I was in Hikkadawu, Sri Lanka. It’s an amazing beach a 100km from Colombo. I approached the guy with the surfboards, looking to rent one, wondering if he would be able to speak English. He could.
Meet Amilla.
His story is like so many others here in Sri Lanka. Six years later and the Tsunami is still a vivid memory.
Amilla is a surfer. He was on the beach the day the Tsunami hit the coast. As he tell us his story, you can see him reliving it. Every movement and word feels as if it were happening all over again.
He has a big smile as he speaks,
He is still awed by the events of that day.
He tells us that he remembers thinking to himself that the sea had never looked so beautiful. He just remembers how beautiful it looked and as a tourist walked by, he said to him “something is wrong today, the sea does not look the same.”
A few minutes later, water was rushing to his feet. He thought that it might just be high waters because of the full moon, but the next thing he knew, the water was up to his waste.
He ran to grab his surf boards as they were being swept away. He was responsible for the inventory and didn’t want to lose them. But then, he was hit by a sandbag in the ribs. He bent over in pain and when he straightened back up, the water was over his head.
He now knew something was wrong, but he said that he was laughing and crying at the same time. He couldn’t believe what was going on and he couldn’t stop laughing, yet he was crying. He was in complete shock.
He swam out to sea knowing that this would be his only chance. Buildings were crumbling and if he went to shore, he would certainly be crushed. He swam and swam and found others. People were panicking, but he told them to stick together. Surfers were in the water and they could rest on their boards.
They stayed in the water for 30 minutes. Waiting.
And then the sea came back out suddenly. They were standing on the ocean floor, he couldn’t believe what was going on.
That is when he ran home to find his family. People were crying, one couple couldn’t find their son. He said “I was the only local, I had to help” He searched for their son and found him in a cupboard, he was safe. The family was in shock and he told them to get out of here. “You are safe, go”
He ran home through the flowing water and glass shredded his feet and legs. Water was everywhere and he could not see.
His family was not there.
His cows were still there. The mother cow wasn’t tied up, but she would not leave here baby. It was tied to a pole, but it had survived. After he untied the cow, he ran in haste and because the water was still high and flowing, he fell into a well. It is impossible to think how he survived.
It was time to get on high ground and he made his way to the temple. His family was there along with the rest of the community.
He was one of the lucky ones.
30,000 Sri Lankans died that day. His family and friends survived. All but one girl that he knew quite well. He found her body cut up on the shore later that night when he and his friends went to the beach to see what was going on.
They felt that they were the surfers, they were able to speak English, they knew the water, they could help.
Sri Lanka has slowly been rebuilding since the Tsunami. But corruption has mired the process. Amilla’s parents lost the deed to their house in the disaster. They didn’t have a copy and therefore were evicted off of their land.
Money has not made its way to the people and even Amilla’s family now has loans and debts as they had to buy another piece of property due to their eviction.
We donated money to the Tsunami like so many others, just like so many others are doing now for Haiti.
It is upsetting to hear stories like this. People have the best intentions, but their money doesn’t make it to those that need it the most.
I said to him, “G-d sees and he knows and He will hear you when you pray to Him”. I was taking a chance saying this; in a predominantly Muslim country. His response was, “That is why I am still here. I never stopped praying that day. I will never stop.” He smiles at me and sweeps his arm over the ocean, turns around and does the same. He says, “How could I stop; He gave me all of this. He let me live to appreciate it more.”
To me that was profound! A humble, poor surfer, earning money renting out boards to tourists, loving life and still loving the ocean after it had destroyed everything he knew. Why? Because he knows G-d and trusts Him.
I got more than I bargained for that morning out on the beach.
G-d never forsakes those who speak to Him in prayer and He wants us to appreciate life and enjoy living it.
This is your Captain signing off.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
An Inspirational Thank You
When was the last time you sat down with yourself for a good assessment of your life? Don't we all need to know where we have been, how the changes we made in the past are affecting us today, where we want to be in the future & what aspects of our personal style are standing in our way of moving forward towards the life we really want to live?
Each of us will find a time & place to do this, if we want to. What are the benefits of deciding to look inside? Suddenly you are allowing yourself to do something precious … give yourself time. Every one of us is overbooked in our lives with little time to do anything for ourselves. We have jobs, families & friends who all demand our attention. How can we bring more to our daily relationships if we do not take the time to know & understand ourselves first?
I won't kid you & say it is all rosy when you do your inner research. Sometimes you have to deal with issues you swept under the rug … knowing one day you would have to look at them again. But guess what? Today is all any of us gets, & even this is not a guarantee. So look inside … deal with what you want to avoid now. Get it out of the way so you can move forward. One thing I do recommend is to also thank yourself for all the courage you have shown in the past, for everyone has had a rocky road at sometime in his or her life. Celebrate the challenges you have overcome. Examine the times you have not triumphed & the lesson you were supposed to learn as a result. Be truthful.
If you make a commitment to improve at least one aspect of your personality & develop a game plan with a start date, before you know it, you will be on your way to the life you really want.
Thank you for following the G-d Sight. We hope it has in some small way been an inspiration to your life so far & we pray that for many years to come G-d will continue to inspire us so that we are able to inspire you.
Have a blessed week ahead,
J and K
Each of us will find a time & place to do this, if we want to. What are the benefits of deciding to look inside? Suddenly you are allowing yourself to do something precious … give yourself time. Every one of us is overbooked in our lives with little time to do anything for ourselves. We have jobs, families & friends who all demand our attention. How can we bring more to our daily relationships if we do not take the time to know & understand ourselves first?
I won't kid you & say it is all rosy when you do your inner research. Sometimes you have to deal with issues you swept under the rug … knowing one day you would have to look at them again. But guess what? Today is all any of us gets, & even this is not a guarantee. So look inside … deal with what you want to avoid now. Get it out of the way so you can move forward. One thing I do recommend is to also thank yourself for all the courage you have shown in the past, for everyone has had a rocky road at sometime in his or her life. Celebrate the challenges you have overcome. Examine the times you have not triumphed & the lesson you were supposed to learn as a result. Be truthful.
If you make a commitment to improve at least one aspect of your personality & develop a game plan with a start date, before you know it, you will be on your way to the life you really want.
Thank you for following the G-d Sight. We hope it has in some small way been an inspiration to your life so far & we pray that for many years to come G-d will continue to inspire us so that we are able to inspire you.
Have a blessed week ahead,
J and K
Your Life
This journey through life is yours;
Live more in the moment & less in the past.
Resolve to accept others differences & opinions,
Knowing it's okay to agree to disagree.
Embrace every day, every hour & every moment
Just as if each were your last.
Share less of injustice; renew disappointment;
Focus on the positive.
For this is your life, no one can live it ...
No one can change It ... except for you.
You have the power to change today, any time, any way!
Spread love just as the bees spread honey
And never leaving a kind word unsaid.
Cherish individuality, for it is the uniqueness
That makes each of us special.
Embrace family; treat them like friends...
Surely then those relationships will never end.
Accept others make mistakes,
Learn to forgive, to let go ... to move on.
For this is your life, no one can live it ...
No one can change it ... except for you.
Remember, you have the power to change today, any time, any way!
History should remain a study of the past, a valuable lesson perhaps.
Press onward, not backward.
Resolve to concentrate less on the lack of communication ...
And more on becoming part of establishing it.
Spend less time focusing on others weakness & more on improving your own ...
And know, when you stand back, it will seem like magic ...
Great things will happen!
Remember too, that by sharing love, joy follows
And is that not what really makes life worth living?
For This Is Your Life, no one can live it ...
No one can change it ... except for you.
And my wish for you today;
To always believe & to always know that with G-d by your side
You have the power to change today, any time, any way!
G-d Bless,
J
Live more in the moment & less in the past.
Resolve to accept others differences & opinions,
Knowing it's okay to agree to disagree.
Embrace every day, every hour & every moment
Just as if each were your last.
Share less of injustice; renew disappointment;
Focus on the positive.
For this is your life, no one can live it ...
No one can change It ... except for you.
You have the power to change today, any time, any way!
Spread love just as the bees spread honey
And never leaving a kind word unsaid.
Cherish individuality, for it is the uniqueness
That makes each of us special.
Embrace family; treat them like friends...
Surely then those relationships will never end.
Accept others make mistakes,
Learn to forgive, to let go ... to move on.
For this is your life, no one can live it ...
No one can change it ... except for you.
Remember, you have the power to change today, any time, any way!
History should remain a study of the past, a valuable lesson perhaps.
Press onward, not backward.
Resolve to concentrate less on the lack of communication ...
And more on becoming part of establishing it.
Spend less time focusing on others weakness & more on improving your own ...
And know, when you stand back, it will seem like magic ...
Great things will happen!
Remember too, that by sharing love, joy follows
And is that not what really makes life worth living?
For This Is Your Life, no one can live it ...
No one can change it ... except for you.
And my wish for you today;
To always believe & to always know that with G-d by your side
You have the power to change today, any time, any way!
G-d Bless,
J
Create Your Own Rainbows
Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen.
Love your life.
Believe in your own powers & your own potential & in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent awesome beauty in the world.
Explore & embrace life in yourself & in everyone you see each day.
Reach within to find your own specialness.
Amaze yourself & rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
This is the essence of your humanity.
Let those who love you help you.
Trust enough to be able to take.
Look with hope to the horizon of today for today is all we truly have.
Live this day well.
Let a little sun out as well as in.
Create your own rainbows.
Be open to all your possibilities … All possibilities & Miracles.
Always believe in Miracles. G-d is the Father of Miracles.
Trust in G-d & all will be possible.
G-d Bless,
J
Love your life.
Believe in your own powers & your own potential & in your own innate goodness.
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day the magnificent awesome beauty in the world.
Explore & embrace life in yourself & in everyone you see each day.
Reach within to find your own specialness.
Amaze yourself & rouse those around you to the potential of each new day.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
This is the essence of your humanity.
Let those who love you help you.
Trust enough to be able to take.
Look with hope to the horizon of today for today is all we truly have.
Live this day well.
Let a little sun out as well as in.
Create your own rainbows.
Be open to all your possibilities … All possibilities & Miracles.
Always believe in Miracles. G-d is the Father of Miracles.
Trust in G-d & all will be possible.
G-d Bless,
J
Patience
Human psyche perceives controlling five vices - Pride, Lust, Anger, Attachment & Greed, as being perhaps the five most difficult things to do during our short stay on this planet. And the solution to controlling these vices lies within ourselves only.
Self-discipline comes from Self-realization. Self-realization comes from Self-introspection. Self-introspection comes with Patience & Patience comes from Practice.
When we say that we are fighting these vices, this means we are already aware of these problems, which are hampering our spiritual growth, & we are already on our way. But then this should not be said just for mere saying or for impressing upon others.
Actually, the fact of the matter is that as soon as we are confronted with a critical situation, we simply forget to practice patience with ourselves & are conveniently overtaken by any of the above-mentioned vices.
Example: As soon as somebody offends us, our 'ego' comes forward and we, conveniently, forget about practicing patience. Have we ever analyzed how long a period of time we actually remember an incident that gave us the feeling of hurt or insult, regardless of the magnitude of a dispute?
I would say ... not more than two or three days at the most. And after that, whatever we recollect from that argument, is just a hazy picture of what had actually happened. But the hurt/insult, of whatever derogatory remark she/he said to us, always remains embedded in our mind.
Obviously, the same applies to the other person as well. Those derogatory remarks play games in our minds, for a lifetime in some cases. We hardly remember the cause for which we had argued & tend to remember only the hurt/insult thus caused. Hurt or insult is caused by our false 'ego' or 'ahamkaar' only. This is the reason we are unhappy for most of our lives.
We always say how dare she/he say these remarks to me? (We can't even recollect the remarks ...). But, we do not realize that whatever she/he uttered was restricted by her/his level of thinking/intellect ... we feel this hurt/insult only because we take whatever is said to us to heart & mind and that is where all the problems arise. What if we do not take the insult at all? She/he can do nothing about it.
Patience is a rare state of mind, where we are neither too happy on the happening of a favorable event nor too depressed on the happening of an unfavorable event. Our goal: the state of mind in which we are constantly in 'Anand ... Eternal Joy ... Bliss'.
But this state of mind needs practice; practicing restrain or patience with ourselves. Some would simply argue, "Very difficult!” But: Is it really that difficult? Have we ever strived for it? I am afraid, no, never ever!
So, one derogatory remark from she/he induces another derogatory remark from us & so this vicious circle continues to a point where there can be no looking back.
And in 100% of the cases, we earn nothing from our false ego-based arguments but rather might lose the blessings of our elders or a true friend for a lifetime. By dragging his/her thinking (derogatory words) into our mind again & again, we are not only corrupting our minds but we also don't allow good thoughts to enter our mind.
If we could just practice patience & just listen to what the other person has to say, without blasting him/her out of his/her 'ego', we would solve a lot of problems. We need to practice patience with our minds.
So, whenever we feel bothered with such feelings of hurt/insult, just go to quieter places & try to empty our mind from such thoughts. By giving our mind a feed of positive thoughts or even think about the positive sides of that individual who had hurt/insulted us in the first place, maybe we could reconcile with him/her.
But again, this comes from practicing patience. Now, whenever there is a situation when we feel that one of the five vices are overtaking our thinking, just take a deep cool breath & hold back. We will certainly cool down.
You could say that the other person would brag/boast that he has proven his point, just because we have stopped responding to the negative arguments. We should remember that nobody has ever won an argument & his/her bragging could just be their 'false-ego' only.
Let him/her feel happy!! We can't be right each time & the other person can't be wrong each time. So, if we can gain something from others, we should feel grateful to him/her. We can at least give Patience a try. Patience definitely breeds peace of mind.
Come on, let us give it a try. This is what G-d would want us to do. He will assist us if we ask; He always does; He always will.
G-d Bless.
J
Self-discipline comes from Self-realization. Self-realization comes from Self-introspection. Self-introspection comes with Patience & Patience comes from Practice.
When we say that we are fighting these vices, this means we are already aware of these problems, which are hampering our spiritual growth, & we are already on our way. But then this should not be said just for mere saying or for impressing upon others.
Actually, the fact of the matter is that as soon as we are confronted with a critical situation, we simply forget to practice patience with ourselves & are conveniently overtaken by any of the above-mentioned vices.
Example: As soon as somebody offends us, our 'ego' comes forward and we, conveniently, forget about practicing patience. Have we ever analyzed how long a period of time we actually remember an incident that gave us the feeling of hurt or insult, regardless of the magnitude of a dispute?
I would say ... not more than two or three days at the most. And after that, whatever we recollect from that argument, is just a hazy picture of what had actually happened. But the hurt/insult, of whatever derogatory remark she/he said to us, always remains embedded in our mind.
Obviously, the same applies to the other person as well. Those derogatory remarks play games in our minds, for a lifetime in some cases. We hardly remember the cause for which we had argued & tend to remember only the hurt/insult thus caused. Hurt or insult is caused by our false 'ego' or 'ahamkaar' only. This is the reason we are unhappy for most of our lives.
We always say how dare she/he say these remarks to me? (We can't even recollect the remarks ...). But, we do not realize that whatever she/he uttered was restricted by her/his level of thinking/intellect ... we feel this hurt/insult only because we take whatever is said to us to heart & mind and that is where all the problems arise. What if we do not take the insult at all? She/he can do nothing about it.
Patience is a rare state of mind, where we are neither too happy on the happening of a favorable event nor too depressed on the happening of an unfavorable event. Our goal: the state of mind in which we are constantly in 'Anand ... Eternal Joy ... Bliss'.
But this state of mind needs practice; practicing restrain or patience with ourselves. Some would simply argue, "Very difficult!” But: Is it really that difficult? Have we ever strived for it? I am afraid, no, never ever!
So, one derogatory remark from she/he induces another derogatory remark from us & so this vicious circle continues to a point where there can be no looking back.
And in 100% of the cases, we earn nothing from our false ego-based arguments but rather might lose the blessings of our elders or a true friend for a lifetime. By dragging his/her thinking (derogatory words) into our mind again & again, we are not only corrupting our minds but we also don't allow good thoughts to enter our mind.
If we could just practice patience & just listen to what the other person has to say, without blasting him/her out of his/her 'ego', we would solve a lot of problems. We need to practice patience with our minds.
So, whenever we feel bothered with such feelings of hurt/insult, just go to quieter places & try to empty our mind from such thoughts. By giving our mind a feed of positive thoughts or even think about the positive sides of that individual who had hurt/insulted us in the first place, maybe we could reconcile with him/her.
But again, this comes from practicing patience. Now, whenever there is a situation when we feel that one of the five vices are overtaking our thinking, just take a deep cool breath & hold back. We will certainly cool down.
You could say that the other person would brag/boast that he has proven his point, just because we have stopped responding to the negative arguments. We should remember that nobody has ever won an argument & his/her bragging could just be their 'false-ego' only.
Let him/her feel happy!! We can't be right each time & the other person can't be wrong each time. So, if we can gain something from others, we should feel grateful to him/her. We can at least give Patience a try. Patience definitely breeds peace of mind.
Come on, let us give it a try. This is what G-d would want us to do. He will assist us if we ask; He always does; He always will.
G-d Bless.
J
Friday, July 8, 2011
Changing the World
We would all love to make a difference of some kind in the world; especially in this broken world that we know of as home. I think the retailer, Staples, had the best idea when they came up with the “Easy Button.” For those who don’t know, it’s a magical button that, with one push, instantly solves any office supply dilemma that you could possibly have. Life would be pretty sweet if we actually had an easy button, wouldn’t it? A button that would whip out all the things that are causing this world to slowly break down the way it is. There would be no war, no hunger, tolerance, harmony...one can dream right?
Well there is no easy button and according to the word of G-d, thing are only going to get worse. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be the pessimist; I’m being a realist. I believe that while the Earth was made to sustain itself, we were made to sustain each other, the devil has managed to throw wrenches in the system all over the place. The thing is, we don’t require tools from G-d, we are the tools. Some people understand that and they listen and follow and do what they can to make a difference in some way whether it be big or small. When looking at the world as a whole and wanting to make that difference it seem like an impossible task. Sometimes you may wonder why even try. But people don’t really seem to realize that any improvement that will take place in this world isn’t going to result from one or two really big differences, it will result from a lot of smaller ones combining to make the changes that people want to see.
This very thought brings a quote from a movie to mind. How many of you have seen the movie “The Core”. (Starring Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank) Those who haven’t; consider this your spoiler alert. The Core is another “close call-end of the world” kind of movie. The mantel in the Earth’s outer core has stopped spinning. This messes up the electromagnetic field around the planet and basically causes deadly chaos for all of mankind if it isn’t fixed. In an effort to save the world, a sort of submarine/drill is invented that takes a team through the layers of the Earth to the outer core where they will set off explosives that will make the mantel start spinning and cause the Earth to instantly heal itself. OK...I am guessing some of you are saying “that could never happen!” But what can I say...that’s Hollywood for ya. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the movie.
Anyways, there is a point where the team is coming to terms with the first death among them and they are saying “why are we doing this” and “this is too big.” One of the characters, Serge, says something very profound:
“I think you’re attempting the impossible. You’re trying to save the world. It’s overwhelming. I came here to save my wife and two children. Six million lives; that’s too much. I just hope I am smart enough and brave enough to save three.”
Those are very wise words. When we are living our lives wanting to make a difference in this world, sometimes people come to the end thinking that they didn’t do enough. But what’s enough? There are some people that are meant to touch thousands of lives while others are meant to just touch a few. Neither is better than the other because there is no small success in my opinion. I don’t know everything that G-d has in store for me. I don’t know what he expects me to accomplish by the time I die. I have no idea if I am going to touch a lot of lives, or just a few. What I do know is that when my day comes, and it was G-d’s will that I quietly touch the lives of even just one or two people...then it’s all worth it. Because it helped in continuing the chain of events that G-d needs in place.
Don’t ever question if you can make a difference. It’s what we were all made to do. There have been times when I can recall someone helping me without even realizing it. When they have said just the right thing without knowing what was going on in my life. It’s amazing how G-d can use us to reach out to one another isn’t it? In this busy world it’s easy to go day to day with no thought of what is going on around you. It’s so easy to just be focused on your life, your situations, your heartache, and your joys. I am just as guilty as anyone else of this. We need to choose to see through the eyes of G-d. He sees when someone is hurting. He sees when help is needed. He sees when someone simply needs a smile or hug. With this in mind, I am going to tie a song to this blog. It’s by a man named Brandon Heath and it’s called “Give Me Your Eyes”. I hope it can help inspire you to look a little bit deeper when going through your everyday routine. Because you never know who G-d needs you to help or encourage today. And you never know when a chance is upon you to do your part to change the world.
G-d Bless,
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
Well there is no easy button and according to the word of G-d, thing are only going to get worse. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be the pessimist; I’m being a realist. I believe that while the Earth was made to sustain itself, we were made to sustain each other, the devil has managed to throw wrenches in the system all over the place. The thing is, we don’t require tools from G-d, we are the tools. Some people understand that and they listen and follow and do what they can to make a difference in some way whether it be big or small. When looking at the world as a whole and wanting to make that difference it seem like an impossible task. Sometimes you may wonder why even try. But people don’t really seem to realize that any improvement that will take place in this world isn’t going to result from one or two really big differences, it will result from a lot of smaller ones combining to make the changes that people want to see.
This very thought brings a quote from a movie to mind. How many of you have seen the movie “The Core”. (Starring Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank) Those who haven’t; consider this your spoiler alert. The Core is another “close call-end of the world” kind of movie. The mantel in the Earth’s outer core has stopped spinning. This messes up the electromagnetic field around the planet and basically causes deadly chaos for all of mankind if it isn’t fixed. In an effort to save the world, a sort of submarine/drill is invented that takes a team through the layers of the Earth to the outer core where they will set off explosives that will make the mantel start spinning and cause the Earth to instantly heal itself. OK...I am guessing some of you are saying “that could never happen!” But what can I say...that’s Hollywood for ya. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the movie.
Anyways, there is a point where the team is coming to terms with the first death among them and they are saying “why are we doing this” and “this is too big.” One of the characters, Serge, says something very profound:
“I think you’re attempting the impossible. You’re trying to save the world. It’s overwhelming. I came here to save my wife and two children. Six million lives; that’s too much. I just hope I am smart enough and brave enough to save three.”
Those are very wise words. When we are living our lives wanting to make a difference in this world, sometimes people come to the end thinking that they didn’t do enough. But what’s enough? There are some people that are meant to touch thousands of lives while others are meant to just touch a few. Neither is better than the other because there is no small success in my opinion. I don’t know everything that G-d has in store for me. I don’t know what he expects me to accomplish by the time I die. I have no idea if I am going to touch a lot of lives, or just a few. What I do know is that when my day comes, and it was G-d’s will that I quietly touch the lives of even just one or two people...then it’s all worth it. Because it helped in continuing the chain of events that G-d needs in place.
Don’t ever question if you can make a difference. It’s what we were all made to do. There have been times when I can recall someone helping me without even realizing it. When they have said just the right thing without knowing what was going on in my life. It’s amazing how G-d can use us to reach out to one another isn’t it? In this busy world it’s easy to go day to day with no thought of what is going on around you. It’s so easy to just be focused on your life, your situations, your heartache, and your joys. I am just as guilty as anyone else of this. We need to choose to see through the eyes of G-d. He sees when someone is hurting. He sees when help is needed. He sees when someone simply needs a smile or hug. With this in mind, I am going to tie a song to this blog. It’s by a man named Brandon Heath and it’s called “Give Me Your Eyes”. I hope it can help inspire you to look a little bit deeper when going through your everyday routine. Because you never know who G-d needs you to help or encourage today. And you never know when a chance is upon you to do your part to change the world.
G-d Bless,
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY
Monday, June 6, 2011
Negative Versus Positive
Few people think what they think they think. Do you know what you think about? The answer is revealed by the life you lead. If you are happy & successful, you are thinking thoughts of happiness & success. If you are wading through an endless stream of problems & finding life painful to bear, it is caused by thoughts of doubt, failure, anger, helplessness, incompetence, & pain. In other words, whether you think life is miserable or great, you're correct, for life is whatever you think it is.
Yes, I am writing about our thoughts again. When you are facing one disaster after another, making compromise after compromise & failing time & time again, how does one keep getting up to face the next problem without losing the will to try?"
1. If you are so mired in problems that you are on the brink of depression, you may be unable to work things out without professional help. If this is your situation, constantly speak to G-d & also go see a counselor or psychiatrist. Your life is too precious to dawdle away.
2. Even if you have some semblance of control over your thoughts, if you are entrenched in dark thoughts, it may not be possible for you to see the sun unaided. In other words, the thoughts I share may fall on deaf ears. If you cannot hear the music, what I say will make no sense to you. If that is the case, seek professional help to get you to the point where you can start to help yourself.
3. When we face one disaster after another, it reinforces the false belief that the cause of our suffering is external events. Be careful not to get caught up in this lie. The problem lies within. It is your thoughts. And you can change your thoughts for the better. Positive thoughts lead to positive feelings, positive behavior, positive consequences, positive beliefs, & a positive life.
4. When you are used to living a life of negativity, any advice you get may appear more like salt in the wounds than as help. That is, you are likely to interpret sound advice as a personal attack. Rather than help you, it may appear to you that the only thing your friends are interested in is in blaming you for your unfortunate circumstances. Because you interpret offers of help as personal attacks, you will resist & fight any thoughts that you are responsible & that you can change. Instead of changing yourself, you will insist that the world change for you, which it will not. The result is endless frustration, with no progress in sight.
5. When you become enmeshed in a web of negative thinking, you are likely to develop a victim's mentality. You will cry out to be rescued. "Help me! Save me! I don't want to change. I don't want to accept responsibility. I don't want to make an effort & work hard. I don't want to struggle. No, I don't want any of that. All I want is to be saved. Won't you rescue me?" All such pleas for help are made in vain. Don't seek to be rescued. Instead, try to reach the point, with or without the help of others, where you will be able to rescue yourself. You are the only one who can do it & if you have G-d by your side, you can & will succeed.
Now, let's look at what some of the brightest minds had to say about the power of thought:
"What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind. Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts. But once mastered, no one can help you as much." Buddha (568 ~ 488 BC)
"A man's life is what his thoughts make of it. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." Marcus Aurelius (121 ~ 180 AD)
"There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so." William Shakespeare (1564 ~ 1616)
"Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts." Soren Kierkegaard (1813 ~ 1855)
"All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts. You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." James Allen (1864 ~ 1912)
You may think that what you think about is unimportant, but your thoughts are the bricks you use to build your life. Negative thoughts build a prison. Positive thoughts build a comfortable home. But beware of intruders in your home. Beware of a home invasion. When a sudden disaster strikes, don't let negative thoughts ransack your home; don't allow these intruders to steal your happiness. Chase uninvited guests out of your home (mind).
How can you master yourself & master life unless you master your thoughts? But how do we master our thoughts? We master them by reading G-ds Holy word & putting to practice in our lives all the lessons taught. By keeping G-d near & in our hearts; by asking ourselves what He would do.
If you cannot help yourself, get outside help. And if you can help yourself, read, study & apply the word of G-d to your life. Welcome the challenge that faces you. With effort & patience you can change your thoughts & change your life. After all, there are only four conditions necessary for the acquisition of any physical skill, mental power, moral virtue or personal excellence. The Courage to try something you do not know how to do, the Patience to try again once you have discovered that you don't know how to do it, the Perseverance to renew the trial, as many times as necessary, until you do know how to do it. Finally, have Faith in yourself & in G-d the Father. Faith is not believing without proof, it is trusting without reservation. Trust yourself. You can do it. Trust G-d your Creator. Start today.
We must not be surprised by calamities & hardship. Such obstacles are the admission ticket to life & a small price to pay to gain admission to the endless joy that await those with a positive outlook & faith in G-d. Let us abandon the attitude of a victim & replace it with that of a victor.
G-d Bless,
J
Yes, I am writing about our thoughts again. When you are facing one disaster after another, making compromise after compromise & failing time & time again, how does one keep getting up to face the next problem without losing the will to try?"
1. If you are so mired in problems that you are on the brink of depression, you may be unable to work things out without professional help. If this is your situation, constantly speak to G-d & also go see a counselor or psychiatrist. Your life is too precious to dawdle away.
2. Even if you have some semblance of control over your thoughts, if you are entrenched in dark thoughts, it may not be possible for you to see the sun unaided. In other words, the thoughts I share may fall on deaf ears. If you cannot hear the music, what I say will make no sense to you. If that is the case, seek professional help to get you to the point where you can start to help yourself.
3. When we face one disaster after another, it reinforces the false belief that the cause of our suffering is external events. Be careful not to get caught up in this lie. The problem lies within. It is your thoughts. And you can change your thoughts for the better. Positive thoughts lead to positive feelings, positive behavior, positive consequences, positive beliefs, & a positive life.
4. When you are used to living a life of negativity, any advice you get may appear more like salt in the wounds than as help. That is, you are likely to interpret sound advice as a personal attack. Rather than help you, it may appear to you that the only thing your friends are interested in is in blaming you for your unfortunate circumstances. Because you interpret offers of help as personal attacks, you will resist & fight any thoughts that you are responsible & that you can change. Instead of changing yourself, you will insist that the world change for you, which it will not. The result is endless frustration, with no progress in sight.
5. When you become enmeshed in a web of negative thinking, you are likely to develop a victim's mentality. You will cry out to be rescued. "Help me! Save me! I don't want to change. I don't want to accept responsibility. I don't want to make an effort & work hard. I don't want to struggle. No, I don't want any of that. All I want is to be saved. Won't you rescue me?" All such pleas for help are made in vain. Don't seek to be rescued. Instead, try to reach the point, with or without the help of others, where you will be able to rescue yourself. You are the only one who can do it & if you have G-d by your side, you can & will succeed.
Now, let's look at what some of the brightest minds had to say about the power of thought:
"What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: Our life is the creation of our mind. Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts. But once mastered, no one can help you as much." Buddha (568 ~ 488 BC)
"A man's life is what his thoughts make of it. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." Marcus Aurelius (121 ~ 180 AD)
"There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so." William Shakespeare (1564 ~ 1616)
"Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts." Soren Kierkegaard (1813 ~ 1855)
"All that you accomplish or fail to accomplish with your life is the direct result of your thoughts. You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." James Allen (1864 ~ 1912)
You may think that what you think about is unimportant, but your thoughts are the bricks you use to build your life. Negative thoughts build a prison. Positive thoughts build a comfortable home. But beware of intruders in your home. Beware of a home invasion. When a sudden disaster strikes, don't let negative thoughts ransack your home; don't allow these intruders to steal your happiness. Chase uninvited guests out of your home (mind).
How can you master yourself & master life unless you master your thoughts? But how do we master our thoughts? We master them by reading G-ds Holy word & putting to practice in our lives all the lessons taught. By keeping G-d near & in our hearts; by asking ourselves what He would do.
If you cannot help yourself, get outside help. And if you can help yourself, read, study & apply the word of G-d to your life. Welcome the challenge that faces you. With effort & patience you can change your thoughts & change your life. After all, there are only four conditions necessary for the acquisition of any physical skill, mental power, moral virtue or personal excellence. The Courage to try something you do not know how to do, the Patience to try again once you have discovered that you don't know how to do it, the Perseverance to renew the trial, as many times as necessary, until you do know how to do it. Finally, have Faith in yourself & in G-d the Father. Faith is not believing without proof, it is trusting without reservation. Trust yourself. You can do it. Trust G-d your Creator. Start today.
We must not be surprised by calamities & hardship. Such obstacles are the admission ticket to life & a small price to pay to gain admission to the endless joy that await those with a positive outlook & faith in G-d. Let us abandon the attitude of a victim & replace it with that of a victor.
G-d Bless,
J
Monday, May 30, 2011
Music Series: Heroes
I want to ask you all to stop for one moment and carefully consider something; how would you define the word ‘Hero’?
The Merriam–Webster Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com) defines the word ‘Hero’ as:
1) A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability.
2) An illustrious warrior.
3) A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities.
4) One who shows great courage.
Now here’s another question for you to consider; of all the people around you, in your life or not, alive or dead, who do you think would qualify as a hero? Maybe there’s one person, maybe there’s many. What makes them stand out to you? What makes you admire them the way that you do? Do you feel you have it in you to do what they do or have done? It certainly does get you thinking doesn’t it?
The song that I am featuring in this blog is ‘Never Let Go’ by Bryan Adams. Some of you may recognize it from the movie ‘The Guardian’. And (on YouTube) it’s generally been used in tributes to members of the military as well as police and firefighters. These people tend to be the first ones that come to mind when describing a hero. I agree with this whole heartedly. It takes a lot of courage to put one’s self in a position that has an ending that can’t be determined. Plenty of people survive military service, whether they remain in the homeland or they go overseas; whether they are involved during a time of peace or a time of war. Unfortunately plenty of them also end up hurt or even dead. I myself have military lineage in my family. I have one grandfather who fought in Europe (for the US) during World War 2. I have another grandfather that fought in the Korean War. My father served in the early 70s and was stationed in Korea for a while. I have a cousin who recently served in the Navy as well as a family friend who served and was deployed to Iraq for a while. Even among our followers, we have a gentleman who has been fighting in Iraq. (We recently heard from his family members that he was injured and is on his way home.)
Another situation that brought forth thousands of stories of heroes is the always remembered September 11th attack on the US. This event didn’t just bring out the best in those that serve; it brought out the best in many “average joes”. People who weren’t afraid to fight back on Flight 93. People who weren’t afraid to try and help lead others out of the towers even if it cost them their lives. People who had the courage to fight their way through the rubble desperately trying to find survivors. Average people found the instinctual courage that the men and woman that serve show every day.
Let’s take a moment to think again. Is it only the huge acts that make a person a hero? Those of you that have been with us since the beginning may recall one of the first blogs that I posted telling a story of a man who did a simple act of buying a woman and her children a much needed tank of gas and some food from McDonald’s. (Earthly Angels, Posted in February 2010) That man didn’t risk his life and he didn’t save a life. He simply saw a person in need and came through for her. Some may not consider that heroic, but don’t you think that scared, struggling young woman thought it was? Sometimes a simple act of kindness can change things for another person. Whether it gives them a better day, gives them hope for things to improve, or helps renew some of their faith in humanity. Big or small, it can all be considered heroic. I want to challenge you all to be heroes. We owe it to G-d to do our part. Don't you think?
Don’t forget, at least one awesome thing per day. Be safe, be well, and G-d Bless you all.
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s8Z4DspcO0
The Merriam–Webster Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com) defines the word ‘Hero’ as:
1) A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability.
2) An illustrious warrior.
3) A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities.
4) One who shows great courage.
Now here’s another question for you to consider; of all the people around you, in your life or not, alive or dead, who do you think would qualify as a hero? Maybe there’s one person, maybe there’s many. What makes them stand out to you? What makes you admire them the way that you do? Do you feel you have it in you to do what they do or have done? It certainly does get you thinking doesn’t it?
The song that I am featuring in this blog is ‘Never Let Go’ by Bryan Adams. Some of you may recognize it from the movie ‘The Guardian’. And (on YouTube) it’s generally been used in tributes to members of the military as well as police and firefighters. These people tend to be the first ones that come to mind when describing a hero. I agree with this whole heartedly. It takes a lot of courage to put one’s self in a position that has an ending that can’t be determined. Plenty of people survive military service, whether they remain in the homeland or they go overseas; whether they are involved during a time of peace or a time of war. Unfortunately plenty of them also end up hurt or even dead. I myself have military lineage in my family. I have one grandfather who fought in Europe (for the US) during World War 2. I have another grandfather that fought in the Korean War. My father served in the early 70s and was stationed in Korea for a while. I have a cousin who recently served in the Navy as well as a family friend who served and was deployed to Iraq for a while. Even among our followers, we have a gentleman who has been fighting in Iraq. (We recently heard from his family members that he was injured and is on his way home.)
Another situation that brought forth thousands of stories of heroes is the always remembered September 11th attack on the US. This event didn’t just bring out the best in those that serve; it brought out the best in many “average joes”. People who weren’t afraid to fight back on Flight 93. People who weren’t afraid to try and help lead others out of the towers even if it cost them their lives. People who had the courage to fight their way through the rubble desperately trying to find survivors. Average people found the instinctual courage that the men and woman that serve show every day.
Let’s take a moment to think again. Is it only the huge acts that make a person a hero? Those of you that have been with us since the beginning may recall one of the first blogs that I posted telling a story of a man who did a simple act of buying a woman and her children a much needed tank of gas and some food from McDonald’s. (Earthly Angels, Posted in February 2010) That man didn’t risk his life and he didn’t save a life. He simply saw a person in need and came through for her. Some may not consider that heroic, but don’t you think that scared, struggling young woman thought it was? Sometimes a simple act of kindness can change things for another person. Whether it gives them a better day, gives them hope for things to improve, or helps renew some of their faith in humanity. Big or small, it can all be considered heroic. I want to challenge you all to be heroes. We owe it to G-d to do our part. Don't you think?
Don’t forget, at least one awesome thing per day. Be safe, be well, and G-d Bless you all.
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s8Z4DspcO0
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Peace
Peace of mind is the most sought after 'commodity' in human life. It appears that most of us are in a state of perpetual restlessness. On analyzing the causes of this restlessness, I have ventured to find for myself ten solutions that need to be followed religiously if I am serious about achieving perfect peace of mind. Maybe they could help you too.
1. Do not interfere in others' business
Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic, & those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized & steered to the right direction, our direction.
This kind of attitude on our part denies the existence of individuality & consequently the existence of G-d, for G-d has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because they are individuals with freedom of choice. There is G-d to look after everything. Why are we bothered? We should mind our own business & we will have our peace.
2. Forget & forgive
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often nurture ill feeling inside our heart for the person who insults or harms us. We forget that the insult or injury was done to us once but by nourishing the grievance we go on excavating the wound forever. Therefore it is essential that we cultivate the art of forgiving & forgetting. Believe in the justice of G-d. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forget, forgive, & move on.
3. Do not crave for recognition
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motive. They may praise you today because you are rich & have power but no sooner you are powerless, they will forget your achievement & start criticizing you.
Moreover, no one is perfect. Then why do you value the words of praise of another mortal like you? Why do you crave for recognition? Believe in yourself. People's praises do not last long. Do your duties ethically & sincerely & leave the rest to G-d.
4. Do not be jealous
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know you work harder than your colleagues in the office but they get promotions, you do not. You started a business several years ago but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only one year old. Should you be jealous? No, remember everybody's life is shaped by G-d’s plan & that will become your destiny. If you are destined to be rich, not all the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere, but will only give you restlessness.
5. Change yourself according to the environment
If you try to change the environment single handedly, the chances are you may fail. Instead, change yourself to suit the environment, but remaining confident & positive while doing so. As you do this, even the environment, which has remained unfriendly for you, will mysteriously appear to be congenial & harmonious.
6. Endure what cannot be cured
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations & accidents that are beyond our control. We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "G-d will it so, so be it". G-d's logic is beyond our comprehension. Believe it & you will gain in patience, in inner strength, in will power.
7. Do not take on more than you can handle
This maxim should be always remembered. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable to carry out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Spend your free time on prayers, introspection & meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind, which make you restless. Fewer the thoughts, greater is the peace of mind.
8. Meditate regularly
Meditation makes the mind thoughtless. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try & experience it. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour every day, you will tend to become calm during the remaining twenty-three and a half hours. Your mind will not be disturbed as much as before. This will increase your efficiency & your day will turn out more fruitful.
9. Never leave the mind vacant
An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil deeds start in the mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. You must decide what you value more … money, the world or peace of mind. Your hobby, like an average job may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment & achievement. Even if you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental thoughts of G-d & His beautiful gifts to us.
10. Do not procrastinate & never regret
Do not waste time in wondering "should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months & years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember G-d has His own plan too. Value your time & do things. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can rectify your mistakes & succeed the next time. Sitting back & worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes but do not brood over the past. Do not regret. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take it as the will of G-d. You do not have the power to alter the course of G-d's will.
May G-d help you remain at peace with yourself & with the world.
G-d Bless,
J
1. Do not interfere in others' business
Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic, & those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized & steered to the right direction, our direction.
This kind of attitude on our part denies the existence of individuality & consequently the existence of G-d, for G-d has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because they are individuals with freedom of choice. There is G-d to look after everything. Why are we bothered? We should mind our own business & we will have our peace.
2. Forget & forgive
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often nurture ill feeling inside our heart for the person who insults or harms us. We forget that the insult or injury was done to us once but by nourishing the grievance we go on excavating the wound forever. Therefore it is essential that we cultivate the art of forgiving & forgetting. Believe in the justice of G-d. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forget, forgive, & move on.
3. Do not crave for recognition
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motive. They may praise you today because you are rich & have power but no sooner you are powerless, they will forget your achievement & start criticizing you.
Moreover, no one is perfect. Then why do you value the words of praise of another mortal like you? Why do you crave for recognition? Believe in yourself. People's praises do not last long. Do your duties ethically & sincerely & leave the rest to G-d.
4. Do not be jealous
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know you work harder than your colleagues in the office but they get promotions, you do not. You started a business several years ago but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only one year old. Should you be jealous? No, remember everybody's life is shaped by G-d’s plan & that will become your destiny. If you are destined to be rich, not all the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere, but will only give you restlessness.
5. Change yourself according to the environment
If you try to change the environment single handedly, the chances are you may fail. Instead, change yourself to suit the environment, but remaining confident & positive while doing so. As you do this, even the environment, which has remained unfriendly for you, will mysteriously appear to be congenial & harmonious.
6. Endure what cannot be cured
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations & accidents that are beyond our control. We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "G-d will it so, so be it". G-d's logic is beyond our comprehension. Believe it & you will gain in patience, in inner strength, in will power.
7. Do not take on more than you can handle
This maxim should be always remembered. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable to carry out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Spend your free time on prayers, introspection & meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind, which make you restless. Fewer the thoughts, greater is the peace of mind.
8. Meditate regularly
Meditation makes the mind thoughtless. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try & experience it. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour every day, you will tend to become calm during the remaining twenty-three and a half hours. Your mind will not be disturbed as much as before. This will increase your efficiency & your day will turn out more fruitful.
9. Never leave the mind vacant
An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil deeds start in the mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. You must decide what you value more … money, the world or peace of mind. Your hobby, like an average job may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment & achievement. Even if you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental thoughts of G-d & His beautiful gifts to us.
10. Do not procrastinate & never regret
Do not waste time in wondering "should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months & years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember G-d has His own plan too. Value your time & do things. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can rectify your mistakes & succeed the next time. Sitting back & worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes but do not brood over the past. Do not regret. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take it as the will of G-d. You do not have the power to alter the course of G-d's will.
May G-d help you remain at peace with yourself & with the world.
G-d Bless,
J
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Reasoning...
There are all kinds of things that help me come up with ideas for blogs. Sometimes it’s something that sticks in my head from a conversation with someone. Sometimes it’s a situation that is happening to myself or someone close to me. Sometimes (as you well know) it’s a song that really speaks to my heart. Sometimes it’s something that G-d brings to my attention while I am sitting and writing in my journal. All these different sources of inspiration have really taught me just how simple little things in my everyday life can speak to me in one way or another. My inspiration for this blog comes from a TV series called Scrubs. Season 6, Episode 14 to be exact.
I have had more than one person tell me that of all the medical sitcoms out there, Scrubs is the most accurate (in an exaggerated way of course). I love the variety of characters that we are able to follow as well as that fact that I usually can’t help but laugh out loud several times when watching an episode. The other night I was watching one that really caught my attention to the point that I repeated it a couple times. I really don’t know much about the medical profession and ever since becoming pretty close friends with a woman that is a pediatrician I have discovered I know even less than I originally thought. One thing that I have observed is just how much doctors really have to face death. Another dear friend of mine is an Oncologist and he faces it with his patients pretty regularly. More than once I have observed them and wondered how they do it. I would be an emotional mess if I was in their shoes. But they both hold it together beautifully. In their shoes, I would question so much about life and even G-d. And that is why this episode stood out to me.
There is a character named Lavern that is a straight forward nurse known for being a Christian. A lot of her jokes revolve around listening to other people’s conversations and responding with statements like, “You don’t have to answer to me; but you will have to answer to Jesus.” The point is she’s the one in the group that has the faith in a higher power. And in this episode you see everyone facing difficult cases that made them question why it all had to happen. And from the beginning Lavern says, “Everything happens for a reason". This causes Dr. Cox to spend his time trying to prove her wrong. For example, an eight year old girl was brought in with a stab wound from a “wrong place at the wrong time” situation that results from meaningless violence. Dr. Cox looked at Lavern and said, “What could possibly be the purpose for this?” Lavern replies that they will know when G-d chooses to reveal Himself. The little girl was sent up to have an MRI to see the extent of the injury and it turned out the knife had gone in right where an unnoticed tumor was growing in the little girl. Had the stabbing not happened, the tumor wouldn’t have been found soon enough to save the little girl’s life. At the end of the episode, Dr. Cox almost seemed ready to admit that everything does happen for a reason…until they were faced with a tragedy of one of their own. Lavern was in an accident and left in an unresponsive comma. A comma that, in the next episode, she actually did die from. One of the last lines that the main character said was, “Be careful, because when you start believing bad things happen for a good reason around here, it hurts that much more when they don’t.”
I know full well that this subject can be considered a “double-edged sword”. Telling people that everything happens for a reason can raise alot questions. Questions that, quite honestly, I have asked G-d from time to time. Sometimes G-d reveals Himself in an unquestionable way and sometimes He doesn’t reveal Himself at all. I can’t tell anyone His rhyme or reason. I do know that I have seen things happen in my life that I absolutely hated. I have had to say goodbye to people when (to me) it clearly wasn’t their time to die. I have watched dear friends make choices that affected their lives in the most drastic ways. In the world as a whole, we see wars and hate. We see one natural disaster after another. Even through these blogs, we see comments from some readers that are hurting or searching. It’s so easy to allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the negative that is all around us. It’s so easy to only look at the surface and ask G-d how he could allow such things. But one of Lavern’s statements really made me think...”I’ve been coming in here every day for 24 years watching children die and seeing good people suffer. If I quit believing there is a bigger plan behind all this, then I wouldn’t be able to show up tomorrow.” You know what? She’s right. It’s our nature to want to understand why things happen. We are meant to ask questions. We are supposed to observe and evaluate. And when the questions that hit the closest to home seem to go unanswered, it can leave us with a negative outlook on life and on G-d. That is the moment that the devil shines. He takes those unanswered questions and keeps whispering them in our ears, telling us that it shouldn’t have happened and encouraging us to be angry at each other, at the world, and at G-d. For several months now I have been struggling to come to terms with some events in my life, past and present. I see things about myself that have changed and grown. I see where G-d had guided me through turning points and brought me out of difficulties. I see how He’s allowing me to use some of these experiences to help others and I see parts of me that He’s still working on.
The phrase, “Bad things happen for a reason” or “G-d has a purpose” isn’t always going to bring people the comfort that we all wish it would. But sometimes we also need to look a little deeper to see where G-d left His fingerprints to let us know He does have a hand in things one way or another. We also need to realize that G-d isn’t the only one involved with the events of this world. The devil is playing his role more than ever. As we near the end times, Satan’s presence is being felt more and more. He’s playing his games and spreading his chaos in the hopes of making people come to a point where they want nothing to do with G-d. Something that I have really noticed is his timing. It’s when I manage to come out of a low point. It’s when I have been struggling and G-d manages to give me some peace. I am going to be including a link to a part of the episode that I have been discussing and you will see that when people start feeling some ease, for example when Dr. Cox actually starts thinking there could be something good behind it all, a new situation arises that knocks everyone off their feet. How many of you have seen that happen in your own lives? I’m going to ask you all to do something that I have been trying to make a point of doing during times of struggle. Bad things do happen for a reason...but it’s not always because G-d is trying to accomplish something....sometimes it’s because the devil is trying to avoid something. This thought is what has actually cause me to get angry and say out loud (when alone of course) “What are you so afraid of?!?” (Obviously I don’t get an answer but a part of me hopes it shuts the devil down for at least a short time because he was called out.) In the year that this blog has been going, I have run into many struggles. The hardest has been the last few months and they will probably continue for a while. But looking at the patterns, anytime I struggle, I find it harder to write. The things that help me are your comments. They and G-d tell me I am doing something right and that I need to keep going no matter what. And like Lavern, facing struggles without the belief in a higher power would make it impossible to keep living and moving forward. We all have something on this earth to live for. We just have to keep sight of that at all times. That’s how we keep going and continue to serve in one way or another.
So stop and think...what do you hold on to in this life? What gives you reason to keep moving forward? What can give you hope and/or a smile in rough times? Now hold on to that and the love of G-d with all your heart. And know that through good times and bad...we as believers are in this together. No one can defeat the devil except G-d...but we as a group can make Satan’s efforts much more difficult. We can stand together and remind him that he will never be as powerful as G-d. And that fact alone is the most terrifying and infuriating thing that we can ever throw in his face. Are you with me?
G-d Bless,
K
This is the segment of the episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3MZ8SA57mY
This is a song that I thought would fit well with this blog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkwU92ak07Q
I have had more than one person tell me that of all the medical sitcoms out there, Scrubs is the most accurate (in an exaggerated way of course). I love the variety of characters that we are able to follow as well as that fact that I usually can’t help but laugh out loud several times when watching an episode. The other night I was watching one that really caught my attention to the point that I repeated it a couple times. I really don’t know much about the medical profession and ever since becoming pretty close friends with a woman that is a pediatrician I have discovered I know even less than I originally thought. One thing that I have observed is just how much doctors really have to face death. Another dear friend of mine is an Oncologist and he faces it with his patients pretty regularly. More than once I have observed them and wondered how they do it. I would be an emotional mess if I was in their shoes. But they both hold it together beautifully. In their shoes, I would question so much about life and even G-d. And that is why this episode stood out to me.
There is a character named Lavern that is a straight forward nurse known for being a Christian. A lot of her jokes revolve around listening to other people’s conversations and responding with statements like, “You don’t have to answer to me; but you will have to answer to Jesus.” The point is she’s the one in the group that has the faith in a higher power. And in this episode you see everyone facing difficult cases that made them question why it all had to happen. And from the beginning Lavern says, “Everything happens for a reason". This causes Dr. Cox to spend his time trying to prove her wrong. For example, an eight year old girl was brought in with a stab wound from a “wrong place at the wrong time” situation that results from meaningless violence. Dr. Cox looked at Lavern and said, “What could possibly be the purpose for this?” Lavern replies that they will know when G-d chooses to reveal Himself. The little girl was sent up to have an MRI to see the extent of the injury and it turned out the knife had gone in right where an unnoticed tumor was growing in the little girl. Had the stabbing not happened, the tumor wouldn’t have been found soon enough to save the little girl’s life. At the end of the episode, Dr. Cox almost seemed ready to admit that everything does happen for a reason…until they were faced with a tragedy of one of their own. Lavern was in an accident and left in an unresponsive comma. A comma that, in the next episode, she actually did die from. One of the last lines that the main character said was, “Be careful, because when you start believing bad things happen for a good reason around here, it hurts that much more when they don’t.”
I know full well that this subject can be considered a “double-edged sword”. Telling people that everything happens for a reason can raise alot questions. Questions that, quite honestly, I have asked G-d from time to time. Sometimes G-d reveals Himself in an unquestionable way and sometimes He doesn’t reveal Himself at all. I can’t tell anyone His rhyme or reason. I do know that I have seen things happen in my life that I absolutely hated. I have had to say goodbye to people when (to me) it clearly wasn’t their time to die. I have watched dear friends make choices that affected their lives in the most drastic ways. In the world as a whole, we see wars and hate. We see one natural disaster after another. Even through these blogs, we see comments from some readers that are hurting or searching. It’s so easy to allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the negative that is all around us. It’s so easy to only look at the surface and ask G-d how he could allow such things. But one of Lavern’s statements really made me think...”I’ve been coming in here every day for 24 years watching children die and seeing good people suffer. If I quit believing there is a bigger plan behind all this, then I wouldn’t be able to show up tomorrow.” You know what? She’s right. It’s our nature to want to understand why things happen. We are meant to ask questions. We are supposed to observe and evaluate. And when the questions that hit the closest to home seem to go unanswered, it can leave us with a negative outlook on life and on G-d. That is the moment that the devil shines. He takes those unanswered questions and keeps whispering them in our ears, telling us that it shouldn’t have happened and encouraging us to be angry at each other, at the world, and at G-d. For several months now I have been struggling to come to terms with some events in my life, past and present. I see things about myself that have changed and grown. I see where G-d had guided me through turning points and brought me out of difficulties. I see how He’s allowing me to use some of these experiences to help others and I see parts of me that He’s still working on.
The phrase, “Bad things happen for a reason” or “G-d has a purpose” isn’t always going to bring people the comfort that we all wish it would. But sometimes we also need to look a little deeper to see where G-d left His fingerprints to let us know He does have a hand in things one way or another. We also need to realize that G-d isn’t the only one involved with the events of this world. The devil is playing his role more than ever. As we near the end times, Satan’s presence is being felt more and more. He’s playing his games and spreading his chaos in the hopes of making people come to a point where they want nothing to do with G-d. Something that I have really noticed is his timing. It’s when I manage to come out of a low point. It’s when I have been struggling and G-d manages to give me some peace. I am going to be including a link to a part of the episode that I have been discussing and you will see that when people start feeling some ease, for example when Dr. Cox actually starts thinking there could be something good behind it all, a new situation arises that knocks everyone off their feet. How many of you have seen that happen in your own lives? I’m going to ask you all to do something that I have been trying to make a point of doing during times of struggle. Bad things do happen for a reason...but it’s not always because G-d is trying to accomplish something....sometimes it’s because the devil is trying to avoid something. This thought is what has actually cause me to get angry and say out loud (when alone of course) “What are you so afraid of?!?” (Obviously I don’t get an answer but a part of me hopes it shuts the devil down for at least a short time because he was called out.) In the year that this blog has been going, I have run into many struggles. The hardest has been the last few months and they will probably continue for a while. But looking at the patterns, anytime I struggle, I find it harder to write. The things that help me are your comments. They and G-d tell me I am doing something right and that I need to keep going no matter what. And like Lavern, facing struggles without the belief in a higher power would make it impossible to keep living and moving forward. We all have something on this earth to live for. We just have to keep sight of that at all times. That’s how we keep going and continue to serve in one way or another.
So stop and think...what do you hold on to in this life? What gives you reason to keep moving forward? What can give you hope and/or a smile in rough times? Now hold on to that and the love of G-d with all your heart. And know that through good times and bad...we as believers are in this together. No one can defeat the devil except G-d...but we as a group can make Satan’s efforts much more difficult. We can stand together and remind him that he will never be as powerful as G-d. And that fact alone is the most terrifying and infuriating thing that we can ever throw in his face. Are you with me?
G-d Bless,
K
This is the segment of the episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3MZ8SA57mY
This is a song that I thought would fit well with this blog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkwU92ak07Q
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Music Series: Worlds Collide
Hello and now for a long overdue blog. I apologize for my silence. It has definitely been way too long. Truth be told I have been trying to write a blog for a few weeks now and the words have either not been there, or they have just not beeen quite right. Now, it’s 11:30 at night. I have an early morning to wake up to, but I suddenly feel like the words are all there in my mind and ready to flow from my fingers, to the screen, and to all of you.
First things first...do you all realize that we have been doing this blog for a year now? February 10th marked the anniversary of our very first blog posting. In all honesty, J and I had no idea what to expect when we started this. We knew we had friends and family that would take interest but it has grown way beyond that. We watched the amount of followers rise and one day, we excitedly realized that a new follower had signed on that neither of us knew. Our followers are now just over one hundred...at least the visible ones...and we continue to find words and topics to talk about.
As you all know, the whole point of the G-d Sight is for people to come together...not as Jews...not as Christians...not as spiritualists....just as people who love G-d. People who can sit and express their ideas and excitement in terms of whatever beliefs they carry with them. It’s because of this spirit that I have chosen the song for this blog. It’s by an artist named Toby Mac. Some of you, especially in the Christian circles, may be familiar with him. If you are of my generation...you may even have known him when he was in the group “DC Talk”. He is, by far, one of my favorite artists. He uses a variety of sounds and styles coupled with incredibly powerful lyrics that carry messages on unity; both religiously and racially. Like J and I, he feels this world is a place where harmony was meant to thrive. People were meant to get along and be able to work together without focusing on differences. I believe that is what G-d had in mind when He began giving life to everything around us.
This song speaks of the moment when G-d separates us from this world. One of the few things that all religious have in common is that there is an inevitable end of some kind coming. I don’t think that G-d created this world just so He could eventually destroy it, but I do think that He realized when it became tainted with sin...that it would have to happen in due time. The very first couple of lines to this song are “If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?” Some religions believe in evangelism, some believe in good deeds, and some believe in karma. Whatever your perspective, we all are meant to let G-d shine through us in one way or another. All people are meant for incredible things. There are some that will rock this world and everyone on it in a way that is unmistakable. Many others will do it in a more subtle but just as effect way. There are so many people, even among those that claim a religion that have never completely felt G-d or come to understand what it is to love and follow Him. Some are lucky enough to find it right away in life, others (like me) are meant to find their way to it through good-old-fashioned trial and error. Either way, seeing the face of G-d isn’t just saying the right prayers nor doing the right deeds. It’s about connecting with Him. In my experience, I connect best with Him in nature, through other people, and ,of course, through music. Nothing is more beautiful to me than the look on a person’s face when they are praying or praising in a way that has them so in touch with G-d that it shines through their face. I believe everyone deserves to feel that. But it’s up to us to allow it to show. And what better time than now?
Toby refers to worlds colliding. These are the known world that we exist in, and the spiritual world that He has prepared for us. “A city with one King” as he calls it is heaven. A place where we will come together and know what perfection really is. We will know an existence with no hate and no pain. I think everyone pictures it differently. I see a new world where people live and work together in harmony. Where there is no need for the “-“ to be in His holy name because no one would dare misuse or deface it any way. A place where our first instinct isn’t to skim the surface but to look straight into the heart of everyone we come across. To many skeptics, this all sounds very romantic and "fairytale-ish" but humor me for a moment. Can you sit back and close your eyes and just imagine what that very moment will be like (whether we get there in the end times or after our death) when you come face to face with the Father Himself? Wow...all I can say is wow.
I am going to ask you to do two things for me. First click on the link that I am about to attach of the song that is accompanying this blog. Listen to the lyrics and enjoy. It’s very powerful. Then I want you to sit back and really consider what it means to you. G-d speaks to everyone in His own way and with different words...what is He saying to you? Then I want you to picture that moment when these two world collide and we see the dawn of a time when G-d really does rule all. If you choose to comment, maybe you could open up a bit and share what you think and see. Let us experience the way you see the face of G-d. I think it should be very exciting as well as uplifting to so many.
So with that I will post the link and wish you all a wonderful weekend and a fantastic week to follow. Be safe, be well, and G-d Bless. And don’t forget...at least one awesome thing per day.
G-d Bless,
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMKqpCIlkf4&feature=fvwrel
First things first...do you all realize that we have been doing this blog for a year now? February 10th marked the anniversary of our very first blog posting. In all honesty, J and I had no idea what to expect when we started this. We knew we had friends and family that would take interest but it has grown way beyond that. We watched the amount of followers rise and one day, we excitedly realized that a new follower had signed on that neither of us knew. Our followers are now just over one hundred...at least the visible ones...and we continue to find words and topics to talk about.
As you all know, the whole point of the G-d Sight is for people to come together...not as Jews...not as Christians...not as spiritualists....just as people who love G-d. People who can sit and express their ideas and excitement in terms of whatever beliefs they carry with them. It’s because of this spirit that I have chosen the song for this blog. It’s by an artist named Toby Mac. Some of you, especially in the Christian circles, may be familiar with him. If you are of my generation...you may even have known him when he was in the group “DC Talk”. He is, by far, one of my favorite artists. He uses a variety of sounds and styles coupled with incredibly powerful lyrics that carry messages on unity; both religiously and racially. Like J and I, he feels this world is a place where harmony was meant to thrive. People were meant to get along and be able to work together without focusing on differences. I believe that is what G-d had in mind when He began giving life to everything around us.
This song speaks of the moment when G-d separates us from this world. One of the few things that all religious have in common is that there is an inevitable end of some kind coming. I don’t think that G-d created this world just so He could eventually destroy it, but I do think that He realized when it became tainted with sin...that it would have to happen in due time. The very first couple of lines to this song are “If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?” Some religions believe in evangelism, some believe in good deeds, and some believe in karma. Whatever your perspective, we all are meant to let G-d shine through us in one way or another. All people are meant for incredible things. There are some that will rock this world and everyone on it in a way that is unmistakable. Many others will do it in a more subtle but just as effect way. There are so many people, even among those that claim a religion that have never completely felt G-d or come to understand what it is to love and follow Him. Some are lucky enough to find it right away in life, others (like me) are meant to find their way to it through good-old-fashioned trial and error. Either way, seeing the face of G-d isn’t just saying the right prayers nor doing the right deeds. It’s about connecting with Him. In my experience, I connect best with Him in nature, through other people, and ,of course, through music. Nothing is more beautiful to me than the look on a person’s face when they are praying or praising in a way that has them so in touch with G-d that it shines through their face. I believe everyone deserves to feel that. But it’s up to us to allow it to show. And what better time than now?
Toby refers to worlds colliding. These are the known world that we exist in, and the spiritual world that He has prepared for us. “A city with one King” as he calls it is heaven. A place where we will come together and know what perfection really is. We will know an existence with no hate and no pain. I think everyone pictures it differently. I see a new world where people live and work together in harmony. Where there is no need for the “-“ to be in His holy name because no one would dare misuse or deface it any way. A place where our first instinct isn’t to skim the surface but to look straight into the heart of everyone we come across. To many skeptics, this all sounds very romantic and "fairytale-ish" but humor me for a moment. Can you sit back and close your eyes and just imagine what that very moment will be like (whether we get there in the end times or after our death) when you come face to face with the Father Himself? Wow...all I can say is wow.
I am going to ask you to do two things for me. First click on the link that I am about to attach of the song that is accompanying this blog. Listen to the lyrics and enjoy. It’s very powerful. Then I want you to sit back and really consider what it means to you. G-d speaks to everyone in His own way and with different words...what is He saying to you? Then I want you to picture that moment when these two world collide and we see the dawn of a time when G-d really does rule all. If you choose to comment, maybe you could open up a bit and share what you think and see. Let us experience the way you see the face of G-d. I think it should be very exciting as well as uplifting to so many.
So with that I will post the link and wish you all a wonderful weekend and a fantastic week to follow. Be safe, be well, and G-d Bless. And don’t forget...at least one awesome thing per day.
G-d Bless,
K
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMKqpCIlkf4&feature=fvwrel
Sunday, January 9, 2011
To Live, is to Give
We have the pleasure of featuring another mystery blogger that we will affectionately refer to as R.F. Have a wonderful week everyone and enjoy. Like all the others, this is a great one. G-d Bless.:
As I was eating breakfast Thursday morning, I took out an old vegetarian cookbook to see if there was some interesting recipe to spice up my regular Shabbat menu. I've taken to experimenting with new salads, and I thought this cookbook might have a good idea. The book fell open up to the introduction, so I began skimming through it as I ate my breakfast. It was a fascinating little history of how this woman had turned from a hopeful artist, writer and musician into a cookbook writer.
Originally, she had hoped to have her paintings hanging in the Met, or her novels becoming bestsellers, but had ended up writing cookbooks read by thousands. But it wasn't the fame or fortune that brought her happiness. At the end of her introduction/personal history, she summed up a thought that rings true for humanity. She concluded that "to be of use, to have the opportunity to impart information and skills that serve to enrich people's daily lives; this is what matters most to me." Simply put, she had found satisfaction in helping others.
When all is said and done, isn't that what matters most to all of us? It's not the money or the renown that bring contentment. People want to affect others, to influence them, and just to make their lives a little easier.
My friend Tova, a writer, called me the other day to let me in on some good news. "I had a literary triumph," she told me, with a giggle in her voice.
"Let's hear," I responded cheerfully, waiting to hear which magazine had accepted her latest.
But the success she wanted to share was not about an appearance in a periodical. Instead, she went on to tell me how her daughter-in-law had been complaining that her daughter refused to eat fruit. And the little girl kept coming down with colds. Tova suggested that her daughter-in-law tell her child a story about someone who didn't want to eat fruit and kept having to stay home from nursery school, because of her ailments. Knowing that Tova is a better writer than she, the young mother asked her if she would write that story and she (the young mother) would read it to her daughter. Tova happily accepted and whipped out a fast story about a little duck who wouldn't eat fruit…She e-mailed it to her daughter-in-law.
The next day Tova got a call from her daughter-in-law with good news. After hearing the story, her little girl agreed to eat three tiny slivers of a tangerine! Tova's day was made.
This was her literary triumph. Not an article accepted in a well-read newspaper. Not a whopping royalty check in the mail. Tova's story had helped her little granddaughter half-way across the world to enter into the world of fruits. And hopefully, her health will improve.
As a mother, I've had my own share of personal triumphs. Like the time my young daughter came home from a friend and told me that her friend had accidentally slammed a window on my daughter's finger. After sympathizing with her, I told her that her friend must have felt so bad. My daughter confided that she didn't tell her friend what had happened, because she didn't want her to feel bad.
I have to say I was very proud of my daughter, but I was also filled with a feeling of satisfaction. Consideration and sensitivity are two virtues I try hard to instill in my kids. And my daughter showed me that my efforts were not for naught.
My friend Sara used to work at Hebrew University. She organized classes on Jewish thought, Shabbatons, challah-baking, and other activities to introduce Jewish students from abroad to a deeper look at their heritage.
One day she was standing in the lobby of the building for overseas students, publicizing one of her upcoming activities. At the time, there were student body elections for the overseas students. It seemed to be a hot election, with two main alternatives for president, a young man vs. a young woman. Unexpectedly, Sara bore witness to an upsetting quarrel between the two. As she stood there behind her table, Mr. Would-Be President taped a campaign sign right over the sign of Ms. Would-Be, covering it completely. What he didn't realize was that his opponent was on the other side of the lobby, looking. Needless to say, a very vocal fight broke out right there in the middle of the hubbub, with her demanding he remove the sign, and him refusing. Not wanting to lower herself to taking it off, she told him he better take it down, and off she went in a huff. He just walked away.
Sara knew that the right thing to do was to take off his sign and move it to the side. So she did it herself. This way, she figured that Ms. Would-Be would come back and see the problem had been corrected and would think that Mr. Would-Be had done it, thus putting out some of the coals of contention.
Later that morning, Ms. Would-Be approached Sara, who assumed she was interested in information on the upcoming program Sara was organizing. But Ms. Would-Be surprised her.
"I saw what you did before," she told Sara.
Sara wasn't sure how to respond, but Ms. Would-Be beat her to it.
"That was the nicest thing I ever saw anyone do," she told Sara. Then she turned around and walked away, to hang up more signs.
Thinking back to that short interchange, Sara was left with a feeling of satisfaction that she still carries with her today, more than ten years later.
So much of Judaism is based on the importance of giving. There are numerous mitzvos that are classified as being adom lechaveiro, literally "between a person and his friend," i.e. interpersonal. From giving charity and loans to helping even one's enemy to reload his fallen donkey, the Torah requires us to think beyond ourselves and help out those around us. The number one mitzvah that sums up the importance of altruism is "Love your neighbor as yourself." The root of the word "ahava" (love) is "hav" – to give. Giving requires love, but it also develops love. In fact, Torah scholars have taught that if someone wants to increase his/her love for another, the secret is to give. That is one of the many reasons why parents love their children so much. All that parental giving creates tremendous love for the recipient. So if you want to love someone more, give to him, and soon those loving feelings will follow. By doing acts of kindness, you are fulfilling the mitzvah of "Love your neighbor as yourself," since your actions have increased love between you and the other.
As we see from the stories above, giving does not necessarily mean providing physical items. It could mean a good word, a thoughtful note, a cheery phone call, or some helpful advice. And the giving could be something big or quite small.
Some years ago, when my daughter came home from nursery school and had a huge tantrum, not for anything in particular, just from her exhausting day, I held her on my lap and let her cry. I made a few sympathetic sounds, but that was about it. I didn't feel annoyed that she was wasting my time or guilty that maybe nursery school is too much for her. I just reminded myself that by being there for her to cry on, I was doing an act of giving. Turning this small act into a heroic one gave me the strength to get through a period of almost daily meltdowns.
Everyone has their little stories. It's not the glory that fills up the soul with contentment. It's those small unassuming acts we perform, the consideration and sensitivity to make someone's day just a little bit better, that make a person feel he has accomplished something. After all, people are made in G‑d's image, and G‑d loves to give. So when people give of themselves for others, they are tapping into their own G‑dliness. And that makes them feel like their lives are worth living.
As I was eating breakfast Thursday morning, I took out an old vegetarian cookbook to see if there was some interesting recipe to spice up my regular Shabbat menu. I've taken to experimenting with new salads, and I thought this cookbook might have a good idea. The book fell open up to the introduction, so I began skimming through it as I ate my breakfast. It was a fascinating little history of how this woman had turned from a hopeful artist, writer and musician into a cookbook writer.
Originally, she had hoped to have her paintings hanging in the Met, or her novels becoming bestsellers, but had ended up writing cookbooks read by thousands. But it wasn't the fame or fortune that brought her happiness. At the end of her introduction/personal history, she summed up a thought that rings true for humanity. She concluded that "to be of use, to have the opportunity to impart information and skills that serve to enrich people's daily lives; this is what matters most to me." Simply put, she had found satisfaction in helping others.
When all is said and done, isn't that what matters most to all of us? It's not the money or the renown that bring contentment. People want to affect others, to influence them, and just to make their lives a little easier.
My friend Tova, a writer, called me the other day to let me in on some good news. "I had a literary triumph," she told me, with a giggle in her voice.
"Let's hear," I responded cheerfully, waiting to hear which magazine had accepted her latest.
But the success she wanted to share was not about an appearance in a periodical. Instead, she went on to tell me how her daughter-in-law had been complaining that her daughter refused to eat fruit. And the little girl kept coming down with colds. Tova suggested that her daughter-in-law tell her child a story about someone who didn't want to eat fruit and kept having to stay home from nursery school, because of her ailments. Knowing that Tova is a better writer than she, the young mother asked her if she would write that story and she (the young mother) would read it to her daughter. Tova happily accepted and whipped out a fast story about a little duck who wouldn't eat fruit…She e-mailed it to her daughter-in-law.
The next day Tova got a call from her daughter-in-law with good news. After hearing the story, her little girl agreed to eat three tiny slivers of a tangerine! Tova's day was made.
This was her literary triumph. Not an article accepted in a well-read newspaper. Not a whopping royalty check in the mail. Tova's story had helped her little granddaughter half-way across the world to enter into the world of fruits. And hopefully, her health will improve.
As a mother, I've had my own share of personal triumphs. Like the time my young daughter came home from a friend and told me that her friend had accidentally slammed a window on my daughter's finger. After sympathizing with her, I told her that her friend must have felt so bad. My daughter confided that she didn't tell her friend what had happened, because she didn't want her to feel bad.
I have to say I was very proud of my daughter, but I was also filled with a feeling of satisfaction. Consideration and sensitivity are two virtues I try hard to instill in my kids. And my daughter showed me that my efforts were not for naught.
My friend Sara used to work at Hebrew University. She organized classes on Jewish thought, Shabbatons, challah-baking, and other activities to introduce Jewish students from abroad to a deeper look at their heritage.
One day she was standing in the lobby of the building for overseas students, publicizing one of her upcoming activities. At the time, there were student body elections for the overseas students. It seemed to be a hot election, with two main alternatives for president, a young man vs. a young woman. Unexpectedly, Sara bore witness to an upsetting quarrel between the two. As she stood there behind her table, Mr. Would-Be President taped a campaign sign right over the sign of Ms. Would-Be, covering it completely. What he didn't realize was that his opponent was on the other side of the lobby, looking. Needless to say, a very vocal fight broke out right there in the middle of the hubbub, with her demanding he remove the sign, and him refusing. Not wanting to lower herself to taking it off, she told him he better take it down, and off she went in a huff. He just walked away.
Sara knew that the right thing to do was to take off his sign and move it to the side. So she did it herself. This way, she figured that Ms. Would-Be would come back and see the problem had been corrected and would think that Mr. Would-Be had done it, thus putting out some of the coals of contention.
Later that morning, Ms. Would-Be approached Sara, who assumed she was interested in information on the upcoming program Sara was organizing. But Ms. Would-Be surprised her.
"I saw what you did before," she told Sara.
Sara wasn't sure how to respond, but Ms. Would-Be beat her to it.
"That was the nicest thing I ever saw anyone do," she told Sara. Then she turned around and walked away, to hang up more signs.
Thinking back to that short interchange, Sara was left with a feeling of satisfaction that she still carries with her today, more than ten years later.
So much of Judaism is based on the importance of giving. There are numerous mitzvos that are classified as being adom lechaveiro, literally "between a person and his friend," i.e. interpersonal. From giving charity and loans to helping even one's enemy to reload his fallen donkey, the Torah requires us to think beyond ourselves and help out those around us. The number one mitzvah that sums up the importance of altruism is "Love your neighbor as yourself." The root of the word "ahava" (love) is "hav" – to give. Giving requires love, but it also develops love. In fact, Torah scholars have taught that if someone wants to increase his/her love for another, the secret is to give. That is one of the many reasons why parents love their children so much. All that parental giving creates tremendous love for the recipient. So if you want to love someone more, give to him, and soon those loving feelings will follow. By doing acts of kindness, you are fulfilling the mitzvah of "Love your neighbor as yourself," since your actions have increased love between you and the other.
As we see from the stories above, giving does not necessarily mean providing physical items. It could mean a good word, a thoughtful note, a cheery phone call, or some helpful advice. And the giving could be something big or quite small.
Some years ago, when my daughter came home from nursery school and had a huge tantrum, not for anything in particular, just from her exhausting day, I held her on my lap and let her cry. I made a few sympathetic sounds, but that was about it. I didn't feel annoyed that she was wasting my time or guilty that maybe nursery school is too much for her. I just reminded myself that by being there for her to cry on, I was doing an act of giving. Turning this small act into a heroic one gave me the strength to get through a period of almost daily meltdowns.
Everyone has their little stories. It's not the glory that fills up the soul with contentment. It's those small unassuming acts we perform, the consideration and sensitivity to make someone's day just a little bit better, that make a person feel he has accomplished something. After all, people are made in G‑d's image, and G‑d loves to give. So when people give of themselves for others, they are tapping into their own G‑dliness. And that makes them feel like their lives are worth living.
Who believes in G-d
Everyone has a god. There is not a sane person on earth who doesn't believe in one. The question is only which one...
Your "god" is the thing that you believe to be infallible: you trust in its power despite any evidence to the contrary; you believe it will always be there, cannot be defeated, is all-powerful & omnipresent. It is the thing you can fall back on no matter what. The bedrock of your life - whatever that may be - that is your god.
Everyone has a god. The question is only which one. If you think science has all the answers,& that something is only true if it is scientifically proven, then science is your god. And belief in science can be as irrational as any religious conviction. Its adherents blindly accept the most outlandish theory, as long as it was presented by an expert in the field.
Science is only one common god. Another one is love. Believers in love make lofty statements about its divine qualities: "Love conquers all", "Love is forever", "All you need is love", "Love is the only thing worth dying for." Even though experience has shown that love is not all you need, & it certainly doesn't conquer all, their faith is not shaken.
Others worship money. "Everything has a price" is their creed. And no matter how many miserable millionaires they meet, their god remains infallible, & they continue to have faith in money as the source of all goodness & happiness.
A very popular modern god is self. "Believe in yourself. You are capable of anything. If you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't do." Nothing you can't do? Sounds pretty divine. A pity it's not true. We have limitations. There are things that are simply beyond our capability. But to the believer, no evidence will move his faith in himself.
It is such a relief to just let G-d be G-d. If G-d is G-d, I can be human. I am not G-d. Nothing about me is infallible … not my feelings, not my intelligence … certainly not the balances in my life. I don't have to be perfect. G-d does a good job of that.
Science, love, money & self are all very important. But they are also fickle, ever-changing, & unpredictable. The G-d of Israel has not changed. If anyone or anything should be god, it is G-d.
G-d Bless
J
Your "god" is the thing that you believe to be infallible: you trust in its power despite any evidence to the contrary; you believe it will always be there, cannot be defeated, is all-powerful & omnipresent. It is the thing you can fall back on no matter what. The bedrock of your life - whatever that may be - that is your god.
Everyone has a god. The question is only which one. If you think science has all the answers,& that something is only true if it is scientifically proven, then science is your god. And belief in science can be as irrational as any religious conviction. Its adherents blindly accept the most outlandish theory, as long as it was presented by an expert in the field.
Science is only one common god. Another one is love. Believers in love make lofty statements about its divine qualities: "Love conquers all", "Love is forever", "All you need is love", "Love is the only thing worth dying for." Even though experience has shown that love is not all you need, & it certainly doesn't conquer all, their faith is not shaken.
Others worship money. "Everything has a price" is their creed. And no matter how many miserable millionaires they meet, their god remains infallible, & they continue to have faith in money as the source of all goodness & happiness.
A very popular modern god is self. "Believe in yourself. You are capable of anything. If you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't do." Nothing you can't do? Sounds pretty divine. A pity it's not true. We have limitations. There are things that are simply beyond our capability. But to the believer, no evidence will move his faith in himself.
It is such a relief to just let G-d be G-d. If G-d is G-d, I can be human. I am not G-d. Nothing about me is infallible … not my feelings, not my intelligence … certainly not the balances in my life. I don't have to be perfect. G-d does a good job of that.
Science, love, money & self are all very important. But they are also fickle, ever-changing, & unpredictable. The G-d of Israel has not changed. If anyone or anything should be god, it is G-d.
G-d Bless
J
Q and A with J
We recently received an email from one of our followers presenting a good question. I hope this answer helps you understand. Thank you for being a dedicated follower and G-d bless you always.
I have been following your blogs for months now. They are all very good. I want to put forward a question to you and I hope you will use it as a blog. We are Jewish, but are Christian. My brother is getting married in a few months to a Jewish woman and this is just one of my many questions. Her parents are Orthodox Jews and I have unanswered questions. Thanks a lot for your time.
My question to you:
What is it that religious Jews have against television? Aren't you a bit cut off from reality? How do you know what's going on in the world without a TV in the house?
I would say that it's the other way around …TV cuts you off from reality. Whatever you are watching, whether it's the news or entertainment, you are missing out on what's going on in the real world. The news is a distortion of what's going on other people's lives, & the entertainment is a distraction from what's going on in your life. "Reality TV" is an oxymoron.
The TV news is simply reporting the facts … right? Wrong. It is only reporting the facts that are visually captivating, will maintain the ratings, conform to the prejudices of the viewers (not to mention the station owners), & fit into neat little segments … as if there has never been a story too complicated to report in three minutes ...
But it's not only the news that distances us from reality. Just as TV news replaces the facts with a contrived opinion, TV entertainment replaces real human interaction with somebody else's fantasies. Those who spend their hours following soap operas are missing out on the days of the lives of their own family & friends. The sitcom junkies are oblivious to the hilarity of everyday living. And the fans glued to "reality TV" are blind to the reality happening in their own home.
Could it be that TV is a major cause of the relationships crisis we face today? Apart from the time wasted in front of the box, there is a deeper effect the media is having on our generation of TV addicts. So many people are complaining that they can't find somebody to love. How often do we hear, "I just can't find the right person." Well, to a couch potato, it's no wonder no one is "the right person." Who can compete with the beautiful, funny, interesting & witty characters that strut the screens & fill their minds every night? Never mind that it's all contrived & staged. How many people do you know who fit TV's narrow definition of what is considered attractive? Of course no one in the real world matches up.
Personally, I feel more in touch with reality without a TV. You may not be ready to throw yours out the window. But at least ensure that it is you that controls the television, & not the reverse. Make sure you are not missing out on real relationships in favor of imaginary friends. Life was not meant to be lived only during commercial breaks.
I have been following your blogs for months now. They are all very good. I want to put forward a question to you and I hope you will use it as a blog. We are Jewish, but are Christian. My brother is getting married in a few months to a Jewish woman and this is just one of my many questions. Her parents are Orthodox Jews and I have unanswered questions. Thanks a lot for your time.
My question to you:
What is it that religious Jews have against television? Aren't you a bit cut off from reality? How do you know what's going on in the world without a TV in the house?
I would say that it's the other way around …TV cuts you off from reality. Whatever you are watching, whether it's the news or entertainment, you are missing out on what's going on in the real world. The news is a distortion of what's going on other people's lives, & the entertainment is a distraction from what's going on in your life. "Reality TV" is an oxymoron.
The TV news is simply reporting the facts … right? Wrong. It is only reporting the facts that are visually captivating, will maintain the ratings, conform to the prejudices of the viewers (not to mention the station owners), & fit into neat little segments … as if there has never been a story too complicated to report in three minutes ...
But it's not only the news that distances us from reality. Just as TV news replaces the facts with a contrived opinion, TV entertainment replaces real human interaction with somebody else's fantasies. Those who spend their hours following soap operas are missing out on the days of the lives of their own family & friends. The sitcom junkies are oblivious to the hilarity of everyday living. And the fans glued to "reality TV" are blind to the reality happening in their own home.
Could it be that TV is a major cause of the relationships crisis we face today? Apart from the time wasted in front of the box, there is a deeper effect the media is having on our generation of TV addicts. So many people are complaining that they can't find somebody to love. How often do we hear, "I just can't find the right person." Well, to a couch potato, it's no wonder no one is "the right person." Who can compete with the beautiful, funny, interesting & witty characters that strut the screens & fill their minds every night? Never mind that it's all contrived & staged. How many people do you know who fit TV's narrow definition of what is considered attractive? Of course no one in the real world matches up.
Personally, I feel more in touch with reality without a TV. You may not be ready to throw yours out the window. But at least ensure that it is you that controls the television, & not the reverse. Make sure you are not missing out on real relationships in favor of imaginary friends. Life was not meant to be lived only during commercial breaks.
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