KOCHI: ‘Why boast of today
When tomorrow is not yours
Why be proud full
To return to nothing
asks Sara Thomas in ‘Seek Ye His Will’, a Hymn in her book aptly titled ‘Ocean’ released recently in the US. The more you look at the deep, the more intriguing it becomes attracting many to explore its hidden depths. Like the rivers that gush over rocks and sand or flow serenely towards the ocean, man with his joys and sorrows must yearn to merge with the almighty and find solace in him when the going goes tough, according to Sara’s verses.
In this mad rush of life when people hardly have time to lend a soothing word to the needy or receive the much wanted shoulder to lean on, the 54 hymns in ‘Ocean’ can uplift the weary to sublime levels or lend a hand to those who feel lost or find themselves at crossroads.
She says, “ I am perhaps the first Malayali to write and release a Gospel Hymn book in English.” The thoughts that pour from her pages are Biblical in tone and content but expressed in her own simple style and diction.
As she says, “True humility is when we can walk in forgiveness ; when we can walk away from bitterness, walk past pettiness and let go of our hurt and pain, when we can be tolerant of people who disagree with us, disagree and commit with those who have diametrically opposed views, attitude and approaches and yet find common grounds as brothers and sisters. True humility is when we can respect authority even when we do not agree.”
The book opens with the hymn ‘Anoint Me’ and ends with ‘New Oil’ and the hymns revolve around faith, hope, love peace and pacifying words about life’s obstacles, a guidance to the Almighty path. Sara says, “Love crosses the boundaries of racism, caste creed or class .It breaks down the barriers of revulsion and abhorrence caused by people, circumstances and the harsh realities of life. It goes beyond the frontiers of our minds and invades unchartered territories to release its tremendous power to consume all differences and to find common grounds of unanimity and concordance where there is disparity and divergence.” Sara a senior IT programme manager, has been working for 16 years in the Information Technology sector in US. She has worked in the world’s largest hi-tech, bio-tech corporations like IBM, Intel Corp, Microsoft and Genentech.
Her first work ‘Choices’ a motivational book was released in 2008 and her second, a spiritual book was released in 2011.
The hymns are soothing to the mind with its philosophical and spiritual note that can touch readers at a very personal level.
Sara says, “‘Ocean’ is dedicated to my son John Thomas, “ and adds that she wants his days to be filled with peace and joy. She wants the same for her readers as well. Sara is looking for a music band that can sing her songs. Contact her at sap@gmail.com.