The Becoming

Poetry



I know I should tell
of the million lines of thoughts
that speed through 
the expressway and
networks of my mind.

how i grew up in the
split second you blinked
and became
as you looked away.

But I silently dwell in
this mind utopia
constructed out of the
half conversations and 
drifting thoughts

of when I would muster
the courage to walk away
from who you see
and step into 
the becoming of me.

The Imitation Game

One of my favourite movies of all time is the Imitation Game, based on the true life story of Alan Turing. He is considered the father of computer science.

In the height of World War II, he helped develop an algorithm to crack the German secret communication. A key part of that communication was the location of  the ships on the Atlantic that were marked for destruction by the Nazis. 

By cracking that code, Alan and his team knew every single ship that was going to be destroyed.

That was a huge responsibility, because, if they saved their country's ships, the Germans would know their code had been cracked and they would ultimately lose the single advantage they had in the war. The scene captured above was Peter, begging Alan to allow the ship his brother was on to be saved, to which the team decided against.

Now, you could argue about the ethics of such decisions, but many times as adults or humans, we are faced with such choices. Our responsibilities sometimes come at personal costs and we always have a choice to act selfishly, compared to doing what would benefit those depending on us. And the common excuse is, "You're not God". Why bother?

But surprisingly, in a way, you are. There are people that would be scarred for life if you choose to think of yourself only. When faced with responsibilities, I believe we ought to take up the mantle and make decisions that might cost us personally, but would ultimately benefit the larger community. With more selflessness in leadership positions, everyone benefits in the long run.

You may not be Alan Turing determining who lives and who dies in a World War, but in the personal battles of your small community, you always have a choice to make. In the wars going on in your world, for the good of those around you, I pray you choose selflessly and wisely.

Author's Note:
What do you think? Could you handle such a responsibility? Can you relate? Comment below.

Not on Trial

Ever since I was young, I have been in competitive scenarios. My dad was big on academic excellence and before I even was old enough to know my bearings, I was already having home lessons, jumping classes and gunning for top grades.

Coming first in class was a big deal. And for me, because of the aggressive home tutoring plan my dad personally ran, it came somewhat easy. As I grew up, even going into high school and the university, being an excellent performer academically became an expected norm for me.

Shockingly, without knowing, I took this aggressive desire to perform into my Christian faith. I went through the list of expectations on what makes a strong Christian and made the items on that list my personal life targets...and boy! Did I fail woefully. This is because, the foundations of Christianity are not based on performance.

We have a God that sent His Son, Jesus, simply because He knew us to be utter failures. We suck at life, genuinely, and that was the sole purpose of the sacrifice. We are poorly equipped to meet God's and life's standards, and that is why He brought Jesus to tick all the boxes on our behalf.

So, on the days when I am a terrible Christian and I feel like I let myself down, it takes a whole lot to get out of my funk. But once in a while, in a devotional or a morning prayer, or in a message, I am reminded that I am not on trial. I have a God that has approved of me already, and this empowers me to try again, no scratch that...this empowers me to rest on Jesus.

So today I implore you to rest on Jesus as well. Stop trying to be the high performing individual at life. Jesus is more than capable of outperforming you. Choose life, choose rest and choose to not condemn yourself.

You are not a failure. You are not a terrible person or a disappointing Christian. Simply because, you are not on trial...

Just Want To

Poetry


whisper melodies

into your ear

sing sweet songs to you

as you doze off


tell tall tales 

of my dreams and

stand tall, shoulders broad

when they materialise


give you a safe space

to shoot for the stars

and rope in the sun

just want to

love you.

Come Away

Poetry

 


 
Hide my love.
Hide here by me.
From the thieves that break in.
And the moth that feasts
On the treasures you hold
More dearly than me.

Come my love.
Come away with me.
For there is a place of endless bliss
Where love and peace seep deep within
Where hopes and dreams
Drown out reality.

Rest my love.
Find rest in me.
From the sorrows and toil
And the sweat of the day.
For there are many mansions, prepared for you
Hide here, come away, find rest
In me.

Translate