Where is the blessing of my neighbour!?

When people carry your name on their lips, are they cursing you or blessing you?

I know of more than a hundred people who must be unhappy with me and cursing me at my back (a few on my face too), and it is a sad thing to know that people are talking about you, and that is for no good reason... They're not blessing your name but cursing it. Without entering into the 'people talk, let them talk' mode, I think everyone need to introspect why is it that people are cursing and not blessing your name?

Think of it and one may actually realize that the intentions / trigger behind the actions which resulted in that gossip full of despise and cursing may have been avoided or dealt with in a better way. In plain words, perhaps, one deserved that cursing...

Huh! One should beware of own actions... lest you pile heap of curses from everyone around on your name, all your life...

Next time you're up to something that's gonna impact others, ask this question: Are people gonna bless my name or curse my name?

Do you really have the blessing of your neighbor?

Have mercy on Orissa...

Lord, mercy! Mercy for the suffering, the killers, the schemers, the rulers, the onlookers and all that are a part of it... Have mercy on Orissa!

The past 3 weeks, we've been hearing of the stories of people suffering in Orissa. Many tribal, and backward class people are suffering down there, because they are known as Christians, and they are sharing their faith and increasing. I have not been to Orissa in person to witness any suffering, but here's what I've gathered from a Social worker, who went to survey the place:

"Some hundreds or thousands are spending their cold wintry nights in forests out of fear of life. They're scantily clothed, their little belongings are no more. They're eating whatever comes their way, like the animals of the wild."

We all know of the gruesome murder of Graham Staines and his children way back in 1999. Even that incident came after such clashes took shape. Take a macro-picture of the series of events that have raked this up since December 24, 2007 and one will start to question why one Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, a VHP Leader bereft of any peaceful work must intervene with his group of body guards in the Christmas festive arrangements, and the ensuing arguments which have resulted in a small clash, which is now known as an attack on the Swami's life.

To read this Swami's version, go to The Sunday Indian Magazine link (You may have to register for free): http://www.thesundayindian.com/13012008/storyd.asp?sid=3667&pageno=3

What happened next is that some hundreds of people got killed (official figures are some 50) and 54 Churches destroyed (this may be outdated, and the official figure is something). That's not the end. Many more are targeted still in many other places. The fear still haunts people in Orissa. The tension is not over yet.

Is a Swami's life worth some 100 (hundreds of) other people's lives? What saint can propagate or impel the killing of people and destruction of Holy places (read Churches)? What human can allow innocent people's houses to be torn down? Are these are our leaders? Do we protect such lives which can breathe only Devastation?

In the narrators own words, "It was all a well-schemed idea to attack and destroy churches." Even the authorities seem party to it when they say that nothing in there is seriously wrong, and the local police is not allowing outsiders to get into the affected places. Well, they may be doing that to stop political unrest; damn the political leaders, but, what of the people dying?

Ask a question to any VHP Leader "What are you trying to do?"and pat comes the reply, "Protecting one’s religion should be a person's fundamental right. To attack someone’s faith is violence. Anybody indulging in violence should be punished." ( Vishwa Hindu Parishad General Secretary Dr Pravin Togadia's remarks to The Sunday Indian Magazine). How about applying that to all Indian' non-Christian organizations abroad across the world, Mister?

Christian missionaries have long been known for their steadfast Spirit of service and devotion to serve the poor and needy. The closest and greatest example being Mother Teresa, who poured out her life for India. If someone is touched by the love she has shown and accepts the faith she professes, should the person be harmed, or should Mother Teresa be killed? Or should her Ashram be burnt down because she is converting?

Here are some answers to people who think Conversion is what Christians are up to and make that a reason for hooliganism and destruction--
First: No one can convert another person. All a Christian does is to share the love s/he has received in Christ, and if that love touches the person's life, s/he chooses to convert. That process of transformation is Spiritual, not physical. Nothing else matters. Period.

Second: The Church of Christ is not made of walls that anyone can go and destroy. It is made of people. As long as Christ lives in people's hearts, the Church is alive. And the foundation of Church is the Solid Rock - Jesus Christ.

Can someone stop that? Can VHP? Or any other organization by terrorizing people with their attacks? At least I don't think so. More the oppression, more the fight to break free!

Lastly... Orissa is in news lately for such attacks, but there are many such incidents happening across India which do not receive any attention from media nor the authorities. We don't want to go converting the criminals involved in these attacks by a rod. Rather, we just unite in praying for all that they may receive forgiveness, and that the sovereign Lord may have mercy on them!

May God give wisdom to those in authority and all the ministers to rule India in a just manner. May God provide for the Suffering and also bless the persecutors! May all come to know His Saving Grace! In Jesus' name... To all who read this -

"Jesus Loves You."
"JESUS SAVES."

NO EXIT!

Why is it so hard to exit? When someone’s gotta go, they just gotta go!

I am trying to exit from a Home loan ‘relation’ with GE Money. I remember 18 months ago, how the bank executives were literally running around me to get the account opened then, just like I am today. W-o-W! I thought to myself, nice way to keep people bugged, and expect them to give up.

LOL! But, when someone’s gotta go, they just gotta go! Isn’t it?

Then, I recall my exit from a relation. O yes, you’re smart… I don’t have to elaborate that much… we all know it’s hard to walk away from any person you’ve been so closely lived with… even friends, when you fight with them and the ego starts occupying the spaces… it’s difficult.

What of exit from a company… huh! I’ve been through that too not before a year ago. And believe me, it took me about three months with that changeover. Not an easy one. Though I am not sure if there was much wanted of me, the exit nonetheless was hard enough to give me sleepless nights. And then, even after about more than 3/4th year, the ghosts of it do not cease to haunt.

What of exit from life? Of course, I haven’t experienced that. But, a look at the large hospitals where emergency cases are rushed in, a look at the grieving families and dear ones does communicate one thing – “IT IS HARD TO EXIT”.

So, why is it hard to exit? Our hearts are set on the object which is departing. They become our objects of affection (not in literal sense, may not be intense either) which we cling on to. The bottomline being the collaborative investment in each other whether in terms of money, emotions, time or in any other form.

Towards the end, to ease the pain of exit, we just need to know one thing. Just as Job speaks in The Holy Bible— We have come into this world without anything, and without anything shall we go!

(Was written way back in November)

Let Go!

There are people who can walk away from you.


And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into
staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The Bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.

You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed .......

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2006!!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then ...

LET IT GO!!!

This was an e-mail forward I received in 2006, pl report any objectionable content to manohr@gmail.com

Return, O man, to your Origin!

Can a plant survive without the light of the sun?
Can a man cut-off the branch he is sitting on without a fall?
Can a child in the womb survive if the umbilical cord is cut off?

What man can cause thunder of his own strength?
Can we make the seasons change their cycle?
Reset the course of a wind, or cause it to rain at will?
Can we keep the drought away or the land from going dry?
Can man stop the rising waters or the quaking earth?
Can we fathom what runs in the womb of the earth or in the highest heavens?
Nay, even with all the satellites soaring sleeplessly keeping watch in the space
Nor does our technology beneath the seas help us...
What is man made of, that he should boast of his abilities as though he can stop the nature from obeying the laws of God?



Return, O man, to your origins..
Return to the Lord God your creator,
He's waiting for you with his arms open wide,
Come Home, Come to the Creator of life...
Love him with all your heart and soul and mind!

(A part of this was inspired by the 2007 Watch-night service where Bro. Prakash Rao (RZIM) had preached)

Christmas 2007

Christmas Evening with Friends & Family...

View Album

Get your own

Arz kiya hai kisi employee ne...

Appraisal hote hain.........
Disappointment ka sama hota hai... ....
Aise mausam mein hi to ATTRITION jawan hota hai.......
Dil ki khunnas HUM jabaan se nahi kehte... ....
Ye fasana to resignation se bayan hota hai........

Forwarded by a friend: Nishant Verma

(The content above may be published earlier in other works. Please report objectionable content to: manohr@gmail.com)

Waqt Nahin!

Waqt Nahi!

This is just superb.  Every line of it speaks tons of truth about our present condition.  Can we not attempt to come out of this terrible situation.

" WAQT NAHI "

Har khushi Hai Logon Ke Daman Mein,
Par Ek Hansi Ke Liye Waqt Nahi.
Din Raat Daudti Duniya Mein,
Zindagi Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Maa Ki Loree Ka Ehsaas To Hai,
Par Maa Ko Maa Kehne Ka Waqt Nahi.
Saare Rishton Ko To Hum Maar Chuke,
Ab Unhe Dafnane Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.

Saare Naam Mobile Mein Hain,
Par Dosti Ke Liye Waqt Nahi.
Gairon Ki Kya Baat Karen,
Jab Apno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Aankhon Me Hai Neend Badee,
Par Sone Ka Waqt Nahi.
Dil Hai Ghamon Se Bhara Hua,
Par Rone Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.

Paison ki Daud Me Aise Daude,
Ki Thakne ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.
Paraye Ehsason Ki Kya Kadr Karein,
Jab Apane Sapno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Tu Hi Bata E Zindagi,
Iss Zindagi Ka Kya Hoga,
Ki Har Pal Marne Walon Ko,
Jeene Ke Liye Bhi Waqt Nahi.......

 

"Always keep smiling and be happy. Life is too small to complain."    An e-mail forward on a HR e-Group by MAYUR MARU

Hello, is this a bloody sport?

Team dynamics can make team work a bloody sport when individual successes become more important than team success.

Joining for dinner with her colleagues, Ashmita wasn’t at all excited for any chat. She’s been thinking all day that her colleagues were playing a spoil sport. She couldn’t understand why?

Soon, her team leader picked up the conversation to give and take feedback about team members. To her surprise, Ashmita realized that all the time she was upset about her colleagues, she was the one at fault. Though she immediately apologized and requested feedback, she couldn’t help recollecting all the things she did against the team because she thought the others were wrong.

It’s something that we would call a bloody sport. If you must’ve seen a bull-fighting game (pic attached), you know what a bloody sport is. Either the bull gores the matador, or the matador jabs the bull with his sword. There’s only one survivor in the game. Look at the contrasting picture of the Rugby game. It’s a team of people enabling a single person to make the goal.

Does that make you say, “That’s a team!” Yes, from the bottom of our heart, we all know that a team has to have a single objective, work as one body, and complement each others’ weaknesses. But, we fail miserably. Reasons, if we have to analyze are more personal than interpersonal.

This is no thesis about teamwork, but, here are some useful tips for each of us to remember.

1. Team success means Individual success, not vice-versa
2. The least of designated member is as fundamental as the most skilled member for the team’s success
3. Before forming any opinion about another, talk it out with them.
4. Uphold team spirit at all times, If you can contribute in any way, contribute positive energy only
5. Working in a team is not a bloody sport, it’s a healing game.
6. Don’t compete with each other, join hands to compete against another
7. Say it often to each other, “You are a good thing,”

As much a rotten apple can spoil the whole basket, a medicine pill can heal a body too.

Choose your role!

With inputs from Deepak Mehra.

Everybody needs an ear

"A spark of light for your interest... gives you many reasons to work hard..."

This was a 'status of mind' message a colleague of mine had put up after a 10 minute of talk last evening. Given that this colleague-friend was experiencing turbulent times in his career, all he needed was an ear to hear him out at the least.

As an HR professional, I always remind myself what Prof. A. Venkat Raman (Reader, FMS) used to emphasize during college days... HR stands for Human Relations. As a Christian ethic, I was always taught that we need to have a burden for others (primarily for salvation, not limiting to that, of course). Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people" further reinforced the concept of using the principle even in business and work-lives too. That's a contradictory statement I made, cos when we talk of HR (human relations) it surpasses work and business to touch lives, and they actually do. The effort while initiated for business purposes, yields mutual benefits, to both the company and the executive.

But there are perils of this HR practice of getting genuinely interested in people. As Carnegie warns too... when you get genuinely interested in others, you'll be welcome anywhere, BUT, do not expect ANYTHING in return. That's where the catch is -- you're not supposed to expect anything. In raw terms, it means, you aren't gonna get anything for your efforts.

Among the 6 points listed by Dale, the First is - Become Genuinely interested in other people; which becomes a foundation for the other five... without this, I believe, any relationship is an empty exercise of hypocrisy over one another.

Status messages or State of mind messages?

"A little spark of light for your interest... gives you many reasons to work hard"

That's what one of my junior colleagues had put as his status message on Google talk! It's interesting to observe that these messages convey more than status and are more widely and increasingly used to convey one's 'state of mind' or some 'life messages' which are useful to everyone. Another contact on my Gtalk! list uses the status message to communicate his location, 'Oxford, UK' for example.

Given that many people do not merely copy quotes from internet and in fact write personal learnings from experiences, it becomes a very good channel to share life lessons, and what's more, people intently read status messages. The status messages are often so interesting, that in my company, I've started a column "Status message of the week" in our official newsletter.

But then what conveys the status of availability? Ah! leave it to those green, orange and red buttons!

Lagaan Vasooli

India loves 'superfluous stirring of emotions'

I woke up to this news headline yesterday on a Hindi news channel 'Lagaan Vasooli', and no, it was not about Income tax department. The channel was covering the story of Indian cricket team's flickering victory in the 20-20 World cup series against England. Given that 'lagaan' was a term used during the British reign in India for taxes, I felt the usage of term was very conspicuous and egregious.

Not the first time though, that something like this is being done, such incitement can be very often observed in the speeches of the species called Indian politicians, who incite religious and cultural sentiments over rational and economical issues to muster strength for personal reasons and vested interests. Consider for example the latest 'Setusamudram project', which for all non-issue based reasons has drawn attention at the hoo-ha of some protesters and the eventually admitted mistake of government officials. Papers have the drama that followed.

So long as we live in the past, its shame and glory, guess we have a little future to envision.

Ganesha wasn't destined to Glory

How would you like to have a god lie at your feet hapless, helpless?

You sure can see vivid images of a god lying desecrated and helpless at the mercy of 'his' creation on this blog. It brings back to my mind the age-old question over which perhaps many people gave life and also took lives. Should idol worship be banned?

Ganesha Chaturthi comes every year, and every year, and the markets are pullulating with idols, small ones, medium-sized, and humongous ones which make news. All of them are gods, being readied for worship and eventually drowned (I'd rather say desecrated). Though it creates a lot of pollution in our water bodies, a more poorer sight emerges after that when the desecrated (handicapped) idols are taken out and thrown as garbage.

And then, there are those religious policemen, who call for mass-destruction of public property when they find some idol brought down or desecrated by some miscreant which break into full-fledged riots.

Well, if those idols are gods, people better take care, and if they're not, they better not take notice, period.