joyancejames

Author: joyanceshalomjames

  • Straightening children since 900 BC

    Solomon Ben David vs Nicholas Andry

    “…one must not neglect the body and let it become deformed, this would be against the intention of the Creator; this is the basic principle of orthopaedics […] this book is aimed exclusively at fathers and mothers and all people bringing up children who must try to prevent and correct any deformed part of the child body” – Nicholas Andry (L’Orthopédie 1741)*

    “Crooked tree” symbol courtesy Nicholas Andry

    The “crooked tree” symbol is attributed to Nicholas Andry. He reasoned that just as a crooked tree is made to grow straight when it’s growth is directed so a crooked bone/deformity can be straightened when it’s growth is directed. What started primarily as a medical speciality to correct childhood deformities has since then progressed to address all musculoskeletal issues from pediatric to geriatric age groups. Since then this crooked tree has become the logo of numerous orthopedic societies and institutions.

    “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
    Proverbs 22:6 NLT – Solomon Ben David

    Here we see an distinctive resemblance in the thought process of both King Solomon and Nicholas Andry. Did Andry take a leaf out of the former’s book and applied it too literally? Both wanted to harness the mallebility of childhood for a better future (sans crookedness).

    The verb translated “direct or train” (חנך – chanak) means, first, “to put something into the mouth,” “to give to be tasted,” as nurses give to infants food which they have masticated in order to prepare it for their nurslings; thence it comes to signify “to give elementary instruction,” “to imbue,” “to train.” The Hebrew literally is, Initiate a child in accordance with his way. In the Hebrew Bible this word chanak appears 5 times and rest of the 4 times it’s translated as “dedicate” in English.

    A very good example of what happens when the parent takes initiative to train and direct is seen in the following 3 verses depicting the life of Samuel:
    1 Samuel 1:28 (Prayer of a mother)
    “Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.”

    1 Samuel 2:26 (Straight growth of the child)
    “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.”

    1 Samuel 12:2,3 (Lifelong benefits of early initiation)
    “And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.”

    “Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est.” So much depends upon the habit in tender years.
    This hold true both for Orthopedics and for life.

    *Andry N (1741) L‘orthopédie ou l’art de prevenir et de corriger dans les enfants les difformités du corps. A Paris, chez la Veuve Alix et chez Lambert et Durand, 1st ed.

  • Impact of a seed

    What if success was measured not by the harvest but by the seeds sown?

    People always remember the medal winners but no one talks about the participants. We just watched the 2020 Olympics from Tokyo, podium finishers were decorated, commemorated, honoured and worshipped but does anyone remember the others who finished the race 4th, 5th and so on, probably facing and fighting insurmountable odds in the process. Medal winners made headlines while the others were frowned over as disappointments.

    When a farmer sows seeds, not every seed that is sown comes to fruition. When a farmer scatters his seeds, some of them may not get buried immediately, some will be picked up by the birds others dispersed by the farm animals. There is a possibility that the dispersed seed is buried elsewhere outside the limits of the farm and bears a fruit there. Hence, the success of the farmer can’t be judged only by his farm produce in a limited time period.

    Let’s learn from apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he writes, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
    It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”
    1 Corinthians 3:6‭-‬8 NLT

    Against the backdrop of eternity let our lives continually, persistently sow seeds of the gospel, seeds of hope and love in a world starved of love. Our labour may not be rewarded with an instant harvest or even in our lifetime, but one can never estimate the potential of a seed. Let us continue to shine our light and sow seeds of the good news unabashedly in the face of the darkness.

    This little light of mine I am gonna let it shine.

  • Inter-dependence day

    70 years after India gained her independence on the same day in 2017, August the 15th, I married Shalom Philip. That was our first inter-dependence day, today it’s been 4 years since the day we said our vows.

    Some of my friends joked in lieu with the post-truth culture that I lost my independence on the day that my country gained her’s. But nothing could be farther from the truth, marriage as a covenant under Christ brings together two imperfect and incomplete individuals who find their completeness not in each other but together in Christ.

    Growing up multiple times I had heard my mom being addressed as a super-woman cause of the way she juggled but gracefully managed her school work, home responsibilities and the daunting task of bringing up two children. Now, I’ve realised that I’ve married another super-woman, because of the way Shalom manages the home, college work and demands of a toddler at home, all alone since I’m away.

    I believe every mother is a super hero but working mothers more so with the added demands and energy drain at work. Bringing up a toddler alone in a city with 2 maids and an alien culture is overwhelming to say the least but God is good and His grace has been enough. The sacrifices you’ve (Shalom) made will never be in vain, in the light of eternity our lives will make a difference, a dent in history that only time will tell.

    So, here’s to the memories made and the faithfulness of God and the adventures yet to come.

    Who could ever find a wife like this one — she is a woman of strength and mighty valor! She’s full of wealth and wisdom. The price paid for her was greater than many jewels.
    Proverbs 31:10 TPT

    #throwback circa 2017
    #throwback Kuala Lumpur 2018

  • For Zion’s sake I will not be silent

    עם ישראל חי
    Am Yisrael chai

    Samuel Clemens who later became the famous  American author under the pen name Mark Twain wrote this about the Jews more than a century ago:
    “If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one quarter of one percent of the human race.  It suggests a nebulous puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way.  Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of.  He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk.

    His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning are also very out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers.  He has made a marvelous fight in this world in all ages; and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it.  The Egyptians, the Babylonians and the Persians rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greeks and Romans followed and made a vast noise, and they were gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, and have vanished.

    The Jew saw them all, survived them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmaties, of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert but aggressive mind.  All things are mortal but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains.  What is the secret of his immortality? ” – September 1897 (Quoted in
    The National Jewish Post & Observer, June 6, 1984)

    Well if Mark Twain had opened his Bible he’d have know the “secret of Jews’ immortality”,
    “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
    Psalm 121:4 AMPC

    “After a period of glory, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plundered you. For he said, “Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.”
    Zechariah 2:8 NLT
    God is speaking of Israel, His covenant people as His most precious possession.

    God promised Abraham when He made a covenant with him.
    “And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].”
    Genesis 12:3 AMPC
    The salvation through Jesus bringing eternal life is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

    God has blessed Israel and made it a blessing for the world much more than the world can comprehend.
    Jews constitute only 0.2% of the world population of 7.8 billion plus, still more than 20% of the Nobel prize winners from 1910-2000 were Jewish.*
    A nation which was formed only in 1948, is now one of the leaders in technology, startups, medicine, military and defence research and the list goes on.

    Israel is the only true democracy in middle East. Also the only nation in middle East where women have most freedom, including Muslim women.

    Sadly Israel is surrounded by nations which propogate hatred towards the Jews and even publically call for their annihilation. As children of Yahweh let us pray for peace in the land where Jesus walked. As partakers of the Abrahamic blessings through our faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:14), it is our responsibility to pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters and for the peace of Jerusalem.

    “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.”
    Psalms 122:6‭-‬9 NLT

    Shalom Yisrael! (שלום ישראל)

    * B. Shalev, 100 Years of Nobel Prizes, 3rd edn (Los Angeles, 2005), pp. 57–61.

  • Lessons from fatherhood – VI

    Resting in His embrace

    My baby, Faith has been sleeping on my chest ever since I can remember. Not sure how I became her favourite mattress, but I guess body warmth and singing worship songs as lullaby did play their part. A sleeping tradition which started even before Faith was 3 months old still continues when she is 21 months old. Now even when I get to see her once in 3 months, because my work takes me away, she still revels in the pre-slumber embrace.

    #howitstartedvshowitsgoing



    At the end of our busy days, when we come back emotionally drained, physically tired and mentally worn out, whom do we turn to for respite and recharge? King David who spent a number of his youth years running for his life for no fault of his confesses this, “now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid!”
    Psalms 4:8 TPT.

    Elsewhere in an another poignantly true song, David asks us to, “give your burdens to the Lord , and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalms 55:22 NLT.
    Here we see a man after God’s own heart, even when besieged by troubles, he knew the secret to a good night’s rest. To cast the burdens on the Lord and recharge in His presence is the secret to David’s survival in his wilderness years.

    Sleeping on my chest gives my baby an opportunity to listen to my heartbeat, probably they add the percussion to her lullaby! Staying close to the Father gives us the liberty of listening to His heartbeat. This proximity to the Father’s heart not only refreshes and recharges our soul but gives us an insight into His will. I’m reminded of the bridge of a famous worship anthem by Hillsong,
    “Heal my heart and make it clean
    Open up my eyes to the things unseen
    Show me how to love
    Like You have loved me
    Break my heart for what breaks Yours
    Everything I am
    For Your kingdom’s cause
    As I walk from earth into eternity”
    – Hosanna

    The next time you lie down to sleep and the worries of your life decide to choke your sleep, remember this promise of Jesus, find your pillow in His embrace and enjoy a good refreshing sleep.
    “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
    John 14:27 NLT
    God bless!

  • Guest post: Motherhood explored with Shalom Philip

    I’ve invited my best half Shalom Elsy Philip to share with us the non-glamorous and the un-glittering part of motherhood from her own experience. The silent sacrifices which happen behind the scenes, a far cry from the pretty picture painted in the social media.

    JSJM: Shalom, you became a mother just before you turned 29, how was it different from what you expected?

    SEP: Well, it was a planned pregnancy so it didn’t come to me by surprise. I was ready for this new chapter of life. I used to come across cute baby videos and thought it would be the same. Little did I know it is far from reality and my expectations. There were difficult moments and by God’s grace I got through.

    JSJM: Pregnancy vs 1st month of motherhood, which was tougher?

    SEP: Pregnancy was tough and I would say 1st month of motherhood was the toughest. You are new in dealing with newborn, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, postpartum body. It really takes a toll on you.

    JSJM: Apart from sleep and loss of normal physiology which other sacrifice was/is most excruciating?

    SEP: Motherhood = sacrifice. The most excruciating thing was not having time for myself and not being to able to do things freely.

    JSJM: 1 month old infant vs 18 month toddler which phase do you enjoy more?

    SEP: Each phase of upbringing your baby has its own problems I rather prefer the 18 month toddler as she is more responsive to you, more fun and more dramas though they can bring the roof down.

    JSJM: Suggestions/advise for pregnant or new mothers.

    SEP: Understand that this journey will not be easy, but remember its all worth it and you are your baby’s first home. There are moments of pain, tears, exhaustion, self doubt, frustration, at the same time there are moments of love, confidence, energy,grace, strength , laughter which overpowers all. Even on the hard days we have proved ourselves worthy and capable. Just have to embrace and be patient in this journey and you will be amazed how strong you are and proud of everything that you have accomplished.

    JSJM: Working mom = Wonder Woman; God’s grace is made perfect in our weakness. How do you cope?

    SEP: I have a greater respect for all working mothers. Its difficult to handle the both the responsibilities at the same time. Taking one day at a time is the key. I am sure there’s not a single mother who doesn’t think of their child atleast once at their work. we feel it is impossible but you just keep going and you do the impossible. May I encourage you to pursue your dreams and motherhood should not limit you. On a lighter note you get paid twice for your work, in money and in love!

    My superhero mom with Faith ❤️ (Old picture)
    My girls ❤️

    JSJM: Perhaps as fathers, we may not fully comprehend the sacrifices and the toll it takes on the mothers. But I pray that God will give us (the fathers) the grace and an understanding heart to stand by, to cherish and honour the mothers in our lives.

    PS: “So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”
    Proverbs 31:31 TPT

    Happy Mother’s day!! God bless!

  • Whine vs Win

    Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.
    1 John 5:4‭-‬5 MSG

    Whining is counterproductive to winning.

    Whining saps the strength, endurance, hope and joy that’s prerequisite for winning.

    Whining is giving consent to the external environment to poison the internal environment.

    People whine about things beyond their control, but as children of the Creator of the universe, we have a direct approach to the One who is sovereign over all.

    Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
    Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 MSG
    Here apostle Paul exhorts us to conserve our breath and energy wasted on worrying, whining and complaining, and instead focus on praising and praying.

    In a crisis situation when the lay people complain and grumble, the King’s family is usually devoid of complaining. The family knows the king their father will control the outcome. If we look around and about us we can conjure up complain lists that can never satiate our appetites for cribbing, but does this behove the children of the King? We live in a broken world but we await a day when there shall be no more suffering no more tears. Till that day comes let us fix our eyes on what is unseen.

    The temporal may cause us to complain but what’s eternal causes us to praise. Our hearts will never find the perfection and peace in this world, cause we are made for another.

  • Quest for your eternity.

    My last surviving grandparent, my paternal grandma, wound up her earthly sojourn at 81 years and 7 months and went to be with the Lord yesterday. As I look back and reflect on her life, I can say with confidence that she was more bothered by the place where her next person would spend his/her eternity rather than their option about her.

    Your eternity (greater than/ more significant) >> your opinion about me. Jesus loves you period.

    Her conversations as far as I can remember would unfailing revolve around a genuine enquiry about our spiritual health and walk with Jesus. Spiritual well being took precedence over any wordly pursuit or accomplishment. She never wasted an opportunity to share the good news (gospel) with any stranger who would cross her way.

    As I look back on the life lived and the legacy left – 3 grown up children with their families and 8 grand children and 1 great grand child, I can truly attest to the fact that we’ve been recipients of the blessings due to the faithfulness of my grandparents.

    There ain’t no greater loss than to gain the whole wide world and lose one’s soul.

    My grandma, Mrs A M Kurian, sought first the kingdom of God and it’s righteousness and we’ve tasted the goodness of God down the generations. She was monumental in raising up Kingdom builders to impact subsequent generations, and it’s after effects will be felt of the decades to come, hence it’s not possible to completely gauge the impact of her life and legacy.

    November 2020; 4 generations – the lost generation, baby boomer, millennial and generation alpha.

    Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts.
    Psalm 145:4 MSG

  • From the dungeons to the palace, journey of a dreamer.

    Lessons from the life of Joseph.

    Separated from his family at 17 years ➡️, from the pit to being sold as a slave, ➡️ then in an Egyptian household ➡️ then for a number of years in the dungeons of Egyptian prison (wrongly accused).

    The teenage dreams remained unfulfilled, God took him through the dungeons, moulded him into the man before whom his family and all of Egypt and Cannan would eventually kneel down.

    He never stopped dreaming, through the scorn of his brothers, through the betrayal in the prison, till his dreams finally earned for him an audience with the Pharoah and later a seat at his table.
    He remained as humble in the palace as he was in the prison.

    The journey to the fulfillment of your God ordained dreams may be painful, but He is perfecting you and developing a charcter which will not vacillate not stumble when flooded with fame and the fulfillment of the dream.

    Character which is perfected in the dregs of the dungeons will not vacillate in the opulence of the palace.

  • Inconvenience of a promise

    Bethlehem was the promised birth place of the Messiah (Micha 5:2), in order to fulfill that promise God moved Joseph and Mary, to take a journey from their hometown to Bethlehem. A journey in the late 3rd trimester of pregnancy, probably nearing the due date was not in the schedule for the new parents to be. A journey of approximately 90 miles was something they’d not envisioned to undertake in the days preceding the baby’s birth.
    Bethlehem was Joseph’s ancestral place, Boaz and Ruth lived there, it was the city of David and there after his lineage.

    Sometimes it does our soul good to visit the places (literally and figuratively) and testimonies of the lives of the people who passed on before us. Each generation not only carries forward the family name, but the collective experience of God’s goodness in each generation functions to fuel us and propel us forward. “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
    Psalm 145:4 ESV

    No doubt it caused them emotional and physical strain to leave their comfort zone and travel to their ancestral place in Bethlehem. Nevertheless they journeyed, eventually causing the Messiah’s birth to take place in a manger. Mary who’d carried the hope of the world in her womb had to go through a inconvenient place and time to fulfill God’s promise.
    Beyond the inconvenience of the promise were the angelic choir and the awestruck shepherds and the wisemen from East with their gifts.

    If you’re reading this, God has a promise for your life. It may need a change of place and perspective or you may have to go through an inconvenient journey in order to receive the promise, but what He says shall surely come to pass.
    “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
    Isaiah 55:11 AMPC