Gerald D'Cunha

Pic.: Avinash Mantri Y ears ago, when I had decided to do something about my poor English, one of the things I did – and found it very useful – was telling a nice story in two tenses… Past and Present. Over the years, I have helped hundreds of people who were earnest to improve their English with the same method… Yes, write a nice story down in both the tenses… and tell it to someone. T his story shall always remain etched in my memory... I draw my own morals from this beautiful story: The Lord knows my worries and burdens... All that I need to do is, remain dignified and graceful in carrying my burdens... and remain sincere in my intentions and prayers... He knows when I am too shy to ask Him for help... He knows when I am arrogant and when I am humble... And, above all, He is my best friend... KRISHNA AND SUDAMA PAST: K rishna and Sudama were great childhood friends. Their friendship had blossomed when they were study...

I am kicking and alive; because, there are ‘problems’ in my life. Let me take back that irritating and detested word ‘problems’. Because, there are ‘challenges’ in my life. That’s true. Every morning, when I start my day, my heart prays, “Dear God, may my day go smooth without any problems… Give me less irritants, less anxiety, less worries.” But, then, it seems as if God is not willing to listen to me. So, there they are – all my new problems – right before me as I step outside! But then, I don’t get disheartened… I don’t lose my hope. So, at night, before I retire, I bow my head down, close my eyes and send to God the same prayer, all over again. Never to forget to thank Him, though… And, I really recognize a remarkable truth while thanking Him: God’s way of showing His love and mercy is always cloaked with mystery. I find myself deducing this divine meaning and purpose in that. “Hey boy, it is His way of making you a fine...

I am not honest… I feel I am honest when I say that! I am not free of corruption… I feel ‘uncorrupted’ when I say that! My mind is not free from sinful thoughts… I feel the touch of God in my soul when I say that! God has given us only His Ten Commandments… And, I tell Him, so often – yes, so often: “My Lord, I am sorry, I broke one, today!” And, when I say that, I feel the surge of His love and forgiveness in my heart! I keep committing the same mistakes, Over and over again, Even though I know I shouldn’t… But, I do, I do… Yes, I do. And, I do get one more chance to amend… One more chance to ‘Come Home’! Yes, I am not honest. I feel I am honest when I say that! GERALD D’CUNHA THANKS: The image used in this Post is by Ashok Ahuja. He is a professional Photographer and a very dear friend of mine. He is also one of the founder members of The Dawn Club, and, along with his gifted-artist wife, Sud...

E very material thing, Around me, Is relative in value! Everything looks pale, worn-out and outdated As Time passes by. And, many a times, Even Time is not required to make things Look pale, worn-out and outdated… My mind is enough! The cell-phone that I use Is just an ordinary Nokia one. The other day, I asked a student of mine: “Where can I change its battery?” “What battery sir,” the young one shouted, “Change your phone; buy a Blackberry… You can afford one.” For a while, I hid my embarrassment. Then, I murmured in my mind, “Dear, my son has one… The one better than yours.” Then, feeling strongly for it, I grumbled in my heart, “But, dude, ‘I’ paid for it… I pay its monthly bills, too.” I can afford a Blackberry or an i-Phone. Yes, I can. But, do I ‘need’ one? This Nokia can take care of my needs; My life goes smoothly Without a Blackberry or an i-Phone. The man next to me is fair and handsome; I know I a...

Dr. Wayne Dyer, in one of his inspirational books, shares with us his testimony as to how he dealt with the most difficult demon in his life. He was young and he had obtained his doctorate in psychology. He had started his practice in Counseling, Speaking and Writing; he was all geared up to achieve name and fame. Yes, he was aspiring to touch people’s lives… inspire them, motivate them… guide them to lead successful and fulfilling life. Yet, his own life was in a total mess… He was deeply into alcohol… and his mind was caught up in a hell he was unable to come to terms with: his father. When Dr. Dyer was still a baby, his father had abandoned Dr. Dyer’s young mother and their little children… leaving them to fend for themselves. So, as a child, and later as a young adult, Dr. Dyer harbored this anger and hatred towards his father who had deserted them. He wanted to meet his father, one of those days, and take out the revenge… The thought had consumed his mind so much that Dr. Dyer ...

W hen I stand before a valley And if I am able to hear what God wants to say… When I play with a little child And if I am able to feel how hard my heart has grown… When I move in the darkness And if I am able to feel the longing for the light at the end… When I read someone’s poem And if I am able to feel the shadow of my own joy and sorrow in them… When I thank some one And if I am able to feel the strength of a mighty Hercules in my soul… When I embrace someone And if I am able to feel the throbbing of a blessed life… When I say sorry And if I am able to walk like a heavenly angel… When I think about someone And if I am able to feel I do not exist for a while… When I feel angry on someone And if I am still unable to feel any poison in my blood… When I am jealous of someone, And if I am still able to feel my place among God’s good children… When I am happy And if I am able to hold a thousand hearts in my feeble ha...