5 minutes with Suz

Tell us a little about you

I've had a fantastic life so far, with many unique opportunities. David and I spent our first first years together in Melbourne running No 93 Community House in Carlton for St Jude's Anglican church. Then our four beautiful children came along, some with special needs which opened us to a new community of people. We moved back to Adelaide where I went back to Occupational Therapy. In the 2000's I had a career change, studied a Grad Dip in Divinity and worked in a Baptist and then a Churches of Christ Church. I led the small group ministry, a disability outreach, a community centre and a drug and alcohol recovery program during these years. I heard there was a need for chaplains in the women's prison and I gradually increased my time there over a few years and left church ministry.  I retired from my job at the prison 18 months ago, though I still visit weekly and run monthly services as one of the volunteers. After many years of helping others, I have more time and head space to write and paint. I want to make God easier to understand to people who are finding out and new to faith. Outside of work and family, I love my garden, animals, and all kinds of artistic expression.

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

Ephesians 3:8-9 are my favourite verses because they describe what I believe God wants me to devote my life to. My job is to put the old story into new words and convey Jesus to people who knew nothing about him. In my devotional books and during prison church services, this is what is happening. The arts have made this come alive, as I found people engage with paintings and become intrigued by the Bible story. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.' Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Eph 3.8-9

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

This is always our battle, to keep focussed. I struggled for many years with spiritual routines and practises, but about five years ago I started painting the Bible passages, not every day but one or two a week. God, in his grace, has given me a way to connect with him which really works for me. This made me think deeply about what both the stories and the teachings look like in the real world; both what they looked like in the time they were written and how they might look today. The Bible has now become a picture book to me of far deeper understanding, imagination and excitement as I try to show people who God is and describe how much he wants to know us and guide our lives today. Painting God's story as well as prayer throughout the day as I meet people keeps me focused on Jesus.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

To the next generation of Christian women, I know it seems like  the older generations put up with many gender related expectations which seem intolerable today. Yet, each generation has moved the line on, and things are better today than they were when I was becoming an adult. So be patient with things that are not right yet, and keep going because it takes more time that we like. Remember that the first priority is always the gospel, so we need to be able to lay other agendas down in order that the gospel comes first. People need Jesus more than they need gender equality! Yet, the gospel will eventually bring freedom to all who have been oppressed. There are other minority groups who struggle equally or more so than women, so everything you feel about gender inequality in the church also relates to every other area of discrimination. Use your voice not just on gender issues but on all kingdom issues; stand with others. God lets us suffer a little, and from this suffering arises passion and motivation to see His kingdom come. This is a privilege and a burden he asks us to carry, so bear all the difficulties with confidence, kindness and a smile. Those who disagree with you are not your enemies, and they need your love and forgiveness. The devil is our enemy and the source of all lies and division that happens in the church. We can hate him as much as we want but we must keep our hearts soft to people!

What’s one thing that you love about your local church?

I love the people in my church. Each one has a story of God touching their lives. They are not perfect, they can push my buttons sometimes, but they turn up week after week to praise God and together, we are family. Music comes and goes, sermons are good or indifferent, but the people always matter. I love the babies through to the men and women in their nineties. God shows his love to me through the people in my church, and lets me show my love for him as I love them back.

What did you learn about God during a time in your life that was hard?

God never abandons me. I have had a few very low times in my life, I have struggled with depression at times, I have made mistakes, and I have lost loved ones, but regardless of what I was going through, I believed God was with me, even when he felt a long way away.  I know he was with me and still is. Sometimes, it is lonely being a Christian and going through hard times. Even when no-one else understands me, God does and he stays close. The comfort of God is so gentle.

What are you passionate about? People. My eldest son has Down syndrome, and my youngest has neurodiversity. As their mother, I have been their help and advocate through many things. I can't stand it when they are discriminated against, put down or not valued. I have discovered that our wholeness as humanity and as a church includes embracing all people with all their diversities and messiness. I want to help the church be the best bride of Christ it can be by being loving, welcoming, and respectful of all people. I am passionate about making church less nice and more real, so that it can better reflect and accommodate the messiness of people who are hearing the good news of Jesus. We aren't perfect and we shouldn't judge each other, but bear with each other. Our language, our examples, and our leadership need to reflect more diversity. I have been taught by people with intellectual disabilities, people with psychosis, people living on the streets, people doing time in prison. They have all helped me many times and in many ways, and I am not there to help them but to be a mutual community with them, and allow God to minister to us through each other.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

I have a rambling garden, a dog who likes to come everywhere with me, and a family who I love spending time with. I love creating- with words, with paint, with ideas. I love hanging out with my friends and eating cheese and produce from my garden. My husband inspires me in many ways, he loves nature and animals too and I am always learning about compassion and service from him.