I heard back about my proposal on Friday. Apparently, I am a strong candidate, and it is a good proposal. Phew!

I’ve been reflecting today, whilst listening to a podcast from Brian McLaren, about how useful or not this investment in research might ultimately be. My fear is that the problem of housing and, essentially, poverty, is so complex that it might not ever really shift until it’s too late. With the reality of climate change and war that is so, so visible right now, who might actually live in any homes that might ultimately be created as a result?

This is a deep worry that I want to grapple with. It risks wobbling me, so I need to know what I think about it in advance of any crisis I might experience.

Something hit me today, that feels like a deep truth. Small acts of love might be the things that keep us human in the face of huge tragedy. This is what gives me hope and keeps my head up when what I’m hearing about in the news every day threatens to knock me over.

I realised today that this is what may be one of the key drivers behind what I want to explore over these coming 7 years or so. How can the (relatively) small acts of love that faith driven communities wish to undertake by acting in the space of housing development, and fighting for affordability, keep us from the despair that the reality of the systems that drive housing can bring? That’s an overly long question, I know. And I need to work on that. But I think I’ve spotted something important for me here.

Maybe it’s something I’ll reflect on more. I’m sure it will be. And this research, should I get the opportunity to do it in this way, will most certainly be a small act of love from me.