Wednesday 26 September 2007

Whispering Heart

Read this on the net thought I 'd share it with everybody.

THE LIVING BIBLE
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant, kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day, Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now, the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit, a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly.
He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.
With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister regains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.
"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"--


Isn 't this something. Although its not easy, specially in my country where we are divided by caste, economic, educational and religious barriers. But it is happening.

Once we invited a group of people from a lower economic background for our Christmas service and a couple (who don 't attend church anyway...they are Easter/Christmas attenders) resented it. We didn 't care.



I came across this quote from a Mumbai socialite living in India not some affluent country-"There is simply too much suffering. So we focus on things we can actually have an impact on, like art and gardening." She really said this.


When I go out ,I come across beggars. It is not good to give alms to everyone.Many of them are able bodied and have made begging a profession.I give to victims of circumstances like the old, handicapped and infirm.There are lots of con beggars (I call them that) and I avoid them.

To discourage con-beggars, I heard my friend, an old Canadian missionary in Chennai tell them,"I can give you money for a meal or two but what will happen after that, try to find work and earn for yourself." She was also very generous.


Last night I saw an HBO movie called Warm Springs. Its based on the life of Franklin D Roosevelt and his struggle against polio.To a physically challenged person like me it was a real inspiration.Kenneth Branaugh played Roosevelt and my favourite Kathy Bates has a role in it too.

I really admire Eleanor Roosevelt, she stood by him, although he was not faithful to her when he was able bodied.

All India is celebrating our Cricket World Cup 20/20 victory. Its special as we beat our arch rivals, Pakistan. We watched the entire match on Monday. It was exciting. We won the trophy after 24 years.

Had lots of rain so its cool.time to plant our winter vegetables.The roses have to be pruned and their roots exposed to the sun.

8 Fertilize my soul:

Kate said...

Well, I hate to say it, Amrita, but attitudes like the ones you describe above are only too common, and have driven me away from church.

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

Hi dear Amrita,
I just want to wish you a happy week , take care my friend.

JoAnn :)

Amrita said...

My dear Kate, we are living in an imperfect world and contribute to its faults, I do. The church and its people certainly don 't match up Biblical standards.but who do I go to church to worship...Jesus, not people...that keeps me going. god bless you.

Anonymous said...

when you said that "Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!" that is so true. i was touched by the story of that boy named bill and the deacon. that one act of kindness can go a long long way and can impact people who've seen it in a way they'll never forget.

btw, i tagged you with the desktop meme. if you have the time, hope you can join us. God bless.

Becky Wolfe said...

I have heard that story before but it still gives me the shivers...in a good way. I appreciate my home church beause it is quite casual, welcoming people as they are. The man at the door wears a suit but the preacher at the pulpit wears cowboy boots. Everyone is welcome.

Donetta said...

hello, I hope this finds you well. I have been occupied with many tasks and great rewards for my efforts. May I curl up on the floor and sit a while in my life with others. Nice post. So how are you feeling lately?
I am so hoping that your struggles are few. Your joys many. What are you planting?

Roo said...

oh -- i love love love that story. thank you for sharing it and for sharing your thoughts. thinking about you....

shalom my friend.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...the story has really made me thoughtful...Thanks for sharing this...& yes we are all celebrating the WC win & have a nice gardening time!