Thursday 23rd February 2023

What an auspicious date to start Lenten reflections here!

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”

 

I know I gained so many accolades as I grew up academically inclined! As an Indian its the best possible way to live. But somewhere down the line, I have been extremely keen about holding my health together – mental and physical! While a good nights rest and good meals make me physically stable, mentally I realised I was always in fear – fear of losing the facade I built for myself over the years – the perfect kid – acing almost every exam I attempted , doctor, super specialist, author on this website, etc. I know deep in my heart – I am not perfect! I am trying to gain the world while I lose my faith!

every day we face a dilemma of abundance of choice! While I can chose to do something or not .. the Lord gives us that choice – we chose His path or otherwise! Theoretically very easy to type here but not easy when there is so much attraction in being that mean woman / man with ambition to race to the top!

So we have 40 days to reflect over the past year – our sins and chaos that resides in our lives! While I am still trying to make sense of my life along with my values and intentions. This Lent I want to stop listening my mind and body but focus on letting myself dictate the body what is needed!

PRAYER

Help and guide me Jesus for every stressor I have right now! Bless me and guide me! Amen

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency. I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke's Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.

Author Archive Page

10 Comments

  1. Oh Analise, gifted people have more stress than the average person because they mustalways be perfect. My daughter is very gifted and also quite anxious and also not a practicing person in her faith. This is YOUR advantage that God is in your life. Your giftedness comes from God which you know in your mind but if you are so worried about being at the top, then examine your heart and reflect on just being the person God wants you to be. You’re right that it is easy to put on paper and much harder to practice. I struggle with hearing God’s voice as well which will be my focus this lenten season. God Bless you in your Lent. Keep writing please. You are so honest and real!

  2. Hi Analise
    I am probably not as gifted as you. However, for any one of us it is always good to pray with gratitude for our giftedness. And we can never forget that the giver of any gift (especially the one that is a talent or skill from God) is what makes the gift so special. Whenever we inflate our ego because of a God-given gift, we have missed its point. The receiver of special gifts like you may have received has to realise that the sharing of the gift is always God’s intention. It looks to me that you are appreciative of your own giftedness, and you are sharing it widely. Thanks be to God. Blessings, Frank

  3. To Ingrid and Frank – very thoughtful, heart-felt and good advice given to Annalise that many other readers can also benefit from. God bless you both and the wonderful ministry of ACM!

  4. Thank you Analise. We appreciate your candid view of your talents. It’s easy along the way to lose sight of where those gifts originate. Lent is the perfect time to reflect on our God given talents and decide to use them in a way beneficial to God’s kingdom. Wishing you a heartfelt lenten season. Peace my sister.

  5. Dr Analise thank you and ACM readers for sharing. I have ALWAYS admired those who realize and recognize their gift and talents and pursue them. My goal was to be a wife and mother. I succeeded. Afterward the kids were grown, Gods goal was for me was to become a nurse. God and I succeeded. I only worked in the field 8 years and was called to care for my Mother for 7 years. God and I succeeded. God then has called me to care for my husband and after 2 1/2 years we are still working at it. Without God I would be a flop. He gives me courage strength perseverance and LOVE. But HE gave me the education to succeed. Was not my will or choice but His.

    May we all succeed by saying YES to God’s will.

  6. Thank you Analise and for all who commented above…for your sharing. We learn from each other and it’s wonderful and I’m humbled. I’m one of those few moms who, when her child comes home with a 95, wonders what happened to the 5! My daughter grew up to become a perfectionist and blames me for it! What have I created? But, I believe God gave each of us a talent…not to keep, but to use and share as others have mentioned. But, above all…to recognize that they all come from above and we give thanks to the Lord Almighty for everything we have…I mean everything, even difficulties or adversities that come our way.

  7. Beautiful reflection with beautiful comments. Thank you everyone for sharing. Cecilia, may God be with you as you care for your husband.

  8. Thank You for this beautiful reflection! I have one word HUMILITY, you are a humble person Analise, and I thank you for sharing your gifts.

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