Category: Reflections

Posted in Christian, Photography Art, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Stranded yet with Faith

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Adrift and Unbroken: Path to Redemption besides being recently released, what both these movies have in common are them being true stories of being lost and hopeless, yet they survived.

Adrift (June 2018) tells of a harrowing journey of heartbreak, loss and survival; loosely based on the true story of two experienced sailors, Tami Oldham Ashcraft and Richard Sharp, who embarked on a 6,500 km delivery passage and had sailed directly into Hurricane Raymond. As the full force of its winds struck, their vessel became a wreckage and Mr Sharp was lost at sea. Ms Ashcraft, severely injured, battered and bruised was able to fashion a makeshift sail from the remains of the boat and set a course for Hawaii. She managed to survive for 41 days, powered by peanut butter and sheer willpower, before being picked up off the coast by a research vessel.

Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018) portrays the life story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II veteran who was an athlete who had made it to the Olympics, joined the military, crashed at sea, survived for 47 days, picked up by the Japanese and put into a prison camp. Yet this famous evangelist began his greatest journey after he arrived home from the war, suffered post traumatic stress symptoms and turned to alcohol — all struggles that unfolded before he accepted the Lord and experienced an incredible life transformation.

Like the above two real life stories, there are many more true stories of those who were stranded at sea and survived the ordeal.

Among the various modes of travel, conveyance by sea is done with a great deal of preparation. The right vessel is chosen, the course is chartered, the engines are double checked, the fuel, supplies and survival kits are stocked in plenty, weather predictors foreseen as well as all emergency measures and other requirements are taken into account. Only then the anchor is lifted and the vessel is set to sail. Yet all the planning can change in a matter of hours or even seconds. For there is nothing more unpredictable as the elements of nature.

Imagine getting caught in a storm at sea, then being adrift in a vast ocean or sea, where one has no control over the waves or how the vessel can be steered. If the vessel in which we were travelling is destroyed or roughened, survival becomes a question. In such a scenario, a quagmire of emotions will flit through our mind and soul. Among them would be fear, terror, anxiety, helplessness and despair of what would happen ahead.

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Yet for 19 year old Aldi Novel Adilang, an Indonesian boy who was stranded at sea for seven weeks (July to August 2018) said, he survived by reading his bible and heeding the advice of his parents to pray. He was set adrift in the Pacific Ocean while working as a lamp keeper on a floating fish trap with no paddle or engine, some 80 miles off of the coast of Indonesia. He had not only run out out of supplies after the first few days, he had lost hope and had considered committing suicide by jumping into the ocean. Then he remembered his parent’s advice who had taught him to pray to God at times of distress, he chose to turn to God instead. The teen recounted that the Bible he had on board along with prayer helped him get through this trying experience. Finally, after 49 days, a carrier saw his distress signal and he was picked up. As said, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

Likewise, Louis Jordan instead of a simple fishing trip, had survived a wretched 66 days of endurance in March 2015. His father had attributed his survival to strong constitution and religious beliefs, which had made up for his inexperience as a sailor. For, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.(Jeremiah 17: 7)”

There are many more real life stories of surviving horrifying ordeals of man and nature, all put down with sheer grit, will power, hope and immense faith. “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, then whatever you wish, ask, and it will be you (John 15: 7).”  No man of His Word can be left moored for long for His Faith will be both a compass and anchor, to direct him near the shores and find him a safe place to rest. 

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Posted in Daily, Quotes, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Surprise for Kindness

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

Unfortunately, in this modern world that we are all a part of, taking care of ourselves and families is another rat-race. Amidst all the melee it is quite difficult to be kind, especially when doing so would put you in a bind. Sometimes at that moment we feel that by lending a hand we end up giving up our desires and dreams. Yet little do we know that how far that little bit of kindness can go. Ideally, the random acts of kindness should be done expecting nothing in return. As by kindness is when we light others by our own inner flame. Small acts of kindness, a lending hand or even a simple hug, are one among the many essence of humaneness that makes the darkness fade away. Over the years, we realize that we have been blessed with two hands, one to lend and one to help ourselves or receive help. There is a story that I had once read about the mechanic. Although I don’t know if it’s true or not, this story reminds me of life’s surprises courtesy of random acts of kindness.

Story of the Mechanic

Jimmy is an automotive mechanic, but he has not worked for some time now. He always has a good heart, but always feared applying for a new job. One day, he gathered up all his strength and finally decided he will attend an interview. All dressed up in a neat white shirt and slacks pants, he went on his way. His appointment was at 10 am and it’s already 8:30. While waiting for a bus to ride going to the office where he is supposed to be interviewed, he saw an elderly man frantically kicking the tire of his car. Obvious that the there is something wrong with the car, Jimmy offered to help the old man with the problem. While he was working on the car, Jimmy told the old man that he was supposed to go to an interview as a mechanic in one company but would probably miss it because he would not be able to make it on time.
When Jimmy finished working on the old man’s car, the old man asked him how much for the service. Jimmy said there’s no need to pay him because it was not work for him, just helped someone in need. “Well, I could offer to take you to the office for your interview. It’s the least I could do, please I insist” the old man was persistent. So he agreed.
At the waiting room of the Company Jimmy has applied for, there was a long line of applicants waiting to be interviewed, and he was told that the interviewer was late. A sigh of relief for Jimmy, but other applicants looked over to him because he still has some grease on him left after the car repair. He did not have much time to wash it off or have a change of shirt.
One by one, the applicants left the interviewer’s office with gloomy looks on their faces, a sign of disappointment.
Then his name was called, the secretary escorted him to the office. A cup of coffee was served for him; the interviewer was sitting on an executive chair facing towards the office window. Rocking the executive chair back and forth he asked “Do you really need to be interviewed?” Jimmy’s heart sank. The room suddenly became a confined space for him. “With the way I look now, how could I possibly pass this interview?” he thought to himself.
Then the interviewer turned the chair and to Jimmy’s surprise, it was the old man he helped earlier in the morning. It turned out; he was the General Manager of the company Jimmy was applying at. “Sorry I had to keep you waiting, but I was pretty sure I made the right decision of having you as part of our workforce before you even stepped into this office. I just know you’d be a trustworthy worker, congratulations.” Jimmy sat down as they shared a cup of well-deserved coffee as he landed himself a new job.
-Short story by Jayson M. Familara

Although the surprises of kindness follows the common adage “you reap what you sow”. Yet as time goes by, we realize that kindness should be done without expecting anything in return. Instead, our inner light should want to do the random act of goodness. And that by itself, should give us light at times of trouble.

To quote Amelia Earhart, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Whether we get the shade of the tree or not, globally the new trees will benefit the ecosystem as a whole.

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Posted in Family and Society, Photography Art, poetry, Reflections

Trap of the Spider

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I’ve a many curious things to show when you are there.”

For those of us who haven’t heard of or read these lines before, these are the opening lines of “The Spider and the Fly” is a poem by Mary Howitt. The poem weaves the tale of the cunning Spider who ensnares the naïve Fly through the use of seduction and flattery. Primarily this poem serves a cautionary tale against those disguise their true purpose and their evil intentions with a heavy dose of flattery and charm.

Why did these lines suddenly surface to memory? Because beyond flattery and charm, these words stipulate of a false offer of help or friendship that is in fact a trap. We meet many kinds of people in our daily walks of life especially at work, at college or university, in schools, soccer practices, local neighbourhood and even at our regular diners, parlours, gym and the market. Some of these passing acquaintances become good friends while others are like ships at the harbour, they dock, load and unload, then leave. Yet in all these interactions, there will be some offers of help which we accept based either on recommendations, favours or past dealings. On the other hand, a great deal of charm and flattery which acts as false balm to the soul wins. Eventually these end up as a trap causing a great deal of harm.

It is in these situations that I am reminded of the scene between the spider and the fly. In real life, to avoid the trap these situations have to be dealt with a great deal of tact and flair. But first, to avoid the trap, trust your gut. The inner voice inside our head, the warning bells in our mind or the queasy uneasy feeling all remind us to watch our back. From then on, it’s a matter of tact and careful untangling of ourselves from the sticky web. Although it looks difficult, there will always be a way out as long as we follow the direction of the light.

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, Reflections, Stories Around the World

Alta Alatis Patent

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Last night being movie night for my husband and I, it felt pretty good to be watching “The Pursuit of Happyness” again. There are some movies which never fade in time and this is one of them. Based on the life of Chris Gardner, the C.E.O and founder of Christopher Gardner International Holdings ; it is an essentially an biographical film. The story revolves around a troubled childhood, failed marriage, monetary problems and difficult times; which I guess is a little of something that has happened to everyone at some point of time. But what makes the film adorable is that despite all the hardships, you find your own happiness. There may be many movies along similar lines, but to put them down from ‘reel’ to ‘real life’ may be difficult. Yet some of the real stories show us that although it’s difficult, it’s possible to rise from the ashes.

In fact, there are many more real-life people who have echoed similar times in their lives. The creator of Mickey Mouse was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of imagination and good ideas. Years later, many animation pictures and other movies start off with “Walt Disney” logo. Even Steven Spielberg was rejected from his university of choice. Nevertheless that never affected his talent nor skills, and he rose to become one of the greatest directors and producers of all time.

There are many more people who have gone through similar struggles. Some of them we may have only seen in papers, some heard of while others may be there who live in our own neighbourhood. If we look up our old high school friends or seniors and even juniors, we then realize how some of them have risen from their roots and have found their own happiness.

Although all these people have become legends today, at one point of time they have gone through the struggle and the toil. Immense courage and faith in oneself is required to rise from the ashes and build the dream. As said in Latin, “Alta alatis patent”, i.e. the sky is open to those who have wings.

We all have our own set of wings. We just need to find them, strengthen them, train them then look ahead with keen foresight and fly sky high.

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Posted in Christian, Life, Reflections

The Priceless Gifts

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

As children, we were always eager to attend parties as well as host them. For which birthday girl or boy wouldn’t love cutting the cake, opening all the presents, giving away the game prizes, handing thank you kits for all the guests and in short, having loads of fun. The pre-birthday days or rather week would be all hush-hush with eager eyes and ears round the place hoping for the best surprise gift. Post the birthday, we engage in the fun of our gifts. Yet a month later down the road, with some of the gifts the novelty may wear off, while others may be still in use for some more time or their use may have been past time though they may still be precious to us.

It’s almost the similar scenario for Christmas, country fair prizes, competition prizes and so on. No doubt, the joy of getting a gift or winning a prize is  exhilarating but it lasts for only some time. Then it fades away into a sweet memory.

Compare these gifts with the priceless gifts from our Heavenly Father. The heavenly gifts, whether of providence, nature, family, grace or blessings far outrank all the materialistic gifts of the world. The inner joy and sanctum of peace granted by the gifts from Our Father doesn’t change with the shadows, neither do they wax and wane with time. Instead, they grow quietly and steer us through the battlefields and downhills we face in life. For like the stars above, Our Father is always there keeping watch and guiding us through His Light and His Grace when we have lost our way or are left in the dark. 

As James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Sometimes it’s only in hindsight that we realize these precious and perfect gifts bestowed on us. Yet even then, the beauty of these priceless gifts don’t fade away but persist with time. Even words can’t express the joys of the gifts. The only way to thank the Lord for the benevolence of His Grace would be to live by His Word, which though may sound difficult, is feasible.

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Posted in Christian, Life, Personal Musings, Reflections

Everything In His Time

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Most of us who listen to gospel music or attend church would have either heard of or sang along to the popular hymn “In His Time“.  It was originally written and sung by Diane Bell. The lyrics are based on the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” The entire chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes has beautiful concepts regarding time, God-given tasks and the prevalence of injustice as well as the final judgement by God. During difficult and busy times, or through injustice and even sorrows, the words of this chapter have always comforted me.

Starting from the verses of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; these words give importance to every activity and every emotion of man’s body, mind and soul. Every action has its own time, every growth happens in their allotted time and every word will be said as per its’ time. There is time for fun and gaiety as well as time for sorrow and forgiveness. There is a time for struggle as well as joy. Even birth and death will happen in their time as well as love and leisure. In short, everything has its’ own time.   

3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to  hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

As we read on, the futility of man’s attempts to gain from his toil as well as his mortality is asserted. In fact his very gains are gifts from God and whatever God has done, nothing can be added or subtracted for even the past will be accounted for. In fact, the words show that the best man can do in his allotted time is to be happy and do good. 

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.  15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15)
The last set of verses highlight the harsh reality of today’s world. The prevalence of injustice is rampant though at times it may be very subtle, other times it may be very obvious. However the Lord will hold all accountable and there will a time for every deed to be judged.  We all from dust and we go back into the dust. So in our time here we should enjoy our work, live by our Faith and reap the fruits of the Spirit. 
16 And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 17 I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” 18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they  may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?” 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? (Ecclesiastes 3:16-22) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

On reading God’s Words, there is always an answer for every trouble and hope for every problem. In fact armed with His Words, every difficult time would be endurable and we would be able to not only survive but also rejoice. Although our Faith should lie in the truth is that it will all happen as per His Time. 

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Posted in Family and Society, Reflections, Stories Around the World, Work

Plant the Worry Tree

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

In the present day, almost everyone holds a job. For instance, in a family of four, many a time both the husband and wife may be employed (or sometimes just the husband) or teenagers would be working part-time in order to contribute to their college fund. Even stay-at-home mothers have enough and more on their plate. Which or how ever may be the scenario or the reason, most of us hold jobs for certain hours everyday, after which we each return to our respective homes, either back to our families or shared quarters. The pressing question is how many of us bring our work with it’s own share of problems, back to our home ?

If we honestly answer, it would be an affirmative reply for many of us. Some of us may bring back our physical or actual work, others may bring back the problems and the mental as well as emotional difficulties faced that day, back with them while others may bring back both. Either way we lose out in our time at home with the family or our relaxation time for a whole load of stress again. The worst part  is that we get up the next day to start the whole cycle of “work-stress-work” again. For those of us who work in the areas that we like or have a keen interest in may disagree with the stress, by saying that work for them was never stressful. However, the fact is by bringing the work with or without the problems home; we are losing “family time” or “me-time” to recoup.

In my early days of college, there was a story told in one of my lectures, which I would like to share.

The carpenter who was hired to help a man restore an old farmhouse had just finished his first day on the job and everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong. First of all, on his way to work he had a flat tire that cost him an hour’s worth of pay, then his electric saw broke, and after work his old pickup truck refused to start. His new boss volunteered to give him a lift home and the whole way to his house the carpenter sat in stone silence as he stared out his window. Yet on arriving, he invited his boss in for a few minutes to meet his family. As they walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When he opened the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was one big smile as he hugged his two small children and kissed his wife. 

Afterwards, the man walked his boss to his car to say thank you. Now on their way out of the house, the boss’ curiosity got the best of him so he had to ask the man about the tree on the front porch. He said, I noticed when you came up on the porch before going into your house you stopped and touched the tree, why? “Oh, that’s my trouble tree,” he replied. “I know I can’t stop from having troubles out on the job, but one thing’s for sure – my troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again.” “Funny thing is,” he smiled, “when I come out in the morning to pick ‘em up, they aren’t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”

We all have encountered  our own share of troubles and struggles, some of us deal with it by bringing them with wherever we go, some might ignore it hoping it would go away somehow while others try to deal with their problems while their heads are still above water. The idea of hanging the problems on a “worry tree” or a ‘‘trouble tree” outside the door isn’t a bad one, in fact we can find our own modifications on dealing with the stresses. I have been successful in dealing with my own share of problems and worries by laying them down at the feet of the Lord. “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)”

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