myself energised and intrigued by the wonder of creation, by the diversity of humanity, by the mysteries of life, and by a pervading sense of connection with that which is beyond me, something that stirs my soul, something ‘bigger’. Most commonly that ‘something’ has been named as God or perhaps as ‘the ground of all being’ (after Paul Tillich), or as Gaia (as per Matthew Fox), or as Allah, or Yahweh, or Shiva, or Ek, but I am increasingly uncomfortable with the limitations that our need to name or label places upon that ‘other’!
So I am seeking to reflect on my journey toward who-knows-what – a growing awareness, a developing understanding, a deepening experience of that which quickens my soul and informs my engagement with life.
Dare I believe that there are others who might be interested in journeying with this ‘Old Soul’? I guess I wouldn’t publish this blog site if I didn’t!
My Story
I’m David Brooker. I’m a husband, father and grandfather who enjoys motorcycling, caravan touring, walking, music, reading, sport (particularly Australian Rules football), good coffee, … … the list goes on. My early study and work was in medical research, but for the past 45 years I have worked in church-based leadership roles across three States (Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory), in both local church and State leadership positions. I was also privileged to serve for a period on the Executive Committee of the World Convention of Churches of Christ, and as Chair of the City of Kingston Interfaith Network.
Having recently retired, I am enjoying a lifestyle with more flexibility of time and the opportunity to explore new areas (both intellectual and geographical!). I am most comfortable at the ‘progressive’ end of the theological spectrum, meaning that I am committed to rigorous theological and biblical scholarship, remain open to new ideas, and am enthusiastic about dialogue with those who live at different points on the Christian theological spectrum, and with those who live within different faith traditions.
I began writing this blog primarily to sustain and kindle my own ongoing thought and practice, but I have been encouraged to share the ramblings from ‘the cobwebs of my mind’ with a wider audience. I count it a privilege that others may be interested in reading my material and I look forward to your feedback.
Cobwebs of My Mind
The theme for my page was inspired by the Moody Blues song, The Land of Make-Believe (see below). The Moody Blues are one of my all-time favourite bands – I love the sound of their music and their lyrics so often point beyond the confines of the present tangible world to a new world of hope and promise and love. At least that’s how I hear it!
It’s how I interpret their prayer in The Land of Make-Believe, and the image conveyed by the line ‘brush away the cobwebs from your daydreams’ seemed to parallel the process in which I am engaged in this blog. Every post I write invites me to delve into the cobwebs of my mind to discover not dusty old relics but surprisingly fresh concepts, motifs and insights that emerge from my engagement with writers and thinkers and practitioners like Matthew Fox, Marcus Borg, Richard Rohr, Diana Butler Bass, Nick Cave, Frederick Buechner to name a few.
I have also been formed by the wisdom and mentoring of my teachers and peers over the years – people like Ian Corlett, Bill Tabbernee, Ash Barker, Keith Farmer, Gerald Rose – and by the many church leaders who have generously shared their encouragement, grace and patience with me throughout the years. And, of course, my delightful family, who continue to shape me and love me and enliven me with every memory and every present engagement, in particular my late father, Ron Brooker, and my wife, Heather. Echoes of the influence of all these people, named and unnamed, will be clearly discerned amongst the cobwebs of my mind and for them all I am deeply grateful.
The Land of Make-Believe (The Moody Blues)
We’re living in the land of make-believe
And trying not to let it show
Maybe in that land of make-believe
Heartaches can turn into joy.
We’re breathing in the smoke of high and low
We’re taking up a lot of room
Somewhere in the dark and silent night
Our prayer will be heard, make it soon.
So fly little bird
Up into the clear blue sky
And carry the word
Love’s the only reason why, why.
Open up the shutters on your windows
Unlock all the locks upon your doors
Brush away the cobwebs from your day-dreams
No secrets come between us any more
Oh say it’s true
Only love will see you through
You know what love can do to you.
Justin Hayward, The Moody Blues
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