The Bestseller That Describes the Essence of My Living
Posted: Saturday, October 15, 2011
by Ndidi Ngwuluka
http://ndidingwuluka.blogspot.com
"We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn."
– Mary Catherine Bateson
The benefits of reading and aspiring to learn from what we read cannot be overemphasized. Good books can change mindsets for a flourishing society. Indeed it is people who make up a society and when they are influenced positively, a fruitful world is created.
My first real encounter with the book was in 1991. Because it’s voluminous I was only opportuned to read it from cover to cover in 2006. Before I used to read chapter by chapter and sometimes I would re-read chapters. Despite the fact I have read it cover to cover before, when I pick it up it seems I had not read it before. I seem to see another angle to what I have read. And if the portion am reading speaks to a present situation, it comes alive in a greater dimension.
I have come to realize that the more I read the book, the smarter I become. The book says a lot about day to day living such that when I apply its teachings, I am regarded as smart! It teaches me to prioritize my goals and if I follow my goals in order of priority, I am known as organized and efficient.
I struggle to cope with challenging situations that come my way. On such occasions, I act thoughtlessly and sometimes I regret my actions. One day as I battled, I read a portion that said, “If you crumble to pieces in the time of crisis, it means there was nothing in you in the first place.” I began to learn that in peace and tranquillity, solutions to my situations arise and when I apply them, it sometimes amazes even me that the solution occurred to. I began to learn that difficulties will continue to raise their heads but I don’t always have to fall to pieces or throw tantrums each time. The book teaches me to be joyful in the midst of my circumstances and know I have the power to overcome and the strength to keep going. In the end, victory will be mine and a personal transformation can take place even in difficulties.
I have also discovered that in reading, understanding and applying what I read, I discover my true self which is devoid of selfishness and is people oriented. When I focus on helping people, my problems become surmountable.
The book makes me understand that we can have a better society if we can accommodate and appreciate all men irrespective of culture and race. Furthermore, when we learn to treat others like we want to be treated, we can have societies infested with goodness and no evil. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
The book is an anti-depressant, a tranquilizer and pain killer that reduces my daily stress. It tells stories of those that have gone ahead of me for me to learn from. I don’t have to learn everything by personal experience. And it assures me that my challenges are not unique to me.
It is a life coach, mentor and skills’ builder focusing on making me a better person for myself, family and friends. It x-rays my life and brings up hidden things to the surface so I can do away with them. It builds confidence in me and encourages me not to compare myself with others but to be content and maximize the talents and gifts in me.
It trains me on the principles of prosperity and teaches me how to be wise with money. I ought to master money rather it mastering me.
The Bible is indeed my favourite book. Though written many years ago, it is still relevant today and will still be a treasure for the future. Individuals need it. Nations need it. As I read some famous quotes, I realized many also value the bible as much as I do:
“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” -Unknown author.
“...In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.” - Robert E. Lee
"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book." - Abraham Lincoln
The Bible is a guide, a director and a teacher. It is a builder, encourager and a light to my path. It creates order and administers discipline in my life. It shapes me to be who I am called to be and it is all I need to tackle the challenges life throws at me.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)I like your article and your attitude is positive and uplifting. But worlds are not to be governed they are to lived as a whole in freedom. This is what I believe.
I like your writing, keep up your creativity.
AwsomeHi Kellie,
Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate you.
Your very welcome
I like your article. The Bible is indeed the best book ever written. It applies to us today, even after the thousands of years since it was written.Thanks Joel.
a real humanitarian is what I got am I right hopefullyHi Shelley,
How are you? Thanks for reading the article. If you are referring to me; perhaps I am gradually working on being one so you may be right. Thanks Shelley for opening my eyes. I never thought of it.
Great article! Indeed, the Bible has outlined how we should live and love and has many answers to problems and also comforting words. You described it perfectly!Thanks Fran. I appreciate your comment.
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