SOJOURNER

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace... (Esther 5:1) Proverbs 3:27 says “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act”. Esther grew up as an orphan in an alien land. She was raised by a God-fearing Jew Mordecai.  She very well knew that it is an abomination to God to be married to a heathen, no matter what is his status in the community. She was forced into her situation. Esther may not have enjoyed her position. But accepted that she has to act on the crisis. Esther chapter 4 narrates the communication that happened between Esther and Mordecai. Mordecai did not have any difficulty to accept her position as the leader of his people to plead for their lives. He urges her to respond rightly. Now Esther asks Mordecai to gather his people to fast and pray. She, with her helpers fast for three days. Mordecai and Esther were fully aware that their dependence is only...

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth , and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. (Gen. 1:29) Genesis records the history of creation - how the world came into being.  When God created the vegetation, He created them for our health and sustenance – of course with seeds. Genesis 1:11 and 12 say how the earth sprout forth vegetations, plants and fruit bearing trees with seeds. And God saw that they were good. A seed is the life of any plant in dormant condition, which is capable of developing into another such plant. But today market is flooded with seedless fruits and fleshy vegetables. Man changed the genetics of the fruits so that they become sweeter and tastier. This verse makes us wonder, is there a difference that a tiny seed can make to a fruit? Research tells that seeds have more nutritional value than the fruit itself and they are the cure for many illnesses. But, i...

Joe, sitting under the kitchen counter... along with the water cans! Joe turns 7 today.  I praise God for His faithfulness.  When I carried this precious little miracle in my womb, God said, "I will remove all those you love... But I will be with you". So we named her Hephzibah.  I was a 'people-person' all through my life. I need people around m e to keep me happy. Caste, creed, race, language did not bother me. I am comfortable with any one and any culture. But... I need people. When God said this, I did not understand the magnitude of His statement. Yet I submitted myself for the task. He removed one by one from my life... He weaned me from relationships I cherished....  Through this HE remained faithful! Few years back Joe asked me worried, "Mummy, why there are no photos of my childhood? You have plenty for akka (meaning big sister in Tamil)".  I know why. While Imman enjoyed posing for the photos, Joe was keen on finding what i...

UA Glimpse Into Heaven. I was shocked, confused, bewildered As I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, Nor the lights or its décor. But it was the folks in Heaven Who made me sputter and gasp -- The thieves, the liars, the sinners, The alcoholics and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice. Bob, who I always thought Was rotting away in hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?' I would love to hear Your take. 'How'd all these sinners get up here?' God must've made a mistake. ''And why is everyone so quiet, 'So somber -- give me a clue.'' Hush, child,' He said, 'They're all in shock!' No one thought they'd see you.' JUDGE NOT! Remember... Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standi...

Anger! How many of you would say, anger is good for you? Many studies say that anger is not good for your health. How many of you would raise your kid saying, anger is good for you?  I was raised up to be a tamed monkey - Never angry and never cross. I was an angel with my friends and neighbours. But the case was always the opposite at home. I argued with my parents. I fought with my sister. Then I got married and had two kids - that means I have three outlets to vent out that builds within.  I tried to change myself so that others can have peace. Every little thing bothered me. After the wedding I joined the same organization, where my husband was working - a residential school. I met a man, who had two extremes in his nature.  There was no matching for his temper or for his love and care. People enjoyed his care, but trembled at his anger. I admired him a lot, as I continued my inner struggle with my anger.  He was my boss and the Founder of the S...

It's Christmas! The weather had turned chilly. Christmas carols could be heard in our neighborhood. I can peep through my window, while cooking, which I loved more than the cooking itself. I could see people wrapping themselves until they melt within their warm clothes, go for walk in the early hours of the morning. I kept busying myself at the kitchen counter or else kids will be late because of my wandering mind. My emotions went high and low with many thoughts. I was proud to be a mother of two daughters. I enjoyed being called Mrs. Godfrey. I pitied myself that I had to cook, and clean after myself. I was proud that My God was teaching me several things recently. Then I started thinking He was asking me to chew more than I could swallow. I am talking about the relationship - me and my God. Simple! - He was teaching me Discipleship!! To take up His Cross and follow Him - willingly!!! My mind wandered to the first Christmas. There was a silent period of almost 400 long years...

I was walking along with my mom, to the Church. To tell you the fact, I am not used to shoes. But I wore a pretty dress and a red shoes. I was so proud of it, that I looked at it now and then. My dad's colleague met us on the road. Uncle rode a moped. Uncle wanted to take me and his son with him on the moped, leaving Aunty to accompany my mom. As a 7 year old girl, I refused to trust anyone's ability on the vehicle but my father. I said firm 'no' to climb up. But coaxing and pleading, I sat behind him. Within few yards, my shoe strap tangled on the wheel, sucked in my leg too... I was too frightened and screamed with pain. God protected me from the unseen dangers. The scare and memories still fresh within me, yet His unfailing love overshadowing everything. Till today I still suffer cracks and wounds on that place, since it is short of skin. Yet He has been good to me. I joined AVC College of Engineering in the year 2000. I was asked to wear black rubber sho...