(Unless you're not a freethinker or liberal, I suggest that you read this to the very end)
Came back from an INFUSE event held some time ago. Many thanks to Venkeeran for the sudden yet meaningful invite. Truly appreciate it, dear friend.
Despite the fact I am not Christian, I am always amazed at the amount of faith the youth of today have for Jesus and God. Like tonight's event, so full of song and praise and fervant belief in the Creator. Oh, words fail to describe such a wonderful scene!
The mini gig was one thing, but the guest speaker for the night - Pastor Rudy - was truly the highlight. He touched upon two very interesting topics: perceptions, the choices that we make, and to look forward and never backward. His words fired up the crowd, and they were entertaining and also thought-provoking at the same time.
So let's see how I can pass his words in my own interpretation. Hopefully, the meaning is still retained.
1. PERCEPTIONS
Two people, who possess the same job, pay, car, etcetera, may be similar at first glance. But what differentiates them are their perceptions.
For example, one of the two mentioned above may come into the office, and complain and crab and blabber and gossip and what-not, about almost anything that bugs his head. The negativity easily diffuses into the office atmosphere, and everyone starts to feel as bad as he does.
But then the other comes along and exclaims out loud: "Man, today is a GOOD day and I'm loving it!" And the next thing you know, the entire office gains a positive mood.
Two people with similar backgrounds. What differs are their attitudes, their perceptions. Should we not be like the positive one? For it is said that whatever we say, it is prophesied as your future. This is more or less what is said in Rhonda Byrne's The Secret, whereby your thoughts decide whether good or bad comes to you. Here, it's words. But even if you're not Christian, there is some truth to what is being said.
Why so? Well, technically, what we say actually influences our actions and thoughts in future because we believe in them. If we look in the mirror and say, "Man, I look terrible," it might stick for a very long time. Unless you change your words from vitriol and disgust into words of encouragement and positivity, you might not move on from where you are now.
2. CHOICES
The choices we make determine our destiny. So was written at the event. Who can deny it?
While one's perceptions points us in the direction that we are going, the choices we make move us to opportunities that will shape our lives - whether these may be in the form of obstacles to overcome, or even moments of utter joy to cherish. It is all in what we choose that counts.
But it's not to say that choices alone are important. As mentioned above, if your perceptions are cloudy and dark you might find yourself stuck in the same spot. You might be successful at that point, but if you want to expand your horizons you may not be able to move any further.
And speaking of choices, there are always times when we have to make difficult choices that may very well alter the course of our future. It may be forgiving someone who has wronged you deeply. It may be kicking an old habit that has been detrimental to you in some way or other. Or maybe it's mending bridges with your parents.
Difficulty is assured. It might just take you days, months or maybe even years just to make that one choice. One choice! But that one choice may be a life-changing event for you. And believe me, it may just turn your life around for the better. So think it through, weigh the options carefully and cast your dice.
3. LOOKING FORWARD
We are usually told to look back on our achievements or memories and take them as examples. (Or some other) While it is a good thing, it must be said that we cannot always hold ourselves back in the past, for we must move on to the future.
How can we just keep lingering in the past? If we hold onto it for too long, we'll only be looking to what we have done then rather than what we can do now. Would that really work? What was then doesn't necessarily mean it would be the same now, nor would methods from the past work again in the future.
Just like the choices we made, should we actually let our regrets and our burdens bog us down deep?
We need to realize that it's no use holding on to old hatreds, old grudges, old memories, etcetera. While some memories should always remain clear in our mind, never let them get the best of you. Never let your thoughts get to you till you prefer to stay in your comfort zone. It is necessary to go out of that zone and venture into something new.
Take heart, people. All you need to have is faith. Whatever your religion may be, always have faith in your religion's principles. If you have doubts, never hesitate to ask your pastor/imam/priest any questions you have doubts on.
Cheers for now!
Came back from an INFUSE event held some time ago. Many thanks to Venkeeran for the sudden yet meaningful invite. Truly appreciate it, dear friend.
Despite the fact I am not Christian, I am always amazed at the amount of faith the youth of today have for Jesus and God. Like tonight's event, so full of song and praise and fervant belief in the Creator. Oh, words fail to describe such a wonderful scene!
The mini gig was one thing, but the guest speaker for the night - Pastor Rudy - was truly the highlight. He touched upon two very interesting topics: perceptions, the choices that we make, and to look forward and never backward. His words fired up the crowd, and they were entertaining and also thought-provoking at the same time.
So let's see how I can pass his words in my own interpretation. Hopefully, the meaning is still retained.
1. PERCEPTIONS
Two people, who possess the same job, pay, car, etcetera, may be similar at first glance. But what differentiates them are their perceptions.
For example, one of the two mentioned above may come into the office, and complain and crab and blabber and gossip and what-not, about almost anything that bugs his head. The negativity easily diffuses into the office atmosphere, and everyone starts to feel as bad as he does.
But then the other comes along and exclaims out loud: "Man, today is a GOOD day and I'm loving it!" And the next thing you know, the entire office gains a positive mood.
Two people with similar backgrounds. What differs are their attitudes, their perceptions. Should we not be like the positive one? For it is said that whatever we say, it is prophesied as your future. This is more or less what is said in Rhonda Byrne's The Secret, whereby your thoughts decide whether good or bad comes to you. Here, it's words. But even if you're not Christian, there is some truth to what is being said.
Why so? Well, technically, what we say actually influences our actions and thoughts in future because we believe in them. If we look in the mirror and say, "Man, I look terrible," it might stick for a very long time. Unless you change your words from vitriol and disgust into words of encouragement and positivity, you might not move on from where you are now.
2. CHOICES
The choices we make determine our destiny. So was written at the event. Who can deny it?
While one's perceptions points us in the direction that we are going, the choices we make move us to opportunities that will shape our lives - whether these may be in the form of obstacles to overcome, or even moments of utter joy to cherish. It is all in what we choose that counts.
But it's not to say that choices alone are important. As mentioned above, if your perceptions are cloudy and dark you might find yourself stuck in the same spot. You might be successful at that point, but if you want to expand your horizons you may not be able to move any further.
And speaking of choices, there are always times when we have to make difficult choices that may very well alter the course of our future. It may be forgiving someone who has wronged you deeply. It may be kicking an old habit that has been detrimental to you in some way or other. Or maybe it's mending bridges with your parents.
Difficulty is assured. It might just take you days, months or maybe even years just to make that one choice. One choice! But that one choice may be a life-changing event for you. And believe me, it may just turn your life around for the better. So think it through, weigh the options carefully and cast your dice.
3. LOOKING FORWARD
We are usually told to look back on our achievements or memories and take them as examples. (Or some other) While it is a good thing, it must be said that we cannot always hold ourselves back in the past, for we must move on to the future.
How can we just keep lingering in the past? If we hold onto it for too long, we'll only be looking to what we have done then rather than what we can do now. Would that really work? What was then doesn't necessarily mean it would be the same now, nor would methods from the past work again in the future.
Just like the choices we made, should we actually let our regrets and our burdens bog us down deep?
We need to realize that it's no use holding on to old hatreds, old grudges, old memories, etcetera. While some memories should always remain clear in our mind, never let them get the best of you. Never let your thoughts get to you till you prefer to stay in your comfort zone. It is necessary to go out of that zone and venture into something new.
Take heart, people. All you need to have is faith. Whatever your religion may be, always have faith in your religion's principles. If you have doubts, never hesitate to ask your pastor/imam/priest any questions you have doubts on.
Cheers for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment
So what do you have to say about my posts? Leave your comments here. You can be open, but please, no vulgar language. Thanks!