Saturday, January 5, 2008

Anger and God

Anger is the basic emotion which all of humanity is familiar. But what is anger ? I feel, the emotion of our anger is nothing more than our insecurity. Our insecurity about what life will throw at us. Like Jesse Jennings once said "Anger is an alarm system, signaling the presence of fear..".

Why do we get angry ? For a person with disability it could be due to the physical challenges in life. We get angry because we feel we do not deserve our present condition. We also fear what will happen to us in the future. Because, as human beings we want to be always in control.

But can we be ? No. We can't, as God is in control. It is a simple thought -if you cannot beat them, join them. Only God's will triumphs, so why not accept God in totality and surrender to HIS wishes.
Remember, surrender just like forgiving is an act of courage and faith. It takes a strong individual to surrender to GOD. And when you do that check out, if you are still angry. You can't be angry when you are one with GOD's plan for you.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Adversity and God

Most of the persons with disability feel that adversity in life is not good. True, life with disability is not a bed of flowers. But then there is another view to life , adversity offers us the chance to grow.

This growth is generally in the inner growth domain, i.e. spiritual growth. Certain religious minded people feel that people with disability suffer because of their sins. I beg to differ.

In fact, I feel blessed or the chosen one. Just like what Matthew Henry said "Extra ordinary afflictions are not always the punishment for extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trials of extra ordinary graces.."

This is true in my case. I feel the adversity - in my case dystrophy, has helped me grow more. I can say that I am more alive today than before becoming disabled.

"If an obstacle is put in our path, it is only to prevent us from going the wrong way, and to guide us into what is for us the only right path.." Henry T. Hamblin

Had I not become disabled, I would have probably still be with all my vices and not happy. I feel god has chosen my for a mission and that adversity is a part of that plan. Even, Jesus had to undergo various adversities.
So whats the big deal. I see adversity as God's confidence in me, that I shall transcend them.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Action and God

Peace Pilgrim say "There is a relationship between prayer and action. Receptive prayer results in the inner receiving which motivates to right action...". In my own life I follow this principle. I pray that God gives me the understanding of what is expected of me for the day and I receive the guidance.

I never complain, and try my level best to do what has to be done. We must do what we can. Good thoughts are useless if they are not followed by action. Remember what Theodore Roosevelt said "Do what you can, with what you have,where you are.."
Jesus Christ told us the good news about our loving God and what was expected of us. Most important thing is that Jesus showed us the way by this thoughts and most importantly by
action.

Action is the single most effective anti-depressant particularly for persons with disability.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Acceptance and God

James W. Riley said " When God sends rain.... rain is my choice...". This is what I call acceptance. When we accept that things happen according to God's plan, we align our goals with him.

There is no point in arguing about the rain. Make the most of what such a day offers. I have dystrophy and hence have been constrained physically. I have accepted this with open arms. God has a plan for me and that involves me being disabled.

Many people think it is a sign of weakness to accept things. But I feel, it is the sign of strength of faith and God. Acceptance has to be a conscious choice. "Acceptance is a letting-go process. You let go of you wishes and demands that life can be different" - to quote Gary Emery.

When we accept God's will for us, our life becomes purposeful, fulfilling and happier. And we must remember, Jesus Christ, is there to guide you on the way.
Just like abundance , you have to have acceptance of life as it is, in your life.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Abundance and God

I thought why not begin the first day of 2008, with thoughts about abundance.

Ernest Holmes once said "God wills us to have everything. As we express life, we fulfill God's law of abundance, but we do this only as we realize that there is good enough to go around - only we know that all God's gifts are given as freely and fully as the air and the sunshine..."

How true. We must live a life acknowledging the abundance in our life. Abundance is an mentality which comes from our being comfortable with ourselves. Stephen R. Covey has said abundance does not depend on external rankings, comparisons,opinions or possessions.

With my dystrophy, what do I have in abundance ? Let me see, a loving family, wonderful friends, time to support and comfort others. Also abundant opportunities to become Christ-like by living true to my faith.

I also feel, to experience true abundance we must give freely and unconditionally. Remember what Jesus Christ has said " To him that has, more shall be given; but from him that has not, the little that he has shall be taken away..."

Wishing a happy and purpose driven year to you.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Suffering, dystrophy and God

I have muscular dystrophy.I have said "have" dystrophy. most of us, say they are suffering from muscular dystrophy. What then, is suffering? I feel we suffer when we feel we do not deserve what our condition is. Simply put, it is about what we think or what others think about us.
And that is the cause of the suffering. I have my share of pains and problems associated with muscle degeneration. I also know that God is loving and so HE would not want me to suffer. God has given me, dystrophy, because HE has a plan for me.

I don't know what that plan is, but I am sure HE will give me the grace, strength and wisdom to carry it through.With God, there are no losers provided we act as per his wishes.

When I am working for God's plan and HIS glory, how can I be suffering? More my body weakens, I find that my spirit is focused on God. My faith is growing stronger. I await the day when, having completed my purpose in human life, I go to my real home.

Hardships are for human body,so that our spirits progress in their journey. Remembering that ""Remain true to the faith. We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" - Acts 14:22

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Thanking God

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on what a personal year it has been. I have to thank the Lord for all that I achieved in the year. As regards to the things which I did not achieve - I am sure they were not in the plan of God.

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for HE is good." -Psalm 106:1

It is time to thank the Lord for his grace and all the joy HE granted me. It is also the time for a silent prayer to HIM. I pray that I understand HIS will and work ceaselessly to bring glory to HIM.

I know that failures mean, it is not God's will. In prayer I ask him to make me HIS instrument for HIS purpose for me.

I also pray that every one find their purpose in life and thus live in harmony with God's will. Remember, Jesus is always there for you to show you the way to our heavenly Father.