Arthur Ashe: Triumph, Tribulations, and the Unyielding Spirit of Resilience

In the realm of legends, Arthur Ashe’s life was a testament to resilience and fortitude. His legacy stretched far beyond the courts of Wimbledon, transcending into a narrative of strength amid adversity.

As AIDS silently ravaged his body, letters poured in from across the globe, seeking solace in the contemplation of why such a fate befell a sporting icon. Among them, one inquiry stood out: “Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease?”

With the wisdom forged through a lifetime of challenges, Arthur Ashe responded with unwavering grace. He painted a poignant picture of the journey: millions ignited with the passion for tennis, but only a handful traversed the arduous path to its pinnacle—Wimbledon. Not once in triumph did he question divine selection, and in agony, he refused to demand explanations.

“The world over—5 crore (50 million) children start playing tennis, 50 lahks (5 million) learn to play tennis, 5 lahks (5,00,000) learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to the semifinal, 2 to the finals,” Ashe conveyed. “When holding a cup, I never asked GOD ‘Why me?’. And today in pain, I should not be asking GOD ‘Why me?'”

His words echoed the essence of endurance: Happiness sweetens life, trials fortify the spirit, sorrow connects us in our humanity, failure instills humility, and success illuminates our existence. Yet, it’s the divine presence that sustains the journey forward.

Arthur Ashe’s reply encapsulated the arduous journey to Wimbledon: the millions drawn to tennis, the select few who ascend to its zenith, and the rarity of grasping the coveted cup. He juxtaposed these milestones with a poignant realization: in moments of victory, he never questioned the divine, and in pain, he refused to demand answers. This narrative of perseverance amid triumph and adversity became the cornerstone of his wisdom—a testament to embracing life’s challenges without seeking justification.

Paraphrased the story heard from a friend

The Bamboo of Betrayal

Once upon a time in a small Indian village, there were two inseparable friends, Anoop and Sidda. They were not rich, but they had a bond that was worth more than any treasure. Each day, they ventured into the lush forest to cut bamboo, crafting beautiful baskets and other goods to sell in the nearby town. The earnings they made barely covered the rice and dal they needed to feed their families, but they were content and happy in their simple lives.

One fine morning, while they were deep in the forest, Sidda’s axe hit something unexpected – a pot brimming with shimmering gold coins. The sight left them awestruck, and their dreams ran wild.

Sidda: (excited) Anoop, look at this! We’re going to be rich!

Anoop: (grinning) Oh, Sidda, our lives are about to change!

Realizing that it wouldn’t be wise to carry the gold openly through the village, they decided to return at night.

Sidda: (whispering) We’ll come back under the cover of darkness. No one will know.

Anoop: (nodding) You’re right, my friend. Let’s keep this a secret for now.

To avoid suspicion, Anoop decided to sneak back into the village and buy some food. He promised to return soon, leaving Sidda alone with the pot of gold.

Sidda, however, let greed corrupt his heart. He pondered how much better his life would be without Anoop. As Anoop ventured into the village, Sidda picked up his axe and, in a heartless act, he ended his friend’s life.

Sidda: (with a sinister look) Anoop, my friend, I’m sorry, but I can’t share this with you.

As the night fell and the village lay still, Anoop never returned. Instead, he met a cruel fate at the hands of his once-dear friend.

Sidda: (grinning, talking to himself) Now, all the gold is mine!

But what Sidda didn’t know was that Anoop had been wise. He had prepared for the possibility of betrayal. In his last moments, Anoop had mixed poison in the food he brought back for Sidda.

Sidda devoured the food hungrily, believing himself victorious, but little did he know that the poison had already sealed his fate.

Sidda: (suddenly clutching his chest) What’s happening to me? I can’t breathe!

As the poison coursed through Sidda’s veins, he realized the gravity of his actions. His greed and betrayal had cost him not only his dear friend but also the wealth he had killed for. In the end, both friends perished, their dreams of riches unfulfilled.

The moral of this tale is clear: greed and betrayal lead to a bitter end. True wealth isn’t in gold or material possessions but in the bonds of friendship, love, and trust. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one’s integrity and relationships can lead to a lonely, tragic demise. This story serves as a timeless lesson that real treasure lies not in what we possess but in the goodness of our hearts and the loyalty we show to those we hold dear.

Story rewritten by William Paul. Inspired by the movie Kasargold

Arjun’s (Horse) Unyielding Spirit: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption.

In a serene village nestled in the heart of India, there lived a horse named Arjun. Arjun was a magnificent and powerful horse, admired by all for his grace and strength. However, one fateful day, he fell seriously ill. His once-gleaming coat lost its shine, and his legs grew weak, to the point where he couldn’t even stand.

Arjun’s owner, a compassionate but concerned farmer named Rajesh, did everything he could to nurse the horse back to health. He gathered the village’s most skilled veterinarians, who prescribed medicines, and bandages, and offered comforting words. Despite their best efforts, Arjun’s condition worsened, and he found himself immobilized.

The situation grew increasingly serious, and Rajesh felt helpless. One morning, he was walking Arjun near the farm’s edge when a mishap occurred. Arjun, struggling to move, stumbled and accidentally fell into a hole that had been previously dug. It seemed as if fate had dealt him another cruel blow.

Rajesh, upon seeing this, felt a heavy weight on his heart. He believed that Arjun’s fall into the hole was a sign, a confirmation that there was no hope for his recovery. Convinced that it was in Arjun’s best interest to end his suffering, he decided to call upon the villagers to assist him in burying the horse alive.

He gathered the villagers, and together, they stood at the edge of the hole, ready to lower Arjun into it. But as they attempted to place Arjun into the pit, something extraordinary occurred. Arjun, summoning every last bit of his strength and determination, managed to move his body just enough to avoid falling into the pit. He landed beside it, covered in mud but very much alive.

The villagers were astounded. Rajesh couldn’t believe his eyes. Arjun had displayed an extraordinary will to survive, even in the face of seemingly challenging odds.

Touched by his horse’s strong spirit, Rajesh decided he couldn’t give up on Arjun just yet. He called off the burial and, instead, resolved to redouble their efforts to nurse Arjun back to health.

With the villagers’ unwavering support, Arjun’s condition slowly improved day by day. His legs regained their strength, and his coat regained its sheen. He soon returned to his former self, running freely in the fields.

The village learned a profound lesson from Arjun’s incredible fight for life. They realized that even in the darkest moments, one should never lose hope. Arjun’s resilience taught them that life is worth fighting for, no matter how horrible the circumstances may seem.

And so, Arjun lived out the rest of his days joyfully, surrounded by a community that had learned the significance of persistence and the strength of unwavering determination.

Author Unknown – Story heard from my friend Venkat, paraphrased it.

Unlikely Heroes: The Tale of Arjun, the horse and Kariya the goat

Once upon a time, in a serene Indian village, there lived a farmer named Raj who owned a few horses and a wise old goat named Kariya. Each day, the warm Indian sun strikes the fields in golden light, and the animals enjoy their peaceful existence.

One fateful morning, as the sun’s first rays touched the earth, Raj noticed something not okay. His cherished horse, Arjun, appeared weak and struggled to stand. Filled with concern, he called the local veterinarian, Dr. Patel.

Dr. Patel examined Arjun and delivered sad news. “Your horse has contracted a serious virus,” he said with a heavy heart. “I’ll prescribe medicine, but if there’s no improvement in three days, we may have to make a difficult decision.”

As Raj and Dr. Patel discussed Arjun’s fate, Kariya the goat overheard their conversation. Determined to aid his friend, he inched closer to Arjun’s enclosure.

The next day, as Raj and the vet returned with medicine, Kariya watched closely. After the medicine was administered, he leaned in close to Arjun and whispered, “Arjun, my friend, you must find the strength to rise, or they will take you away forever.”

On the second day, Arjun’s condition showed little improvement. Raj and Dr. Patel left, unaware of the hope in Kariya’s eyes. Kariya whispered to Arjun, “You can’t give up, Arjun. We need you here. I’ll help you get up; together, we can overcome this. On my count, one, two, three…”

Summoning all his strength, Arjun struggled to his feet. Initially wobbly, he steadied himself with Kariya’s support. Kariya’s cheers grew louder as Arjun took his first steps.

On the third day, when the vet returned and saw Arjun running freely in the field, he was astounded. Raj exclaimed, “It’s a miracle! Arjun, you’re cured! We must celebrate this incredible moment.”

But amidst the joy, some villagers suggested a grand feast to celebrate, with Kariya as the centerpiece. Raj, torn between tradition and gratitude, made a heartfelt choice. “No,” he declared firmly, “Kariya is our hero today. He stood by Arjun when no one else could, and he deserves our gratitude, not our dinner.”

And so, the farm was filled with laughter and joy, celebrating not only Arjun’s miraculous recovery but also the enduring bond of friendship and the lesson that true heroes can be found in the most unexpected places. Kariya the goat, the unsung hero, continued to watch over the farm, a reminder that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in the power of encouragement and unwavering support for those in need.

The story of Arjun and Kariya reminds us that true heroism isn’t always found in the spotlight. It’s in the quiet, steadfast support we offer to those in need, even when faced with seemingly impossible challenges. It teaches us that friendship, resilience, and unwavering encouragement can overcome the darkest of moments. In a world where we often celebrate the extraordinary, let’s remember that the most profound acts of heroism can come from the most unexpected places, just like the friendship between Arjun and Kariya, which forever echoes the power of compassion and unity.

Source: Unknown (heard it from my friend Venkat – paraphrased it accordingly)

The Busy Cobbler

There was a cobbler who lived in a big village. As he was the only cobbler in town, everyone went to him to get their footwear repaired. He was so busy that he didn’t have time to repair his own boots. This wasn’t a problem at first, but over time, his boots began to wear off and fall apart. While he worked feverishly on everyone else’s shoes, his feet got blisters and he started to limp. His customers started to worry about him, but he reassured them that everything was alright.

However, after a few years, the cobbler’s feet were so injured that he could no longer work and nobody’s footwear got repaired. As a result, the entire town started to limp in pain; all because the cobbler never took time to repair his own boots. If you are in a responsible position and are one of the important links in the group’s survival chain, and if you do not look after yourself, after a while you’ll be no good to anyone else either.

Your best intentions will mean nothing and you’ll be unable to do what you’re meant to do. This goes for leaders, social workers, teachers even parents, breadwinners and homemakers. If you don’t take the time to care for yourself, no one else will.

Author Unknown

Valuing Caring: Why We Should All Care for Others

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Intro

Every one of us has experienced care and compassion at some point in our lives, whether it was from a family member, friend, or stranger on the street. While most people recognize the importance of caring and compassion, they may struggle to prioritize and carry it out in their everyday lives. Why? Because even though we have all experienced care and compassion at some point in our lives, we don’t all value it in equal amounts.

Love was born out of a need

When we are infants, we need our caregivers to provide us with food, shelter, and love. Without these things, we would not survive. As we grow older, we learn that we need to care for others to maintain relationships. Whether it is caring for a partner, family member, friend, or even a pet, showing care and concern for others is an essential part of life. In doing so, we also offer ourselves care and concern. It’s been said that kindness begets kindness. If you want to be kinder to the world around you, start by being kinder to yourself. Sometimes this means looking at what isn’t working in your life and figuring out how to fix it. At other times, this means letting go of expectations about how your friends, family members, significant other, or pets should behave to make you happy. Regardless of the circumstance, making sure you take care of yourself will allow you to better take care of those around you. And when you do take care of someone else, it might just be one more person who takes care of you.

Life lessons from the ants…

A story I found very interesting:

One Sunday morning, a man sat in his balcony enjoying the sunshine and his coffee.

The man watched it for more than an hour. He saw that the Ant faced many obstacles during its journey.
Paused, took a diversion and then continued towards destination.

At one point the tiny creature came across a crack in the floor.
It paused for a little while, analyzed and then laid the huge leaf over the crack, walked over the leaf, picked the leaf on the other side then continued its journey.

A little Ant caught his eye, which was going from one side to the other side of the balcony carrying a big leaf several times more than its size.

The man was captivated by the cleverness of the Ant, one of the tiniest of God’s creations.

The incident left the man in awe and forced him to contemplate over the miracle of Creation.

It showed the Greatness of the Creator.

In front of his eyes there was this tiny creature of God, lacking in size yet equipped with a brain to analyze, contemplate, reason, explore, discover and overcome.

A while later the man saw that the creature had reached its destination – a tiny hole in the floor which was entrance to its underground dwelling.

And it was at this point that the Ant’s shortcoming was revealed.

Do not be distracted with surroundings…keep focused

A lady went to the Priest and said…  I won’t be attending Church anymore..

He said, may I ask why??

She said, I see people on their cell phones during service, some are gossiping, some just ain’t living right, they are all just hypocrites…

The Priest got silent, and he said, OK… But can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?

She said, what’s that?

He said, take a glass of water and walk around the Church 2 times and don’t let any water fall out the glass.

DUCKS QUACK, EAGLES SOAR

I was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for me.

He handed me a laminated card and said: ‘I’m Wasu, your driver. While I’m loading your bags in the trunk I’d like you to read my mission statement.’

Taken aback, I read the card. It said: Wasu’s Mission Statement:
To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

This blew me away. Especially when I noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wasu said, ‘Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.’

I said jokingly, ‘No, I’d prefer a soft drink.’

Can We Bring Positive Change In Our World?

Bai Fang Li: A Rickshaw Operator Who Gave Much To Orphans

His name is BAI FANG LI. He is a rickshaw operator most of his life, providing services to people who need to go from one place to another for a small fee.

His body is small, even too small compared to the other rickshaw operators. However, he is very energetic and enthusiastic. He starts his routine at 6 am in fellowship with his God. He then cruises the streets of the city on his rickshaw, either to get a customer or to bring the customers to their destination. He ends his day after the hard work, no sooner than 8 pm.

All his customers like Bai Fang Li because he is friendly, and his smile never leaves his face. He never determine the fee that his customers must pay, but he relies on the customers’ generosity to pay for his services. Because of his good heart, more people prefer to use his services more than others. Perhaps because of their compassion to him, many are willing to pay more than the going rate that most rickshaw operators charge. Maybe this is because they see how hard he, with his small body sweating, has to push till his breathing is heavy.