LAST Tuesday was an unforgettable day in the lives of most of us over the age of 50. Mainly because the Queen Mother has been there all our lives, to be honoured and revered for her graciousness and longevity. No wonder Dr George Carey declared strength, dignity and laughter to be her attributes. But God's challenge for every woman is to aim for those qualities. There are guidelines for men, too. Read The Beatitudes (Matthew, Ch 5).

Even St Paul claimed he was unable to attain the challenges of the scriptures without the help of a higher power than man, namely the Holy Spirit. He is the person for the season of six weeks after Easter. The Lord Jesus rose again from the dead that glorious Easter Day, commanded his followers to stay in Jerusalem until they received the promised holy spirit to give them power to live out his teachings. They waited 40 days and then the miracle occurred. The holy spirit fell on them like tongues of fire. The day of Pentecost had come.

Of course, our Christian feasts have been made into bank holidays, but people are still being born again (St John Ch 2) and people are still being filled with the holy spirit. We don't have to wait 40 days. Jesus is alive and well. The Church is alive and well. The Queen Mother has entered her promised rest - let's follow.

Jim Wilkinson, Hollybush Christian Fellowship, Thirsk.