Beyond the Suit: Billy Graham's Profound Reflection on Identity and Destination

At the age of 92, Billy Graham, grappling with Parkinson's disease, faced a dilemma when invited to a luncheon in his honor a month before his 93rd birthday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Initially hesitant due to his health challenges, the Charlotte leaders reassured him, expressing a desire to honor him without expecting a major address. Encouraged, Billy agreed to attend.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the podium, looked at the crowd, and said:

"I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train, when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there.He looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

"The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.”  Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car,he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

"The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don't need a ticket.  I'm sure you bought one.'Einstein looked at him and said,  “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going."

Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this:

"I not only know who I am. I also know where I'm going." May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door. "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

May each of us have lived our lives so that when our ticket is punched we don't have to worry about where we are going

It is More Blessed to Give - Christmas Story

 

On the evening of Christmas Eve, George left his office and discovered a young boy admiring his brand-new car. Intrigued, the boy asked, "Is this your car, sir?" George nodded and replied, "Yes, my brother gave it to me as a Christmas present." The boy was taken aback and exclaimed, "Your brother gave you a car for free? The boy was surprised. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you anything? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. George knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like the one George has. But what the lad said was far beyond Goerges' expectation. "I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."

For a few seconds words failed Reggie and then he impulsively added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"

Excitedly, the boy accepted the offer. After a short drive, the boy requested that George stop in front of his house. George assumed the boy wanted to show off the luxurious car to his neighbors. However, he was mistaken.

"Can you stop by those two steps?" the boy asked. He hurriedly went up the steps and returned, carrying his younger brother, who had physical challenges. Placing him on the bottom step, the boy snuggled up next to him and proudly pointed at the car. "Look, Buddy, just like I described earlier. His brother gave it to him for Christmas, and he didn't have to pay anything. Someday, I'll give you a car like this, and then you can see all the beautiful things in the Christmas windows that I've been telling you about."

George got out of the car and helped the boy settle his brother in the front seat. With joy gleaming in their eyes, the three embarked on a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, George learned the profound meaning behind Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give..."

Insights of the Blind: Embracing Perspectives to Uncover Truth

Once upon a time, in a small village, there resided a group of blind men. They lived their lives without ever truly knowing what an elephant looked like or how it appeared to the sighted world. One day, a piece of exciting news spread among the villagers—the owner of the village had acquired an elephant. The blind men were intrigued by this fascinating creature they had only heard of through stories.

Eager to gain knowledge and understand this majestic animal, the blind men gathered together to discuss their plan. They agreed that in order to comprehend the elephant, they must rely on their sense of touch. They sought permission from the owner and were granted access to the magnificent beast.

As they approached the elephant, a wave of anticipation washed over them. One by one, they cautiously reached out, exploring the unknown with their hands. The first blind man, his hands grazing the sturdy leg of the elephant, confidently declared, "The elephant is like a pillar!"

The second blind man, feeling the swaying tail, had a different perspective. He argued, "No, my friends, the elephant is like a rope, flexible and slender."

The third blind man extended his hand, feeling the long, powerful trunk of the elephant. He declared, "You both are mistaken. The elephant is akin to a thick branch of a tree."

The fourth blind man, gently touching the large, flapping ear, expressed his own interpretation, "No, the elephant is more like a grand hand fan, capable of creating a gentle breeze."

Lastly, the fifth blind man, his hands exploring the vast belly of the elephant, insisted, "None of you truly understand. The elephant is like an enormous wall, solid and impenetrable."

As each blind man passionately shared their individual experiences, their differing descriptions sparked a heated debate. Confusion and disagreement filled the air, with each one firmly believing they held the truth about the elephant's nature. It seemed impossible to reconcile their conflicting views.

Observing the commotion, a wise old man approached the group. His eyes may have been dim, but his insight was profound. He gathered the attention of the blind men and spoke in a calm, soothing voice.

"All of you," he began, "are both right and wrong. The reason for your differing descriptions is simple. Each one of you touched a different part of the elephant. So, in reality, the elephant possesses all those features that you have described."

As the wise old man's words sank in, understanding slowly illuminated their minds. The blind men realized that their limited perspectives prevented them from comprehending the complete truth. Their individual experiences merely provided glimpses of the whole, but none of them had grasped the entirety of the elephant's magnificent presence.

The moral of this story is that truth can be subjective and dependent on one's limited perspective. Just like the blind men, we often form incomplete judgments based on our individual experiences and perceptions. It is only by embracing diverse viewpoints and combining them that we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

This story teaches us the importance of open-mindedness, empathy, and collaboration. It encourages us to recognize that different people may have different perspectives and interpretations based on their unique experiences. By actively listening and seeking to understand each other's viewpoints, we can broaden our horizons and cultivate a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Lessons in Anger: The Consequences of Uncontrolled Emotions

In the workplace, I harbored a growing resentment towards my colleague, Anuj, who frequently shirked his responsibilities and burdened me with his unfinished tasks. My frustration continued to mount, reaching its peak when Anuj, instead of delivering money from a customer to the cashier for a receipt, handed it to me. I held onto that money for several days, but when Anuj eventually retrieved it from where I had kept it and handed it to the cashier, he accused me of stealing it. Despite my frantic search in my drawer, the money remained elusive. It turned out that Anuj had taken it and facilitated the issuance of the receipt.

Enraged by this turn of events, I succumbed to my anger and engaged in a heated exchange with Anuj, which tragically escalated into a physical altercation. Throughout this confrontation, a voice in my mind pleaded for calmness, urging me not to succumb to anger. Regrettably, my inability to control my emotions resulted in severe consequences. I was expelled from my position by the senior office staff due to the physical altercation. After dedicating eight years of my life to that office, I suddenly found myself unemployed and adrift.

In the aftermath of losing my job, a profound realization dawned upon me: harboring anger and engaging in confrontations is futile and self-destructive. I recognized the importance of maintaining composure, choosing calmness over quarrels, and treating others with respect and politeness. This experience served as a crucial life lesson that I deeply internalized.

Observing the world around me, I witnessed countless instances where people resorted to violence over trivial disputes. One particular incident struck a chord within me, wherein two individuals pulled an unsuspecting driver out of his car, pummeled him with bricks, and tragically ended his life. It was revealed that the entire altercation had stemmed from a seemingly insignificant argument. This event served as a stark reminder of the biblical verse admonishing against anger.

Through my own personal journey and the observations I made, I discovered the destructive nature of anger and the importance of embracing peace and tranquility in all aspects of life. It taught me to let go of grudges, communicate with empathy, and seek resolution through understanding rather than confrontation. This newfound wisdom instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power of calmness, and the transformative impact it can have on our interactions with others and our own well-being.

The Tied Cat: Unraveling Rituals and Seeking Meaning

In a small village, there resided a Pandit, also known as a Poojari, whose role was to perform religious rituals at the local temple. One fortunate day, the Pandit came across a charming and adorable cat. Captivated by its endearing nature, the Pandit decided to bring the cat home and care for it as a beloved pet.

The bond between the Pandit and the cat grew stronger each passing day. They ate together, slept together, and the cat faithfully followed the Pandit wherever he went. The Pandit showered the cat with affection and ensured its well-being.

However, a peculiar situation arose during the worship rituals conducted by the Pandit. As part of the customary offering, milk had to be presented to the deities in the temple. Whenever the cat spotted the milk, it couldn't resist indulging in a sip. This posed a problem for the Pandit, as the cat did not comprehend that the milk was meant for the divine and not for its consumption. The cat would innocently drink the sacred milk intended for the gods.

To avoid any further embarrassing incidents, the Pandit devised a solution. Before commencing the worship rituals, he began tying the cat to a nearby tree. This became a routine practice, ensuring that the cat remained restrained during the period of worship. Once the rituals concluded, the Pandit would release the cat from its temporary captivity.

Years went by, and the Pandit eventually passed away. His son, eager to continue the family tradition, assumed the responsibility of performing the worship rituals. Without understanding the reasoning behind tying the cat, the son faithfully followed his father's customs. He believed that securing a cat before the worship was an integral part of the ritual.

As time went on, the cat also passed away, leaving the succeeding generations of the Pandit's family in a state of confusion. Unaware of the original purpose behind tying a cat, they were under the impression that the ritual could only be fulfilled by employing a cat. However, no cats were available in their village, causing them distress and a sense of incompleteness during their worship. Determined to restore the satisfaction they once experienced, they decided to procure a cat from a neighboring village. Once they had the cat in their possession, they promptly tied it to a tree and proceeded with their worship ritual, finding solace in its completion.

This tale serves as a reflection of our own lives. Often, we find ourselves engaged in certain practices or rituals without comprehending their true significance. Just like the descendants of the Pandit, we continue these customs without questioning their purpose. We may unknowingly become trapped in a cycle of tradition, carrying out actions devoid of understanding. It is essential for us to seek knowledge and understanding, to explore the meaning behind our rituals and practices. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions are rooted in genuine purpose and not merely empty gestures.

From Persecution to Assistance: A Tale of Forgiveness and Unexpected Help

In the early days of our association in the office, Vikram, my colleague, seemed like a constant thorn in my side. Despite being only a week senior to me, he managed to make my work life challenging. However, being a devout Christian, I held onto the teachings of Jesus, who urged us to love and forgive even those who mistreat us. So, I chose to love and forgive Vikram for his actions.

As time passed, Vikram was transferred to another company, and I gradually let go of the memories of his misdeeds. Years went by, and I found myself facing the difficult situation of being unemployed, desperately searching for a job. One day, out of the blue, I received a call from another colleague who informed me that Vikram was resigning from his current position. Furthermore, there was a job opening in his company, and my colleague directed me to contact Vikram.

Following my colleague's advice, I reached out to Vikram, and to my surprise, he was more than willing to help. He arranged an interview for me at his company, allowing me a chance to secure the vacant position. It was a remarkable turnaround. The very person who had once caused me trouble had now become instrumental in providing assistance during my time of need.

This experience taught me a profound life lesson: the ones who persecute us today might eventually become our allies in times of trouble. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness, love, and maintaining a compassionate attitude even in the face of adversity. We never know how circumstances may change, and the people we least expect could play a significant role in shaping our future.

The Three Beggars and the Good Millionaire: A Lesson in Divine Grace

Once in a town, there resided a kind-hearted millionaire who had gained great wealth through his endeavors. Meanwhile, three beggars pondered over seeking help from him. The first man approached the millionaire and audaciously demanded, "O Lord! I am in need of five rupees. Please give them to me." Taken aback by the beggar's impudence, the millionaire responded sternly, "How dare you demand as though I owe you money! I cannot afford to give five rupees to a single beggar. Here, take these two rupees and leave." The beggar accepted the two rupees and departed.

Next, the second beggar approached the millionaire, expressing his plight, "Oh Lord! I have not had a proper meal for the past ten days. Please lend me a helping hand." Curious, the millionaire inquired, "How much do you require?" The beggar humbly replied, "Whatever you deem fit, Maharaj." Appreciating his humility, the millionaire handed him a ten rupee note, saying, "With this, you can enjoy good food for at least three days." Grateful, the beggar walked away with the ten rupee note.

The third beggar then arrived, praising the noble qualities of the millionaire, "Oh Lord, I have heard of your benevolence and have come to pay my respects. Individuals like you, with such charitable disposition, are truly the manifestations of God on earth." Welcoming the beggar, the millionaire invited him to sit down and offered him a sumptuous meal. Touched by this gesture, the beggar exclaimed, "Oh Lord, I only came to meet a noble soul like yourself. You have already blessed me with this abundant feast. What more could I possibly ask for? Your extraordinary kindness has left a profound impact on me. May God bless you!"

Deeply moved by the beggar's spirit of contentment and gratitude, the millionaire insisted that he stay with him. He built a comfortable house within his own compound for the beggar and ensured his well-being for the remainder of his life.

This tale reflects the nature of God, likened to the benevolent millionaire. Individuals from various walks of life approach God with distinct desires and prayers. The first category comprises greedy individuals, filled with vanity and arrogance, seeking worldly pleasures. Despite their flawed desires, God, appreciating their decision to approach Him, grants them some portion of their requested objects. However, these fleeting possessions, similar to the two rupees the first beggar received, quickly dissipate.

The second category consists of devotees who beseech God for respite from worldly sufferings. However, they exhibit a higher level of surrender by accepting the Divine Will. To these sincere devotees, God grants relief from their afflictions and bestows material wealth and abundance.

The third type of devotee approaches God without any specific desire, recognizing Him as the embodiment of Absolute Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss. They seek nothing but offer pure devotion, renunciation, and self-surrender. God, profoundly pleased by their genuine spirit, blesses them with His own sustenance. This ultimate devotion is bestowed upon them, allowing them to reside in the Lord's abode. From that point onwards, these devotees dwell in eternal bliss as liberated sages.