If You’re a Rolling Stone, Keep Rolling: Lessons from a 40 -Year Journey

Philipose Vaidyar

Maybe being a rolling stone isn’t about 

restlessness — it’s about growth

Someone once looked at me and said,
“You’re a rolling stone.”

The reason?
I didn’t stay long in the same organization he did.
Ironically, he too moved on—twice—into leadership roles elsewhere.

I left because I couldn’t see my vision taking shape.
It seemed I had to wait years before earning the leaders’ confidence—before being trusted to do what I believed I was called to do.

After a year, I started asking for my job description.
None came.
No one had a clear understanding of what that department was meant to do.

So, I began doing what I could. I didn’t waste time waiting.
Still, by the end of my second year, I told the leadership I’d take my annual leave—and hoped my JD would arrive while I was away.

Two months passed. It never came.

I booked my ticket, packed my things, handed over my responsibilities, and got an acknowledgment from the executive assistant.
A few friends came to see me off at the station.

After thirty hours of travel, I reached home.
That same day, I submitted my resignation—the one I had already written and photocopied for the CCs.

That step of faith marked a new beginning.
A journey of faith I would walk alone.

Thirty-three years have passed since then.
No great trophies and treasures. No collection of artifacts.

But sometimes, I meet people who remind me of my contributions.
I’m humbled to know I could bring value, meaning, and impact to the lives of individuals and organizations I worked with.

My work, my vision, and my family’s needs always intersected—sometimes at the cost of a lower title or profile.
Yet that balance helped.
Each move, often made for the sake of my children, met a genuine need.

It was never about climbing the social ladder.
I have a family, and we wanted to see our children climb their school ladder.

I didn’t care if I moved from Associate Director
→ to Temporary employee
→ to Senior Manager
→ to Program Manager.

The original vision—to enhance communities and build people—never stopped.

It might have been unseen by my critics,
but I caught glimpses of the bigger picture along the way.
The full picture, I believe, will only be revealed in eternity.

Of course, I didn’t take root anywhere and gather moss.
But as I rolled on, every move became enriching—both for me and for those I worked with.

Each turn made me smoother.
And with time, people began to invite me to help, to mentor, to share.

I still do.

So maybe being a rolling stone isn’t about instability.
It’s about trusting the journey, shaping lives, and becoming smoother with every turn.

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

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The Gospel According to Birds

Lessons from Lilies 

Philipose Vaidyar

Every generation wrestles with the same question: How should we live?
Some say, “Work hard, save wisely, and care for family.”
Others insist, “Don’t stress—just enjoy life; God will provide.”

In our fast-paced, consumer-driven world—where Instagram whispers, “Treat yourself,” and advertisements murmur, “You deserve more”—it’s natural to dream of a simpler, stress-free life. But what if true peace isn’t found in budgets, balance sheets, or luxury, but in the quiet lessons of creation itself?

After all, Jesus pointed us to the birds and the lilies. Perhaps the animals had it right all along.

So, let’s pause, step away from the city noise, and take a walk through the forest and fields. There’s a gospel being preached out there, too—the Animal Kingdom Gospel.

 

Part 1: The Animal Kingdom Gospel

Jesus said:

“Do not worry about tomorrow. Look at the birds of the air… see the lilies of the field.”

Ah, what a simple model for life! If only humans could live like animals—carefree, instinct-driven, moving with the rhythm of creation, unconcerned about exams, EMIs, or grocery bills.

·       Birds don’t sow, reap, or store up. They live day by day, chirping with the morning light, hunting in the evening. Their wings carry them wherever food is found, and their songs rise with the dawn without a care for tomorrow.

·       Lilies don’t fret over fashion or status. They bloom season after season, filling the fields with effortless beauty. They neither toil nor spin, yet radiate a splendor that needs no human effort.

·       Animals eat when hungry, sleep when tired, fight when threatened, and play when free. They move with creation’s rhythm, content with what each day brings.

·       Parents in the wild care for their young until they are strong enough to survive. The chicks spread their wings, the cubs learn to hunt, and the calves begin to walk. In time, each one goes its way, and life in the wild carries on.

 

Part 2: Stop Press, Think.

Sounds liberating, doesn’t it?

Until you realize—you’re not a bird, not a lily, not an antelope. You’re human, created in God’s image with reason, responsibility, and relationships.

·       Birds don’t pay rent or school fees.

·       Lilies don’t provide medical care for aging parents.

·       Lions don’t build societies where justice matters.

To imitate animals while ignoring the Creator’s design is to live half the truth.

Here’s the irony: some who claim to “live like the birds” still:

·       Spend lavishly on Starbucks coffee.

·       Upgrade phones every year.

·       Buy smartwatches that tell the same time as a cheaper one.

·       Dine at fine restaurants while neighbors struggle for basic survival food.

This isn’t birdlike faith—it’s consumerism wrapped in fake spirituality. Irresponsibility dressed up as freedom.

The truth is: Jesus was not inviting us to abandon responsibility but to be free from anxiety.

·       To “not worry” doesn’t mean “don’t plan.”

·       To “trust God” doesn’t mean “neglect family.”

·       To “consider the lilies” doesn’t mean “chase luxury and then blame God when it fails.”

A Pause for Reflection

Jesus warns against living solely for the present moment. Consider the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:19–21):

“And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night, your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Pleasure without purpose is perilous.

Children are a heritage, not a commodity we customize or acquire like possessions. Likewise, parents are not disposable—they are the ones who gave us life. Scripture illustrates this with honor and care: Abraham purchased a burial site in Canaan as an act of faith in God’s promise. Jacob, though he died in Egypt, was lovingly cared for by his children in his old age. When he died, they honored his wish by carrying his body to Canaan for burial—a final expression of their devotion and faith. Later, the Israelites carried Joseph’s bones from Egypt to the Promised Land, fulfilling his request and affirming God’s promise.

Even some animals gather around their dead, but humans—created in God’s image—are called to a higher responsibility. If Jacob’s sons cared for him in life and honored him in death, how much more should we cherish and respect those entrusted to us while they live? True faith values life as much as it honors death.

Yet many children today think:

It was my parents’ duty to care for me; now it is only my duty to care for my children.

Does that mean children have only rights and no responsibilities, and parents only responsibilities with no rights?

  

Part 3: The Real Call – Work, Stewardship, and Care

Pulling out parts of a Bible passage out of context to satisfy oneself is neither biblical nor Christian. Read and meditate on Scripture with a willingness to learn and obey. The passage that draws our attention to the birds of the air calls us to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. We are also advised to go to the ant and learn from it. 

The Scriptures are clear:

·       “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.” (Prov. 6:6) — Ants save for the future. Wisdom is in preparation, not waste.

·       “Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost?” (Luke 14:28) — Planning is faith in action.

·       “Do not love the world or anything in the world… For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15–17) — Worldly passions fade; obedience to God lasts forever.

·       “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17) — Real faith produces generosity.

·       In Matthew 25, Jesus separates sheep from goats. The sheep are those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and welcomed the stranger. True faith is practical love.

·       “Honor your father and mother”—the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Eph. 6:2–3) — Respecting and caring for parents is a key to blessing.

·       “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, especially their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8) — Family care is not optional.

 

Living it Out

How do we apply these truths? By cultivating contentment:

·       Not chasing luxury or endless upgrades.

·       Not bowing to every advertisement screaming, “You need this to be complete.”

·       Not wasting God’s resources on greed while neighbors and parents struggle.

Instead, Christians are called to be faithful stewards—managing money, time, and energy wisely at home, in the church, and in the community. True discipleship is not about consuming more but about loving more, giving more, and serving more.

 

Conclusion

Yes, look at the birds and lilies—but learn the right lesson. God provides. He cares. He sustains. He calls us to reflect His care by being responsible, generous, and wise.

Faith is not carefree indulgence; it is trust expressed through hard work, wise stewardship, love for family, and compassion for others. To live otherwise is folly.

Do not live like animals, whose destiny ends at death. You are created with a soul and spirit for eternal life and an eternal kingdom. Jesus reminded us not to worry excessively about what to eat or wear, but to:

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

This is the punchline: the gospel is not about reckless freedom, but about living out God’s eternal principles with responsibility and faithfulness. Trust your Creator—and He will provide everything you need.

 

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

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Sparks, Knocks, and Slamming Doors

FAITH AT HOME: BEFORE THE CRISIS ARRIVES

Philipose Vaidyar

In an earlier write-up, “When Students (Children) Fail, Whom Do We Blame?” we noted that even in nurturing homes, children make their own choices. Click Here to View #1  Later, in “The Vanishing Youth from Our Congregations,” the focus shifted to the church—how weak programs, self-serving leadership, and misplaced priorities often push young people away. Click Here to View #2

Now, we turn to the home. Before crises arise, how can we nurture a faith that lasts? Not through formulas or fear, but through presence, patience, and intentional parenting.

Take one story: a young woman from a Christian family moved to the city, met a man of another faith at her workplace, and wanted to marry him. Instead of eloping, she consulted her parents, who agreed if the wedding took place in church. The couple joined a local congregation; the man underwent counseling, classes, baptism preparation, and was approved for membership. They married quietly—then disappeared from church life, later citing distance and work. Many such stories end in similar confusion, with parents left praying for true faith to take root.

Today, many church-raised young people marry outside the faith, divorce, or hide secret relationships. Global culture—instantly accessible online—shapes their values. In this consumerist world, even marriage is treated like an online purchase: try, discard, replace. Some avoid it altogether.

The deeper question is this: are our young people basing their choices on Christ, or simply on earning, spending, and consuming? Our children are not only listening but also watching—imitating not just their parents, but also their peers and the surrounding culture. In such a world, how do we ensure that what they absorb at home points them toward faith, character, and maturity?

1. Parenting with Purpose, Not Panic

Faith cannot be outsourced. It is not the job of the Sunday school teacher alone. Nor is it the church’s responsibility to raise our children spiritually. Scripture places that responsibility primarily on parents:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road...” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Children are often taught to memorize Bible verses and praised when they recite them in church or during family prayers. While this has value, what matters even more is helping them discuss, interpret, and apply the meaning of those verses in everyday life. From a young age, children should be guided to see how Scripture speaks to their challenges and choices.

This should not be about rewards or punishments but about creating space at home for genuine interaction—learning together to hear God’s voice. Don’t wait until Sunday school or youth camps, which in reality offer little scope for such conversations. Some ministries may run programs on quiet time, personal Bible study, or inductive study methods. These can be helpful, but children may miss them because of school or other schedules. Parents cannot depend on those occasional opportunities; they need to take the lead.

Remember, parents are the best teachers of values, behavior, and character—even if not of academic subjects. Let spirituality begin naturally at home, as early as children learn anything else. When family prayer becomes a time of dialogue and discovery, children grow not just in knowledge of Scripture, but in the habit of listening to God.

Sadly, many parents start intentional spiritual conversations only when a crisis arises—when their child walks away from faith, gets into a bad relationship, or begins making poor choices. But by then, we are reacting, not shaping. The time to start is not when they’re in trouble, but when they are still learning to speak and observe.

2. The Atmosphere at Home Speaks Louder than Rules

Children can sense pretence. If we pray in church but fight at home, if we speak about love and grace but live with bitterness and complaints, they notice. Home must be a safe space where grace is practiced, truth is taught, and love is consistent. Not perfect parenting—but honest, humble, and consistent.

Let’s not confuse rigid rule-keeping with righteousness. Children thrive not in controlling environments but in homes that model Christ.

3. Modeling, Not Just Teaching

Paul boldly said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

That’s a strong claim—and a needed one today. Parents don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be intentional. Children model what they see: how you pray, how you treat your spouse, how you spend money, how you respond to failure. Everything preaches. 

 4. Spending Time Individually with Children

Each child is unique, and parents must take time to connect with them personally. From an early age, explaining matters and truths individually—whether during a walk, a routine task, or shared activities—helps build trust and openness. Encouragement is best given in public, while correction is most effective in private, especially in matters of personal growth or sensitive advice. Parents should agree on this and decide who addresses which matters. Such intentional one-on-one moments shape both confidence and character.

5. Guarding What Shapes Them

In today’s hyper-connected world, children are shaped not just by what happens at home, but by what they consume online, what they hear from peers, and the subtle ideologies pushed through media. Parents must help their children develop discernment, not just discipline. That includes talking about values, warning about deception, and helping them think biblically.

We must be present—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Presence builds trust. And trust creates the bridge over which truth can be shared.

6. Faith Is Caught Before It Is Taught

Let’s remember: faith is not downloaded through lectures. It’s absorbed through life—through conversations at the dinner table, through bedtime prayers, through how we treat the poor, speak to elders, and respond when things go wrong.

It’s not about doing more programs. It’s about being more present.

A Closing Thought

We began by asking: whom do we blame when children walk away—the church or parents? The truth is, blame never builds faith. What is needed is ownership. Church and home must partner, but the first classroom of faith is always the home.

A crisis can take many forms. It may begin as a spark, come knocking, or linger at the door. The hardest is when it enters the home—when children slip away unnoticed or storm out in anger, slamming the door behind them.
That is why parents cannot afford to wait for such moments. Faith formation cannot be outsourced to Sunday Schools, youth camps, or occasional trainings. These may support, but parents must lead—shaping character and guiding children early toward wise, Christ-centered decisions.
So let us not wait for sparks to flare, knocks to sound, doors to slam, or children to slip away. In a world of shifting values and consumer-style relationships, our children need what is real. They need to see lives lived with authenticity, a daily walk with Christ, and a readiness to listen together for His voice. What must be passed on is not rituals or memory verses, but the joy of knowing a living Savior at the center of every decision.

Previous Post # 1 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/01/who-fails-parents-or-children.html 

Previous Post #2 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/08/missing-from-pew.html 

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople 

The Fall of Malayalam TV

 The TV Media in Kerala: A Stocktaking

Philipose Vaidyar

From Trust to Collapse

This reflection is not about all media channels—some still maintain integrity—but about the troubling trend seen in many. 

From Trust to Collapse
There was a time when people in Kerala trusted whatever came from the TV screen. The anchor’s words were treated as truth. That trust slowly eroded and has now collapsed. Instead of informing people about national progress, pressing issues, or real crises, much of today’s media has turned into a weapon, targeting individuals, stoning them in the public square, and taking satisfaction in their downfall.

A Necessary Disclaimer
This is not a blanket statement about all media channels. There are still professionals and institutions that uphold truth and fairness. However, the concern here is about the majority trend that has shaped public perception and eroded trust.

A Circus of Repetition

Kerala’s TV channels also suffer from a strange disease: repetition. A newsreader introduces a story, then calls in “Mr. X from the International Desk.” The so-called “international desk” often sits in the next room, repeating the same lines. The anchor then sums it up again, repeating everything for the third time. A video backdrop runs on a loop. What a mockery of news! What a scarcity of real stories!

Anchors, Owners, and Agendas

Behind the flashy sets are anchors and owners who often act like puppeteers, pushing personal or political agendas. Field reporters who capture real stories are reduced to errand-runners for their bosses. Ratings, not truth, is the goal. Sex scandals, rumors, murders, and suicides become bait. If one channel runs rubbish, all others repeat it. That’s the schedule.

The Competition of Sensationalism

Under the banner of “freedom of speech,” Kerala’s TV media has fallen into a cutthroat ratings race. A truck falls into a river in Karnataka—suddenly, every channel is there, running endless live coverage, each claiming to be “first.” Meanwhile, Kerala’s own issues vanish. Then come fake murder stories near a pilgrimage center, spread with equal energy. Recently, a young political leader was dragged into a so-called scandal—without evidence, without victims, only fabricated tales. Facts don’t matter. Gossip rules.

When Debate Becomes Theatre

Instead of shaping society’s thinking, these channels serve vested interests and cheap publicity. Their “debates” are shouting matches with planted voices. Their “breaking news” is a rumor dressed up as fact. They scream lies and call it freedom. This is not journalism. This is theatre—dangerous, destructive theatre.

Credibility Lost, Credibility Found Elsewhere

Ironically, many independent YouTube commentators today provide more reliable analysis than these media giants. Yet, even they are mocked and smeared by the same channels that thrive on slander. In the name of “24/7 news,” we only get endless noise, gossip, and distortion.

The State of the Profession

For many, media is just another job—or at best, a better job. To survive in the field, anchors are willing to move from channel to channel, becoming tools in the hands of political interests or creating sensational gossip rather than presenting news, all to increase ratings and boost turnover. In this cut-throat competition, morality is forgotten, ethics bypassed, and truth and justice ignored. Some qualified people have even left stable careers to join the mini screen, chasing recognition or personal satisfaction. A few among them continue to struggle, trying to remain decent, truthful, and loyal in a space that demands compromise at every turn.

When the Public Strikes Back

People are no longer silent. On Facebook and other platforms, ordinary citizens now speak up against the endless conspiracies and gossip that tarnish reputations. The truth is, journalism should expose corruption, investigate scams, and challenge power. But when the media becomes a factory of gossip and slander, it betrays its purpose. If channels fail to see this, people will block them—on TV and on social media.

Time for Public Action

The public must act. At the very least, we can block and unsubscribe. Because these channels do not care about the poor, the unemployed, students, or families. They are not interested in development or truth. Every program—whether “News Hour,” “Debate,” or “Perspective”—is designed to sensationalize garbage.

The Final Word

Kerala needs better journalism. Journalism that informs, builds, and uplifts—not the circus we see today.  Kerala deserves news, not noise.

So here’s the question: Will we keep tolerating this imitation, or will we finally demand the media we deserve? 

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople