Remembrance (Philippians 1:3)

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Uhuru was desperate to remember and started becoming upset. Anger and Bitterness seemed to visit her again and the emotional pain began. She recalled her grieving process.

 

Uhuru thought about the shock and disbelief she experienced right after her loss. It was hard to accept what had happened. She would often feel numb, while other days she had trouble believing that Maran was truly gone. She denied the truth for a very long time and would sometimes expect Maran to show up carrying a newly bought book for her. 

I am?

Then Moses asked God, “If I go to the Israelites and say to them: The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what should I tell them?”

God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” – Exodus 3: 13.

So I AM has sent me to you. The universe conspired to bring you to this very moment in which you find yourself reading this blog post. You could have ended up reading other posts on this blog, but you reading this one.  This is no accident.

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In fact, I don’t believe in accidents, coincidence or luck. I believe in Divine Order because everything happens for a reason.

So I find myself writing this:

God loves you. Not like the world loves or defines love, but only the way He can love. His love is forever, unconditional and perfect. So perfect that it heals, redeems, delivers and provides.

God knows you beautiful and perfect. He loves you the way you are because He created you and He created you perfectly. In fact, the main reason why He created you was to love you.  He created you in love. He only had a pure love and beautiful vision for your life when He created you.

Its your choice to return this pure love or not. But The Divine will always love you. Take comfort in this love, believe in it. Rest in it. Meditate and ponder on it. Nurture it and I promise you, it will forever bless, protect and keep you.

Now that you know this, it can never be erased in your mind. Even if you forget this message I was sent to tell you or choose to ignore it, the message will forever live in your heart, in your spirit. This message is eternal like Gods love. When tough moments appear in your life, when you need answers to difficult questions or even in your greatest moment of joy, you will remember this message.  The message I AM, sent me, to tell you- He loves you. 

Pain, refuge then strength(Psalm 55:22)

Uhuru was overwhelmed and grateful for the love and care she had received. She thanked Paavai and smiled. “Ok, off you go, I need rest,” Uhuru said, returning the light-hearted behaviour. 

 

As she closed the door behind Paavai, she began to walk around Maran’s room, trying to smell and remember his scent. She never knew that something so insignificant could become so important. “I can’t remember his scent,” Uhuru murmured to herself as she became anxious.

 

She started to think about Maran and could remember the colour of his hair, the texture of his skin, his eyes and his gentle hands that caressed and comforted her. But she couldn’t remember his scent.

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Andy Warhol said, “In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes.” You can’t choose the 15 minutes but why would you be world famous?

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“Famous people are people who worked hard all their lives to become well known, but now wear dark glasses to avoid being recognized.”

The above statement is an indication of why fame does not appeal to me. I do not like the idea of being world famous for superficial reasons like many individuals who are celebrated in popular culture and media in general.

However, if I had to have my fifteen minutes, it would be for something worth fighting for. I would be a change agent fighting for a cause that I truly believe in given that will only is when I find a cause worth fighting for.

I would use fame as an opportunity to be of service to the world, but particularly my country. Subsequent to this, I would create a movement that will inspired others to do the same.

I do not want to confuse fame and service, but for me, fame is the result of continuous and genuine service to others. I understand the importance of using fame to make a positive and great contribution to others. The time I spend on work that I do on stage and for the world to see, should equate to the real and meaningful work I do every day for others.

However, I have learnt that in order to gain lasting fame, a good reputation and general admiration by others, you must treat people well, with respect and the way you want to be treated. Make sure you make a positive impact in their lives, even go as far as to make them feel special and good. When you give unselfishly and speak a kind word to someone else, especially when they need it, then trust me, you’ll be famous for more than 15 minutes.

Home sweet home (Proverbs 24:3-4)

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As Uhuru was about to thank Paavai, her eyes caught the décor of the room. “This is Maran’s room. I thought you guys changed the décor and gave some of his belongings to family members.” said a startled Uhuru.

 

“We wanted to, but ammi (mother) refused. We didn’t want to upset her further so we left most of Maran’s belongings.”

 

“Ok, but, but” Uhuru couldn’t finish her sentence.

“Don’t worry, you will sleep like a baby in here, trust me” Paavai said as she walked merrily around the room.

Uhuru smiled hoping the doubt on her face wouldn’t show.

 

“Ok, I have to go downstairs before ammi asks about me, then you,” Paavai said jokingly.

Paavai hugged Uhuru and kissed her goodnight. “It is really great to have you here, to have you home.” 

A skill set called leadership

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The Oxford dictionary defines a leader as one who has the principal part in something and one whose example is followed.  Subsequently, leadership is defined as a person who has the ability to be a leader.

Leadership has also been described as the "process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task

Contra to popular belief, many successful leaders learned to follow great leaders before them and gained much needed knowledge in order to lead others. Thus, no one is born a great leader; instead leadership is a skill that is acquired.

All good leaders firstly figure out their own leadership style. They then better it in order to become great leaders. According to Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Open forum, Lynn Truong (www.openforum.com, 2011), ever leader should have four skills:

1. Leaders make decision- they are wise and decisive.
2. Leaders meet and greet their people.
3. Leaders establish a common purpose.
4. Leaders teach.

Philosophically, I believe a leader, particularly a good one, has a mentality of service. They understand that they occupy the positions they have because the people that put them their trusted them and their capabilities. It is thus important for a leader to acknowledge and live up to this responsibility. 

Love a pure heart(Proverbs 22:11)

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Paavai and Uhuru walked up the stairs as they talked about Uhuru’s long flight to India.  Paavai was showing her where she would be sleeping for the night. 

“I hope you didn’t have any problem with transport.” Paavai said as they walked briskly hoping one of the family members wouldn't see them and start another hour long conversation.

“It wasn’t too much of a problem, but I’m considering renting a car or hiring a taxi for the speed, privacy and flexibility that it will afford me. I will insist on a English-speaking driver.” Uhuru said.

 

Good idea, but most of the visitors rent a taxi at one of the better hotels. This might be unfeasible for you so let me know where you want to go and I will drive you there.”

 

“Ok, as long as it won’t be an inconvenience.” Uhuru said gleefully.

“No, it won’t, in fact, it will be my pleasure.” said Paavai as she opened the door to Uhuru’s room. 

“Rock journalism is people who can’t write interviewing people who can’t talk for people who can’t read” (Frank Zappa)

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Frank Zappa was famously known as a highly prolific artist. He gained widespread critical acclaim and had numerous albums that were considered essential in rock and jazz history.

Zappa was and still is regarded as one of the most original guitarists and composers of his time. Furthermore, he also remains a major influence on musicians and composers. In 1995, Zappa was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1997, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Zappa expresses his opinion about Rock Journalism and states that it is a form of journalism by none journalistic people aimed at interviewing people who don’t really know how to talk for people that just want to read the article because the person is famous for no other reason. However, I believe this quote is not only controversial but undermines journalism inspired by Rock and Roll.

Rock Journalism might be a bad form of writing aimed at a specific genre of people who like the rock star lifestyle, but  I still feel the quote from Zappa is crude and a bad generalisation of Rock and Roll journalists as well as fans.  

A merry heart (Proverbs 17:22)

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Uhuru spent the rest of the evening with Maran’s family. She was exhausted but tried very hard to hide it. 

“I have already set up everything for you Uhuru, if you tired and want to rest, just let me know.” Paavai said with a smile.

 

“How did you guess?” Uhuru asked. “I know you well enough by know sis. Go rest, I will let the rest of the family know.”

“Thank you,” Uhuru said relieved.

“It is just that everyone is so excited about my visit, I don’t want to seem rude and disappear.”

“Well don’t worry, I’ll sort everything out,” Paavai said with a smile.

List your top 200 achievements

MMmmmm, top 200 achievements you say?

I don’t remember most of my achievements, so what I will do is list the first 10 achievements that come to mind whilst writing this:

1. I was the Deputy Head Girl in my final year of primary school. I then became a member of the Representative Student Council (RSC) in high school. I am grateful for the friends I made during that period as well as the lessons learnt.
2. Hosting the 2007 annual Valentines Show alone. The experience nerve-wrecking but I enjoyed myself tremendously. The event was a success and the reviews I received were equally great.
3. Top 10 academic students throughout high school. This was hard to maintain as I was always up against intelligent individuals.
4. Receiving the Guilietta Talotti Trophy at the end of my high school career. Students who had “social interaction and awareness, general knowledge, communication skills, vision and being well-read,” received this award.
5. Surviving High school. Secondary school is a jungle- great, but still a jungle.
6. Achieving a Bachelors Pass in Matric.
7. Studying Public Relations Management and performing well academically throughout my studies.
8. Performing well in my internship year and adding value to the organisation I was working for. This is something I take great pride in.
9. Receiving a National Diploma in Public Relations.
10. Currently completing my BTech in Public Relations Management. 

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My soul knit to my sister’s soul (1 Samuel 18:1)

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Uhuru thought aunt Aadarshini was not only beautiful but gracious too. She was 5 feet tall, slightly chubby, had long silky black hair, light brown eyes and the brightest smile. She wore a pink net saree with blouse embellished with cutdana, bead, zari, stone, salma and dubka work. “I hope you remember me young lady” she said in a soft tone. “Of cause I do,” Uhuru responded, how could I forget you?”

 

“Ok ladies, that’s enough. Uhuru, you still need to greet everyone” Paavai said as she grabbed Uhuru’s arm and guided her to the rest of the family. “Thank you for saving me” Uhuru whispered in Paavai ear, “I had no idea who she was.”

 

“I know,” Paavai said and they both burst out in joyful laughter. 

What motivate me?

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The people I am blessed to have in my life. These people include my family, friends and the kind strangers I happen to meet on this journey called Life.

I am motivated by Nature. Its not only beautiful, but it presents me with many life lessons, that when taken to heart, teach and guide me.

I am also motivated by the peacefulness that comes with stillness. When I find a serene place, stop my constant thinking, listen to my heart and spirit, I often receive answers to questions I ask God.

In between all of this, there is colour, creativity, dance, fashion, film, food, fun, good books, great writers, laughter, music, painting,  photography and poetry. I take great delight in these.  

But my greatest and most consistent motivator is God. He tops it all and is my source of joy.

These are things that motivate me, what motivates you?