Editor,
Rob Waller's article on 'Boosting your Brain' was very relevant. I am constantly faced with the challenge of where to draw the line in my academic work; I feel a duty to maximise the academic potential that God has given me, as a more knowledgeable doctor can better help their patients.
It was good to learn of the physiological and intellectual risks of boosting the brain with drugs such as Ritalin, and to be reminded of the growth we can get from failures and setbacks, as well as the humility that can come from knowing that others are better than us in certain areas.
It challenged me to think of how I boost my brain in other 'unnatural' ways; how much coffee can I take and how little sleep can I subject my body to in order to write that essay or gain top marks in an exam? Each person must decide this for themselves but at the end of the day, it's all about God!
Abigail Brempah
Royal Free/University College, London
Editor,
'Fearfully and Wonderfully Made – diversity' was an encouragement to me; too often I allow myself to see the differences in other Christians as an avenue for difficulty, not appreciating God's creativity and his ability to work through our different perspectives. Recently a friend and I had been having difficulties with one another; unpleasant disagreement seemed to sprout at every turn. The Holy Spirit drew us to Ezekiel 37:15-28, where God said, 'I am going to take the stick of Joseph…and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand…I will make them one nation in the land…'
It was perfect, it clicked, I didn't need to struggle about how I would do God's work with one so different from myself - if God could make two nations who had wandered so far apart become one, how much more 'lil ol' me' and my friend! I stand in awe of the Lord and his awesome plan!
Oluwatosin Haastrup
St George's Hospital, London
Editor,
I was reading Martin Hallett's article on homosexuality and found it really helpful. I study in Brighton, a city renowned for its large homosexual subculture.
I have observed that most people think sexual orientation is black and white - you are either 'gay' or 'straight'. I even catch myself using this kind of language because it is easy to use and helpful in making distinctions. However, I don't believe that God sees us this way. As Martin pointed out, homosexual acts are just one type of sin, along with jealousy and greed, which anyone may be tempted by. We must guard ourselves carefully, because even sins that are often 'church-acceptable' such as downloading pirate music and telling white lies can quickly ensnare our souls. The real battle lies within our hearts; compared to this all other battles are nothing.
Matt Stammers
Brighton medical school
