Monthly Archives: August 2023

How did my Name Originate?

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That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”
William Shakespeare

My name Vincent sounds good as it means Victorious . I am not writing under a ‘nom de plume’ .

The Roman name Vincentius is derived from the Latin word vincere which means ‘conquered’ .

This name was used in the Middle Ages and became popular later .

I like to think of two famous people bearing this name : St Vincent de Paul and Norman Vincent Peale

St Vincent always reached out to the poor and needy. His motto was

‘The poor, when viewed with eyes of faith, take the place of Christ and so give us the opportunity to love and serve Jesus. Charity is greater than any rule or pious exercise.’

Thus the Society of Vincent de Paul commenced . It reaches out to the poor in various ways .

Norman Vincent Peale was a Pastor who wrote several books , of which one was ‘The power of Positive Thinking’

He offers a step-by-step, scientifically sound system for turning self-doubt into self-esteem, obstacles into opportunities, and thought into action.

He quotes many verses from the Bible .

I have read a few books written by him and they have helped me a lot. These are self help books which are enlightening.

My name came from my grandfather’s name which was Joaquim Vincent Placidus Mascarenhas. . He was the Physician to the Maharaja of Porbandar . During the epidemic of Influenza at the time of World War II he visited Italy . Unfortunately he and the Maharajah both contracted the illness and passed away . He was buried in Florence .

I never saw him . May his soul rest in peace .

Why I write

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Art, for the sake of art itself, is an idle sentence. Art, for the sake of truth, for the sake of what is beautiful and good, that is the creed I seek.
— George Sand

Writing truthfully on my innermost feelings can often be hidden. It could be a release of my emotions but it’s not easy.

However I find that reflecting on words of scripture can reveal more about myself . The word itself can convict me . It’s only then that I begin to know the truth .

‘What is truth ? ‘ (John 18:38) Pilate questioned Jesus in jest as Jesus claimed to be ‘witness to the truth’ (John 18:37) .

Soon after this, Pilate had serious misgivings. After all here was someone who was beyond his understanding. Truly the ‘Son of God’ .

We may hide from the truth, but the innermost self then convicts us.

There are many instances of my life of which I struggle to reveal. Writing brings this out and becomes a release of emotions .

I’ve been told that the best way to deal with the challenges in life is to begin writing .

I may or may not publish all these writings, as I then become vulnerable. ‘Boldness’ is required .

I wonder ‘why’ I cannot be bold enough to reveal my feelings . Often I read other writers who have the boldness and truthfulness to publish their works , and it makes good readings.

‘Why?’ The best reason I think is that it is honest , original and an art in itself.

I hope that when I’m asked the question ‘What is truth ?’ I can be bold enough to write about myself , with the hope that I can help my readers to benefit from how I face the joys of my victories or the sadness of defeats.

Light to the Way

Life and Education, To be excellent, , ,

We hear of many stories of a young person losing his way

Why does a young person lose his or her way ? Is it because of lack of love or it is it because of bad company ?

I think both cases could cause this waywardness .

Most often it is ‘bad company’ and peer pressure . This happens in university . Who does not want to be cool or look cool or do things which show a person doing things to impress others . Moving in bad company leads to doing what the others are doing , be it drinking excessive alcohol, or doing drugs .

What I find hard to understand is Jesus came for the lost and sick . He said ‘I came not for the virtuous but for the sinner. The sick need the doctor more than others.’ Can I match this when I interact with the gang of so called ‘bad’ guys , without myself getting into any trouble?

Obviously we will need to rely on the Lord, for guidance , by our prayers.

The second category are those lacking love. Here it is quite complicated. The person needs affirmation and recognition to do anything. It may be anything as long as he/she gets noticed. This may not be easily detected , and this lack of love may lead the person to behave badly in order to seek attention.

So where are we …what will our response be to these cases . I still think loving them is important.

I have seen this in a classroom. The troublesome students are the ones who need more attention. When this is implemented those very students who are given special attention, begin to respond and ‘change’ happens .

A realisation I have made is that often these students will listen to anyone, except their parents.

Students remember their mentors many years later and it’s a joy to see them succeed in their careers and many happily married.

In conclusion, I think that one should not give up on anyone no matter what their circumstances are, and what they do .

Love and prayers go a long way .

Can we carry our candle to light the world of those are losing their way ?

Optimism and happiness

Life, To be excellent, ,

One of the great characteristics of optimism is that it keeps one in a positive mindset .

William was a young man who did well in his job . He was always happy .

Bob his co-worker was curious to know why. “Why are you so happy . This work is so mundane , that I just want to quit .”

William responded “Why worry ; enjoy what you do .” There is no point in complaining ; what benefit can you get .”

Bob still went on ,” The boss is a real task master . He has no good thing to say . Besides some of my colleagues tend to be his favourites.”

“ Do you really think life would be better if the boss changes, or you have new colleagues in another workplace?”queried William .

What is work , if not a form of service . Whether it is private or corporate, whether one’s own entrepreneurship or otherwise.”

Bob replied ,” What happens when you are still with the same job all your life and the boss does not change ?”

“Well then, grin and bear it , but still be happy .” smiled William .

Try saying “I am happy” every half hour .

“Do you know my secret is that the Lord is my boss . I give my best efforts to him . What does it matter who my boss is . I may have changes in bosses , but God is still changeless . When you are happy , you make others happy and then you will begin to see the people you dislike in a new light .”

This verse from scripture will be more enlightening.

‘Slaves, be obedient to the men who are called your masters in this world; not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please men, but wholeheartedly , out of respect for the Master. Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ that you are serving.’ (Colossians3:22-24)

For those who are masters,

‘Masters, make sure that your slaves are given what is just and fair, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.’ (Colossians 4:1)