Opportunities for Grace

At York Railways Station is a prominent, if modest, plaque commemorating William Milner (1900-1942). It reads:

Station Foreman William Milner, a keen member of the LNER First-aid Movement, gave his life in an attempt to obtain a box of medical supplies, urgently needed for treating air-raid casualties. He entered a blazing building near this site, at the height of the attack on 29th April, 1942, which caused extensive damage to the station. When his body was found, he was still holding the box of first-aid equipment. Mr Milner was posthumously awarded the King's Commendation for Gallantry.

Bombings, wars, attacks and illnesses may be permitted by a good God for their providing so many opportunities for bravery, kindness, self-sacrifice and generosity. In the coming Kingdom of God, there shall be no need for these virtues, for Christ’s reign shall be perfect. Until then, see hardship and horror as a stage upon which to perform acts of grace and tokens of kindness.