WHEN you hear the words, May Day, what image is conjured up in your mind?

There are many words in the English language which have double meanings;

do you imagine celebrations, dancing around the Maypole, or do you think of distress? A cry for help or a celebration; there could not be two meanings more further apart for the same word.

Mayday is the international radio distress signal used by pilots and mariners to signal life-threatening emergencies, derived from the French phrase m'aider ("help me")

A cry for help was never more poignant than from Hind Rajab, a five year old girl trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue.

With six members of her family dead in the car with her, Hind was the only one alive pleading for help.

The world is crying out for help right now, we cannot turn a blind eye.

I am asked the question many times, how can God let these things happen?

God doesn’t let them happen, they are created by man making wrong or selfish choices.

If one believes in a God of love and creation, one also has to believe that an evil force is at work in the world, the devil or Satan call it what you will, this force is hardening hearts, corrupting and influencing minds to make choices which go against the common good.

The Bible tells us there will be wars, famines, suffering, being caused by and large by man’s greed for power and wealth.

We are all responsible for our own actions, we can choose to hear the cry or ignore, living our lives in a bubble, but if that bubble bursts will our cry for help be heard?

We can all do our part in answering any Mayday call at any time whether it be in our own communities, or in the wider world.

A friendly smile instead of a frown when meeting people in the street can work wonders. If someone is grumpy or unkind towards us, are they crying for help?

I believe in a God that really does want us to celebrate, dance and sing, giving thanks and praise for the beautiful world he has created for us to enjoy. But whilst doing so, remember to listen for the cries of those in need.

Jesus showed the world compassion and love, we can at least try day by day to follow his example.

God wants each and every one of us to join the celebrations.

Bring a picnic to Newcombe’s Meadow at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 24, joining with Crediton Town Band to sing your favourite hymns.

Contact any of the churches in Town for more details.

Rev Sandra Collier

Assistant Curate

Crediton Benefice Community