The Trumpet Sounds

Will Trump Sound the Trumpet?

Philipose Vaidyar

May we neither be politicians nor prophets, yet God’s Word offers us insight into the times. Observing this U.S. election from a place of faith may be a moment of profound change.

Throughout history, God has raised leaders—not for their flawless personalities or ideal families, but to accomplish His purpose. He has used kings and rulers, sometimes from foreign lands, as His instruments of correction or restoration. The Scriptures remind us that even those we might not expect can be called "My servant" and used to bring about His will.

As we consider this election, we reflect on the significance of the fig tree blossoming, a sign that God’s plan is unfolding. Democracy may often be preferred to authoritarianism, yet we must also consider where our democratic leadership is leading. God’s purposes are not bound to any single system, and He may lift up His name through leaders and events far beyond our expectations.

So, we ask: Will Trump sound the trumpet this time? Could this election spark shifts that ultimately lift up God’s will, even echoing through the lands of ancient history? As we watch prayerfully, may we remember that God’s plans often unfold surprisingly, reminding us of His sovereignty across all nations and times.

Tailpiece:

The trumpet in Scripture is a powerful symbol of divine action and spiritual awakening. It signals God’s presence, calls people to worship and repentance, and often precedes battle or divine intervention. In prophecy, especially Revelation, trumpets announce key end-time events, symbolizing judgment and the fulfillment of God’s plans. The “last trumpet” also represents resurrection and renewal, where God’s people are called into His eternal presence. Ultimately, the trumpet is a call to be alert, reminding us that God’s purposes are unfolding.

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Why Do We Bargain?

How Much Do We Gain When We Bargain with the Strain?

Philipose Vaidyar

Bargaining is an everyday practice in markets worldwide, but have you ever noticed where we draw the line? While we don't hesitate to pay full price in high-end stores, we negotiate fiercely with street vendors who need help to make a living. This piece explores the disparity in how we treat the rich and the vulnerable, urging us to reflect on our actions and their impact on those trying to survive.

We often bargain to save a little money or get a better deal. But have you ever noticed who we usually bargain with? We don't negotiate at fancy clothing stores or jewelry shops, where we spend thousands, sometimes even lakhs, without a second thought. Yet, when we meet a street vendor selling spinach or a scrap picker offering to buy old paper, we negotiate for a few extra rupees. Why?

Imagine this: You buy a beautiful silk saree, spending tens of thousands without bargaining. The next day, you purchase gold for your daughter's wedding—again, no bargaining, trusting the big store and their fixed rates. But when the street vegetable vendor comes your way or is seated at the square, you argue for a lower price on a small bundle of spinach, saving only a few rupees. Why do we feel comfortable bargaining with someone struggling to make a living, but not with larger, wealthier businesses?

Social and Economic Gaps

This behaviour reflects a deeper issue in our society. Small vendors, like the vegetable seller or the scrap collector, are often from vulnerable backgrounds. Their livelihood depends on the little money they make every day, yet we pressure them to lower their prices. We don't question or bargain with big stores because they seem established, respectable, or too formal for us to haggle with.

But when we bargain with those who are struggling, we fail to see the hardship behind their work. That street vendor who pulls a cart or sells vegetables from early in the morning may be feeding her children or paying for their school fees. Yet, we don’t think twice about spending on luxuries like clothes, food, or outings where we never consider bargaining.

The Bigger Picture

This pattern shows how often we underestimate the efforts of the poor. Bargaining with them is not just about saving money—it’s a reflection of how we value them and their work. We might not realize that every rupee matters for these small vendors. In the end, when we save Rs. 2 or Rs. 5 through bargaining, are we really thinking about how much it costs the vendor who sold us that item?

A Call to Compassion

In the city where we lived, I used to keep recyclable trash, instead of disposing of it with the daily garbage, and selling it whenever possible. It often fetches some money. Several times, I left scraps together outside the street for the rag pickers to take away. Once, back home in Kerala, I had dismantled an unwanted shed with a tin roof. The roof sheets weren’t reusable, so I wanted to dispose of them. I didn’t want to dump them somewhere, moreover, there was no place to dump them. A few days later, a scrap buyer came by on his scooter. I wasn’t sure if he could carry those sheets on his scooter, but I showed him the items. He folded, pressed, and packed them, then pulled out his scale to weigh it all. It was a heavy load for him to carry on his scooter. While he was calculating, I told him he didn’t need to pay; he could just take it away. All I thought about was his need to make a living that day. I could see he was hard-working, perhaps unable to do other types of jobs because of an internal injury he might have suffered years ago.

As he was about to leave, it began pouring rain. He had to wait, so I invited him to sit in the porch instead of under the shed outside. I didn’t have to believe every story he told, but I listened as he shared parts of his life until the rain passed. I saw him a few more times in the area. He would wave his hand, grinning, or stop by, just to say hello. That small gesture from that rainy day must have lifted him, even a little.

The next time we buy from a street vendor, let’s pause and think about their situation. Bargaining may save us a few rupees, but what does it mean for the person selling? Let’s show empathy and remember that the money we save at their expense might be money they desperately need for survival.

We don’t have to stop bargaining altogether. But we should be thoughtful and fair, especially with those who are trying to make a living in difficult circumstances. Let's treat everyone with the dignity they deserve, whether they own a big shop or sell vegetables on the street. In doing so, we reflect the compassion and justice that God calls us to live by.

Here are a few Bible verses that may be relevant in this connection:

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." — Proverbs 19:17

"Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life." — Proverbs 22:22-23

"And if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." — Isaiah 58:10

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" — Matthew 25:40

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." — Luke 6:38

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." — James 1:27

"Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith...? But you have dishonored the poor." — James 2:5-6

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Leadership in Crisis: Integrity vs. Manipulation

Emotional Breakdowns 

Contrasting Stories of Crisis & Survival

Philipose Vaidyar

The tragic story of a high-ranking officer in Kerala, known for his impeccable track record, committing suicide (alleged to be * See Note - Disclaimer- at the footer) after being accused of bribery, contrasts sharply with the case of a manager in Hyderabad who, despite being caught misappropriating funds, manipulated his way into survival. These two stories highlight the complexity of leadership under stress and the different ways individuals cope with crisis, shame, and responsibility.

In the first case, the officer, who held the rank in a district in Kerala (Officer), had served with distinction throughout his career. His transfer to the native district was marked by a send-off function, with just seven months of service left before his retirement. However, during this event, an uninvited local government representative—a politically elected president—attended the meeting and publicly accused the officer of accepting bribes. The accusation was not only made in front of a gathering but was also recorded by the accuser and telecasted in the media, amplifying the impact of the allegations. Despite his long-standing reputation and credible service record, the sudden public humiliation and attack on his integrity led to an emotional collapse. Feeling overwhelmed by the disgrace, he tragically chose to end his life by suicide (assuming for now that the available information is true), shortly before he was supposed to reunite with his family, who had been waiting for him at the train station. 

In stark contrast, a manager in Hyderabad (Manager) who was occupied in wrongdoing, having been caught misappropriating funds during a routine audit, took a completely different approach. Instead of facing the consequences, the Manager threatened to commit suicide in the office if exposed. This threat caused panic among the leadership, who, fearing scandal and tragedy, asked the internal finance officer to leave the organization, thus shielding the corrupt Manager from repercussions. Over time, the manager kept his position and established an NGO, continuing to accumulate wealth under the guise of serving the poor.

These two contrasting stories reveal the stark difference in how individuals deal with personal and public crises. The Officer, a man of honor and integrity, was crushed by the weight of a single accusation, unable to bear the prospect of losing his hard-earned reputation, even when it was based on unfounded claims. Meanwhile, the corrupt Manager in Hyderabad exploited his circumstances, using threats to evade accountability and continue his malpractices with latitude.

Why Do Some Leaders Succumb to Emotional Breakdown While Others Survive?

The difference in outcomes stems from how individuals perceive and respond to the crises they face. A few factors can help explain this contrast:

·       Shame and Identity: The high-ranking officer's entire sense of identity may have been tied to his clean reputation and professional accomplishments. The accusation of bribery likely felt like an attack on his very core, causing deep shame. This identity crisis, coupled with the fear of public humiliation, led to his emotional collapse.

·       Emotional Manipulation: On the other hand, the manager in Hyderabad displayed a different kind of emotional reaction. Instead of feeling guilt or shame, he threatened suicide as a manipulation tactic to avoid consequences. His lack of accountability and the leadership’s decision to protect him enabled his unethical behavior to continue. He used the crisis to his advantage, shifting focus away from his actions.

These stories emphasize how emotional health, resilience, and moral grounding can determine whether a person succumbs to suicidal tendencies or finds ways, ethical or not, to survive.

Shifting the Focus: Emotional Health for Everyone, Not Just Leaders

While these stories deal with leaders in positions of power, the issue of emotional health and the threat of emotional breakdowns is a concern for people at all levels. Many individuals, whether in leadership or not, face similar feelings of hopelessness, loss of identity, or fear of failure. How can we prevent people from falling into the trap of suicidal tendencies or emotional breakdowns, whether in response to accusations, financial losses, or personal failures?

Understanding Emotional Breakdown: Why Do People Fail to Cope?

There are several reasons why individuals—leaders or otherwise—struggle to cope with crises, shame, or failures:

1.     Over-Identification with Success or Reputation: Just like the officer whose identity was built on his career, many people define their worth by external markers of success—wealth, social standing, or professional accomplishments. When these are threatened, they feel as if they have lost everything.

2.     Fear of Public Humiliation: For some, the fear of being judged or shamed by others is unbearable. The public nature of their downfall intensifies feelings of despair. In such moments, individuals may struggle to see beyond the crisis, and suicide can seem like the only escape.

3.     Emotional Isolation: Many people, especially those in leadership, feel they cannot share their burdens with others for fear of appearing weak. This isolation deepens the emotional pain, making it harder to seek help or see solutions.

4.     Poor Coping Mechanisms: If people are not taught how to cope with stress and failure from an early age, they may lack the tools to manage crises later in life. Instead of processing their emotions in healthy ways, they may resort to impulsive decisions.

Building Emotional Resilience: How to Help People Think Beyond Crisis

To prevent emotional breakdowns and suicidal tendencies, it is essential to focus on emotional health from the formative years through adulthood. Here are some strategies for fostering resilience:

1.     Develop Emotional Intelligence Early: Schools, youth programs, and families should teach young people how to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. Emotional intelligence helps individuals manage stress, disappointment, and failure with greater maturity.

2.     Promote Self-Worth Beyond Accomplishments: It’s crucial to teach people that their worth is not solely tied to their career, wealth, or public image. Building a balanced sense of identity that includes values, relationships, and personal growth can help people stay grounded even when external circumstances change.

3.     Normalize Conversations Around Mental Health: In many cultures, discussing mental health is stigmatized. We need to create environments where it’s safe to manage vulnerability and seek help. Leaders, in particular, should be encouraged to prioritize their mental health and model this behavior for others.

4.     Encourage Building Strong Support Systems: Building strong relationships with both peers and seniors is essential for emotional and social development. Trusted friends, family members, or mentors provide support during crises, acting as buffers against isolation and despair. While peer friendships are important for sharing and bonding, befriending seniors offers the added benefit of guidance and counsel from more mature perspectives. Forming good friendships early helps develop emotional intelligence, communication skills, and collaborative thinking. These relationships encourage sharing, build trust, and promote early discussions around mental health, breaking the stigma around vulnerability. Parents and seniors who model mental health openness create safe environments where children can share, fostering emotional resilience and teamwork from a young age.

5.     Teach Conflict Resolution and Coping Skills: Everyone should be equipped with tools to handle stress, resolve conflicts, and manage failures. Mindfulness, stress management, and problem-solving skills can be taught in schools, workplaces, and community programs to help people navigate crises more effectively.

6.     Foster a Sense of Purpose: People who feel connected to a higher purpose—whether through faith, community service, or personal goals—are often better able to withstand personal crises. Encouraging individuals to find meaning beyond material success can help them stay hopeful even in difficult times.

*Note: 

Disclaimer: 

While there has been speculation surrounding this case being a suicide, it remains under investigation, and no definitive conclusions have been reached. We refrain from making any assumptions until the truth is fully uncovered. However, it is important to acknowledge that suicides, unfortunately, are not uncommon, and the gravity of such incidents demands careful attention and sensitivity as the facts emerge.

Conclusion: Hope Beyond Struggles

The tragic stories show the complexity of human emotions under stress. But these stories also serve as a reminder that hope, resilience, and emotional health are essential for everyone.

By building emotional intelligence, promoting self-worth beyond professional success, and creating strong support systems, we can help individuals navigate crises with strength and clarity. Whether in leadership or everyday life, the ability to think beyond immediate struggles and seek help when needed can make the difference between despair and survival. As a society, it is our responsibility to foster these qualities in our children and youth and reinforce them in adulthood so that when people face the inevitable challenges of life, they choose resilience and hope over despair.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice”.

These verses from the Proverbs illustrate how friends can positively influence and strengthen each other through their wisdom and support.

 

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When Healing Turns to Dealing: The Profit Paradox

Philipose Vaidyar 

Is Our Healthcare System Designed to Heal or Profit: 

The Paradox of Turning Ill Health into Wealth?

Healthcare is undeniably one of the most critical industries today, and its importance will only grow. As people live longer, face more health challenges, and depend on the promises of advanced medical care, the need for robust healthcare systems has never been more pressing. Yet, amidst the high stakes of life-saving treatments, there's an uncomfortable reality: the very people who need healthcare the most, the vulnerable and sick, are often burdened with unbearable costs. These costs are not accidental; they are baked into a system that prioritizes profit and the medical lobby's support over patients' well-being.

The Massive Ecosystem of Healthcare

Let’s start by recognizing that healthcare is an industry, and like any industry, it has a food chain. From the top, we have the medical lobby, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers of medical devices, and high-tech machinery. These corporations support the system by constantly innovating and creating the very tools that promise to save lives.

But who pays for this enormous system? The answer, tragically, is the vulnerable sick—those desperate to survive, often willing to sell everything they have just to afford another day of life. It is these patients who cover the salaries of doctors, nurses, lab technicians, administrators, support staff, and even the logistics costs associated with the transportation of machines and medicines. Not only that, but they are also burdened with sales taxes, customs duties, and, indirectly, the income taxes of healthcare professionals.

One might argue that all of this is necessary to maintain high standards of care. But the question remains: are healthcare professionals serving their patients, or are they serving the system? More specifically, are they supporting the vulnerable sick, or are they, knowingly or unknowingly, sustaining the medical lobby’s insatiable hunger for profit?

The High Price of Medicine: Is It Really Necessary?

The most glaring evidence of the medical lobby’s dominance comes in the form of drug pricing. For example, why does a specialist doctor prescribe a medicine costing ₹100,000 when a generic version for ₹7,000 would do the same job? Is it because the higher-priced medication is inherently superior, or is it because the doctor is part of a system that benefits from these inflated prices?

Consider this: a simple drug like Cilnidipine, which costs ₹40 for 10 tablets, is often sold under brand names for ₹280. This tenfold increase in price isn’t justified by any improvement in efficacy. The difference is in the branding—and the doctors, who are incentivized, whether explicitly or subtly, to prescribe the more expensive option.

Is Healthcare About Healing, or About Business?

If you think these examples are isolated, consider the case of diagnostic testing. Why is a 72-hour WebCardio test recommended over a more reliable 24-hour Holter test, which costs a fraction of the price? The answer, once again, points to the medical lobby.

Doctors, who are supposed to serve their patients’ best interests, are often caught in the web of profit-driven healthcare practices. They don’t prescribe these tests because they are always the best option for the patient. They prescribe them because they are required to support the network of companies and services that keep the healthcare industry running.

The medical lobby, in many ways, controls the decision-making process in healthcare. Even well-meaning doctors may find themselves forced into supporting this system because it’s how they get paid. The drugs they prescribe, the tests they order, the machines they use—all of these are connected to a vast commercial enterprise that prioritizes profit over care.

A Doctor’s Perspective: Are They Really Different?

A close friend of mine, raised in a family of doctors, made a sobering observation: “Regardless of their language, region, or religion, most specialist doctors are strikingly similar. They all seem to support the medical lobby.” This statement isn't rooted in sarcasm but in lived experience. Despite their best intentions, doctors often find themselves compelled to operate within the economic structures that dominate the healthcare industry, leaving them with little choice but to conform to the system.

It raises the question: can healthcare ever truly be about healing as long as it remains so deeply intertwined with business? As long as patients are seen as consumers rather than people in need, the system will continue to function in a way that supports the few at the expense of the many.

The Ethical Dilemma: Should We Support the Medical Lobby?

If we step back and analyze the situation from a purely logical standpoint, the case for supporting the medical lobby becomes clear. The system exists, and it thrives on profit. Without profit, the pharmaceutical companies wouldn’t produce life-saving drugs, the manufacturers wouldn’t create the machines that diagnose diseases, and the healthcare system as we know it would collapse.

But this line of thinking ignores the core issue: should healthcare be driven by profit at all? When a person’s life is on the line, should their ability to survive depend on how much they can pay into a system that views them as a financial opportunity rather than a human being in need? The medical lobby argues that innovation and advancements in healthcare require financial investment. But at what cost? If the price of progress is the suffering of the vulnerable sick, is it worth it?

The Conclusion: A Call for Change

The current healthcare system, dominated by the medical lobby, leaves us with a moral dilemma. We can continue to support it because it maintains the status quo and ensures the continued advancement of medical technology. Or we can challenge it, demanding a system that prioritizes patients over profit, that puts human lives before financial gain. But let’s not overlook the truth that amidst this complex structure, there are hospitals, doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are deeply committed to the welfare of the sick and vulnerable. These are the individuals who dedicate their lives to serving humanity, often driven by a vision and mission to alleviate suffering, even when the system around them doesn’t always support that goal.

Their service is admirable, especially in a world where not every illness has an answer, and where medicine cannot always provide solutions. Hats off to those who have chosen the medical profession to truly serve humanity. They recognize that the human body is fearfully and wonderfully made by a Designer who has programmed life and health in intricate ways. This recognition opens the door to understanding that wellness is not just confined to pharmaceutical interventions but can also be found in alternative, holistic approaches that honor the body’s natural ability to heal.

In supporting these dedicated professionals, we can advocate for a system that balances modern medicine’s achievements with an openness to broader perspectives on health and well-being. In doing so, we uphold the dignity of the vulnerable sick, affirming that their lives are worth more than the profit margins of the medical lobby.

The choice is ours. Will we continue to support a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many, or will we fight for a healthcare system that truly cares for the vulnerable, while also honoring those who serve with compassion and integrity?

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A Splendid Wedding: A Paradox of Tradition and Evangelism

 

Philipose Vaidyar

We recently attended a splendid wedding at a beautiful location in Central Kerala. As a Christian wedding, the ceremony included an opening prayer, the bride's and groom's march, appropriate scripture readings, wonderful melodious songs, wedding messages, the solemnization, testimony from the bride and groom, felicitations, prayers, and a sumptuous feast. But more than the feast, the “Pentecostal wedding” messages are what lingers in my mind.

The guest speaker, a pastor of a  Church, delivered a powerful biblical message, addressing the couple getting wedded and inviting every participant to believe in the gospel and prepare for the wedding feast of Christ, the groom, in heaven. For Pentecostals, Brethren, and Baptists in Kerala, this is often a last resort to share the gospel with everyone present, including those from ‘community churches' or even non-churchgoers. With attendees from various faith backgrounds, often close to the marrying couple or the deceased’s family, why miss the opportunity to evangelize? The preacher did a wonderful job, delivering his message with vigor, fervor, and scriptural knowledge. He didn’t drag it on, so the spellbound audience in the hall sighed with relief, and even those who had stepped out for a break returned.

Next came the solemnization of the marriage as announced by the MC. The solemnizer, began with a keynote and opening remarks, stating he wanted to share "a couple of things" with the couple. He started off as a theological graduate connected to a theological institution and with a personal ministry of spreading the word. The "couple of things" quickly turned into scores of biblical texts, stretching into another Evangelistic message for 45 minutes. What the wedding speaker missed should have been covered by the solemnizing pastor! Fortunately, there was no altar call, avoiding confusion among the guests from varied church and faith backgrounds.

During these hours, it was easy to forget the bride and groom seated on the stage, facing the crowd. Fortunately, the official and unofficial speakers occasionally addressed them and the crowd.

As is common, Pentecostals in Kerala do not wear gold, so there was no exchange of wedding rings or tying of the wedlock string during the ceremony. They may quote the marriage stories from Abraham to Jacob but conveniently avoid the mention of a wedding ring. Instead, the bridegroom holding the bride's hands symbolizes the wedding covenant. (In patriarchal times, making a contract often involved placing a hand under the other’s thigh.) Though the marriages are considered to be conducted in heaven and solemnized before a crowd, they must still be registered at a Registrar’s office in the local Panchayat or Municipality. Pentecostals, like others, must follow the rule of law for various reasons, including securing a passport or visa. Thus, the wedding ring holds no place in the ceremony.

Now, the climax and paradox of this identity crisis in Pentecostal weddings somehow crept into the back page of the art paper-color-printed, 8-page booklet shared for the wedding service. It reads:

“The prince who bought his bride at a supreme price and presented her with his signet ring has gone to prepare an eternal place for her…” (translated from Malayalam). The original Malayalam content is available but not inserted here.  

Conclusion: As the wedding drew to a close, the subtle paradox of Pentecostal practice came to light—a ceremony that firmly omitted the exchange of wedding rings, a widely accepted symbol of marital unity, yet followed every protocol required by the law of the land. While the absence of the ring was a conscious theological choice, rooted in the rejection of gold and worldly adornments, the marriage was still bound by civil requirements like registration, ensuring conformity to societal norms. This contrast of avoiding one symbol while adhering to legal mandates reflects the delicate balance Pentecostals navigate—honoring their convictions while ensuring the ceremony satisfies both tradition and external expectations. Ultimately, this wedding served as a powerful reminder of the tension between personal faith and public conformity, highlighting how deeply belief shapes even the most joyful of life’s milestones.

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Beyond the Incubator

The Hen, Eggs, and the Chicks

Philipose Vaidyar

Eggs laid by a chicken can be incubated using advanced technology, but can a robotic hen replicate the warmth, protection, and instinctual care of a mother hen? Technology may manage to hatch the eggs, but can it nurture life? Can a robotic caregiver replace the gentle clucks, soft wings, and devoted attention of a mother hen, or will the chicks grow up missing the essential nourishment of her love? Can artificial intelligence "truly mother"?

Mentoring Vs. Parental Influence:

Mentors and parents serve different but complementary roles in an individual's development. Parents typically provide the foundational care, support, and values that shape a person’s early life. They are responsible for the nurturing and basic guidance required for growth. On the other hand, mentors provide specialized guidance, knowledge, and support that can influence a person's professional, academic, or spiritual development.

Mentors often come into an individual's life at a stage when they are seeking direction or looking to deepen their skills or understanding in a specific area. While a mentor can have a profound impact, especially in a specific domain, the influence of parents in terms of shaping one’s character and foundational values is irreplaceable.

Mentorship and Discipleship:

Mentorship involves providing guidance, advice, and support based on experience and expertise. Discipleship, particularly in a Christian context, refers to a deeper, more personal commitment to spiritual growth and following the teachings of a faith. Discipleship often involves a mentor who helps guide someone in their faith journey, similar to how Paul mentored Timothy.

In the New Testament, Paul’s relationship with Timothy was one of mentorship and discipleship. Paul took on a significant role in guiding Timothy’s spiritual and personal development. However, Paul was careful not to claim all the credit for Timothy’s growth. Instead, he acknowledged the role of Timothy’s upbringing and the influence of his mother and grandmother in his faith journey. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Claiming Credit in Mentorship:

Mentors, like Paul, should recognize that their role is part of a broader context of support and influence. While a mentor can provide valuable guidance and contribute significantly to an individual's growth, the credit for one’s development is often shared among various influences, including family, previous mentors, personal experiences, and divine guidance.

The Irony of Guidance

A counselor, once revered for his wisdom, confidently directs individuals and families, claiming to possess the answers to life's complexities. Yet, years later, his own life unravels, revealing a trail of failed relationships, misguided choices, and shattered dreams. The very people who trusted his counsel are left to deal with the fallout of his flawed advice, picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. 

But can those who boast of their expertise, like the counselor, genuinely replicate the unwavering guidance and unconditional love of a mother? Will their attempts to replace her wisdom with technology and innovation ultimately fall short?

A Beautiful and Poignant Tribute to Mothers

A mother's love, sacrifice, and devotion are unparalleled and cannot be replaced by academic degrees, technological expertise, or material wealth. Her wisdom, gained through experience and intuition, is invaluable for nurturing life. No amount of education or technological skill can substitute for the selfless care, emotional intelligence, and unwavering support that a mother provides. Her role is divine, and her impact on a person's life is immeasurable.

The complexity and beauty of human life, shaped by a mother's love, stand as a testament to the wonders of creation. Motherhood is a profound expression of love and devotion, and the wisdom and sacrifices of mothers deserve our deepest appreciation, respect, and celebration.

Often, a mother's unwavering dedication goes unappreciated. She nurtures, supports, and sacrifices for her children, shaping their every step, decision, and dream. As the children grow, they may dismiss her wisdom, deeming it old-fashioned and uneducated. They forget that her love and devotion paved the way for their success, and that her guidance was born from experience, not just textbooks.

The irony is palpable: the counselor, once esteemed, proves fallible, while the mother, often taken for granted, remains a constant source of love and guidance. Her wisdom may not be bound in books or certified by degrees, but it is rooted in the depths of her heart, tempered by trials and tribulations.

Who can advise God, the creator?  As Proverbs reminds us:

• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
• "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." (Proverbs 23:22)

The Tailpiece

Will we discard our parents like worn-out shoes, deeming them burdensome and outdated? Do we forget that their love and devotion are the very foundations upon which we stand? Or will we recognize the value of their wisdom, earned through a lifetime of struggles and triumphs?

True guidance comes from the heart, not just credentials or expertise. Our parents may not have degrees or tributes, but their love and dedication make them the wisest mentors we'll ever know. Let us cherish their counsel, honor their sacrifices, and acknowledge the depth of their wisdom. Ultimately, it is not the counselor's advice that shapes our destiny, but the love and guidance of those who have been with us from the beginning.

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