God Will Not Pick Our Garbage

While people complain about rancid garbage in the city, only few among us take steps to help solve it. We expect the government to pick all our trash; yet we don’t discipline ourselves in keeping our streets clean. We want others to gather our mess.

Sometimes we do this to God. We pray for transformation but are not willing to work out. We want God to clean our mess. One thing is sure: He does forgive sins and cleanse it, but He won’t pick our mess. The consequences still remain.

God will not plant trees for us. He is not a hippie who will recycle your rubbish. Though He gives rain to the vegetable farmer and causes the seeds to grow, He will not be the one to cultivate the soil, water the plant or nurture it. That is partnership!   

No single government can do everything for all. It cannot even meet the needs of everyone. For that, NGOs, non-profits institutions, and churches are, therefore, key players in the development of our nation.

We need not pray only, “Lord have mercy on our country!” We must express our love for country in practical steps. Report abuses to the right agency. Stop pointing fingers and hand me that brick! Let’s build a community where we can live in peace. Pray for righteous administrators in the government whose heart runs after the mission rather than commission.

While it is right to be heard about our concerns, let us do what we can for our country in unity. Some schools teach ideals only but are incapable of doing something to solve problems in the society. Instead of producing leaders, roles and responsibilities, they create rebels.

Ask for wisdom from above. How can I be a responsible citizen? 

Daddy, Let’s Dance

 

With grin on her cheek, I watched in delight as she spoke those words to me. With tiny arms wide open, my two-year-four-months baby girl invited me for a dance. I held her in my arms and raised her above the floor; we danced to our sweet-music with mommy watching and smiling beside the kitchen.

If only I could turn back time, how I wished I danced with my mom or dad. But my memories cannot remember that I did. Now I feel so blessed enjoying the presence of my kids, spending—not just quality time but—quantity time with them. Now I understand when the Psalmist sang, “children are a gift from the Lord.”

Like you, I did not grow up in a perfect family. I didn’t even enjoy my childhood that much. I have to work early, earn, and go to school. Until I finished my doctorate, I supported myself. A great part of me-as-as-a-child was missing. I enjoyed my friends better than my family.

But now that I have a family of my own, they become everything to me and make a life-change. It is never too late for everybody too. No need to cry over spilled-milk, right?

Friend, move on. Learn from the past. Enjoy the present; face the future. When I counsel young people, see them move to the next level, the pleasure is natural. Growing up in those dysfunctional families or with suicidal tendencies is never easy. Seek help.

For others, to reach someone we need open our tiny world, bend our knees, and bring others to our level. Only then we look them in the eye and feel the joy they bring. Take heart!

Never miss those little moments to make someone happy. It might never come again. Stay cool.

The Great Hope

Time magazine called Manny Pacquiao as “The Great Hope”—at least in the realms of sports. His evolution from a street-slugger to a smart-sportsman inspires people, not just Filipinos. But what does “the Great Hope” means?

Sure Manny is the world’s #1 Pound for Pound boxer. Sure Filipinos are desperate to see a hero stand in behalf of their disgraced nation. Like Manny, he is someone who found himself in the limelight, driven by his desire to feed his poor family, fighting for survival. But his hardships and discipline paid off. He is now one of the richest athletes in the world!

Success, in prestige and finances, makes Manny a great model to local boxers. They want to emulate what he did—or maybe use boxing to exit from poverty. (Is boxing a poor man’s game? Most boxers came from poor stratum though.)

Nonetheless, in this life journey, people tend to admire heroes. They don’t follow losers. Within the psyche of Filipinos rests an adamant spirit striving to survive. This courage within is like wildfire, when unleashed, it breaks down all barriers.

Sure there is only one Manny Pacquio, but the determined spirit to win is pervasive. Winning the game of life is a basic human desire. Because of “desire” humans succeed. It takes the first step of desire to will and survive—then overcome and succeed.

In reality, the great hope is in every Filipino—the desire for change, the courage to say “enough is enough.” Fight against corruption, injustice; overcome lack of leadership insight and vision; strive for excellence in education, entrepreneurship, and work ethics. Above all, cling to the Ultimate Hope, the source and finisher of our faith.

What can one man do? Thus, the real great hope, indeed, is the awakening Filipinos. Us!

The Future Begins

How do you like to be remembered? MLM junkie? Womanizer? Greedy bastard? Or what will your children think of you? Absentee father or mother? Loving? Responsible? Will your friends be proud of you?

The life we live today is the history we leave tomorrow. Simply stated, we write our own history. Because of memory, only humans have history. In fact, to familiarize the past, you need to know key figures; then you’ll have an overview of it. Yet remembering people also leaves traces of lifestyles, some good, some wicked. For that, a wise king observed, “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

No wonder, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” A wise father leaves a good name for his children. You don’t want your grandchild someday to say “my granddad’s the most corrupt politician.” No sound mind ever boasts like that. Even if family members deny, people either curse or cherish you.

The life we live today is etched in the memory of the people around us. Some are deep, some are shallow; but what matters most is the pathway we left for them to follow. If it’s bad, it’s a stumbling block, a vicious cycle; if good, it’s a blessing.

Life’s a book, so they say. Each day, you leave a page of your history; someday people will read it. Like it or not, we leave behind open-pages of history, a piece of you. Whatever your legacy will be, it is your choice. I hope it’s an inheritance of compassion, kindness, and justice. If not, change yourself.

Be a footnote in history by leaving a noble life-story. Today, younger generation looks for a hero. And that could be you.

Let the future begin…today.

What’s So Amazing about Grace

A year ago, I arrived from Maui, Hawaii for Haggai advanced leadership training. The next day, I treated my family at SM Pines. I also bought Chicco shoes for my eldest son, Johnne; he kept it by his side. After our hearty dinner in Pizza Hut, we bought groceries and heading home.

When we arrived home, we noticed something. The new shoes were gone!

“Johnne, where are your shoes?” my wife asked.

He immediately replied pointing to his old pair of shoes, “There!”

“No, the new one” she responded.

Johnne realized his mistake; he broke down crying, “Mommy!!! Daddy!!! Sorry!”

I stood in front looking of him. If I was a boy on his shoes, I could have been whipped as strict discipline. And yet because of mercy, I withheld any form of rush punishment on him. My wife and I forgave him and hoped that someone with kids of their own picked the new shoes—and use them.

Then in the morning, I brought Johnne to the same mall. When he saw shoes on the rack, he did not insist anymore of having one.

“My son, do you still want to have that pair of shoes?”

He said shyly, “yes,” I purchased the same shoes he liked. Even though he did not deserved it anymore I paid and gave it anyways. Along the way home, he whispered, “thank you, daddy.”

I looked straight on his sheepish face, “I love you, baby.” I embraced him tenderly for he taught me what grace is.

I’m thankful to our Father above too; he did the same to me—giving more favor than I deserved. I don’t even know where I would be if not for His…amazing grace.

When was the last time you were gracious to someone?

Heroes among Us

Real heroes are not front-pagers, while visibility does not mean integrity.

True leaders are made in crises, but mind you, fake leaders exploit predicaments also. The recent calamities showed bogus ones—leaders who are only good on posing for pictures and media hypes. They are not actually helpers but hustlers in profiting out of the situation. Reports of show-offs, insincere and shams are now in the free internet. In fact, big-time players are now beginning to show their true colors.

Relief operations can be a vast conspiracy of kindness. Reports of cash aids diverted and undelivered donations are no longer rumors. It seems that cameras are for cash; sometimes, even missionaries and coordinators used the same. For people to buy the news and appeal, sensationalizing is logical—but not necessarily right.

That is why handling critical events and information requires integrity. The plumb-line between right motive and vested interest is slim. Only the fruit will tell if the act is genuine. So news (including pictures) must be delivered in truth, not for profit—and documentations for accountability.

My kind of heroes, though, is not image-conscious. They respond in times of trouble. Their presence is not driven by misguided politics, mere curiosity or hypocrisy. Some were under order by authorities, but many are compelled to help. Some gave meals, reliefs, goods, cash, and the like; they simply acted without string attached.

A leader who only cares for position (or promotions!) rather than function is no leader at all. We must applaud our ordinary heroes. They promote a culture of compassion, courage, and character. They gave resources and empower people. Theirs was not only rescues but redemption.

Real heroes inspire transformation. They are the people you knew who were there in times of need. They are life-giving to others.

Triumph Over Tragedy

The recent typhoons brought tragedies to family and friends. I saw some casualties of the mudslide in Benguet; it’s heartbreaking. Friends lost a family or two; I remember a little boy too. Two weeks prior to the disaster, I saw him at my friend’s wedding. He was a Bible-bearer, I was the preacher. Then, I smiled; now, I’m shocked; the whole family died.

But like in other places, we see not only victims, but victors too. We see young people giving their strength to assist the needy, rescuers digging grounds, donors sharing reliefs, men and women working hand in hand. Together overcoming tragedies; like souls crying in the wilderness, “We are crushed, but not conquered. We will prevail.”

While many came, some were curious, some concerned. But in wider scale, the Filipino spirit fought (It is quite interesting many people supported non-government entities, rather than send their donations to the administration). What fascinated me were the ordinary people who stood back right after the storm. A taxi driver told me, “I’d rather work than wait for the relief to come. Doing something is better than doing nothing.” Their whole neighborhood was wiped away; only his house and another two remained.

Heroes are born in times of trouble. In fact, true leaders emerge when there are crises. They take initiative, plan, organize, recruit, direct, and control. Recognition is not the motivation, service is. With or without camera, they work. Some personalities are only good in lenses but not in leadership.

To those afflicted, however, only time can tell. The pain of death may slowly fade away, but some will linger. Some succumbs to trauma, some will survive the tragedy. But there were some who holds peace in the midst of storm. Someday, “There will be no more death.”

When God Is Not Good Enough

People doubt. In times of suffering many ask “Why me?” “Why us?.”

When you see victims of calamities, you wonder how they feel. Storm brings flood, landslide injury and death, hunger pain and suffering. If God is good, why is evil present? In fact, the reality of evil and suffering is more seen that the presence of a good God. Comforting people in pain becomes hard. In my experience, it’s better to just make your self near. Be compassionate, a loving-listener, and a wounded healer.

The problem of suffering and pain is an ancient dilemma. To many, it is a crisis of faith. Now more than ever, it is more evident. Reality can be harsh. Nature can be unforgiving. The so-called “mother Earth” becomes whimsical. Many advocates blame human negligence. But to no avail, it’s not a winning streak. It only adds up to more questions than answers.

I have had my own share of pain. I tried to find their purposes. Someone said, “Such things should happen.” Suffering as consequence, punishment, warning, test or discipline could appeal to the heart, but not so with reason. We admit though that reasons cannot know everything especially that “hidden things belong to God.” But in my life, it only leads me to faith that seeks understanding—that we must learn to live with mystery.

In my life journey, suffering gave birth to faith and hope. It was where a felt Christ agonizing with me, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” When I cried in anger, I felt God understands my doubt, disappointments, and fears. It was really a humbling experience; it taught courage too. When I look back those times where I felt God was not good enough, it was then that His goodness prevailed.

Take the Shot!

You don’t win a basketball game by just dribbling around. You have to take the shot! If you miss, try again.

Before you play the official game, however, you practice well. Some says, “Practice makes perfect.” My teacher says, “Right practice make perfect.” You can only take perfect shots if you practice it right. That is why barriotic styles hardly win in professional games. It’s really different to play a systematic and scientific way of games.

You don’t win the game of life by mere brute strength. You have to be smart—and creative too.

Someone says, “Busyness is an enemy to clear thinking.” When your mind is unclear, you take poor decisions, fuzzy work-plans, and unclear direction. You also do a lot of things that doesn’t count. You lack concentration, driven everywhere. In the end, you’re burned out.

In life, hardwork is not a guarantee to success. Many people worked hard daily but went nowhere, while many reflect more, work less, and yet succeed. They plan every step to take, make minimum effort, and benefit to the max! They epitomize the promise “whatever you hands find to do will prosper!”

With wisdom, you will find out that life is too short to do everything. You cannot afford to make your way through life bullying with strength. It’s good to be hardworking, but not all the times. You need to play life with others, leverage, make strategies, conserve energy, and use your mind.

Work, like dribbling, is only a means to an end. The aim is to take the shots. When you do something, make it count as a means to your direction: to win. You can succeed by taking your best shots. So when you do something in school, office or church, do it with excellence.

Finding Your Life Purpose

Feather in the wind: Is that what your life is all about? It reminds me of Forrest Gump. From start to end his life was carried by the varying drift of times and people—no direction, no focus, no purpose. It is adventurous and unpredictable, but erratic. But can you imagine your life running after nothing?

Finding your life purpose is an exciting journey. Your life as person, a husband or wife, professional, politician, even as religious activist, will become more meaningful if you have life purpose. Your studies become significant when you understand why you live. As an intelligent mind, you have a better grasp about life when you know the reason of your existence.

The need for a purpose encompasses everything. It’s not just about you as a person. Your work, company or business, career or profession, artistic expressions or earning power, investments or and benevolent acts—become significant when you know its purpose.

Purposive life helps people live with faith and focus. When a person finds no reason for living, life becomes distressful and suicidal. Meaninglessness is a bitter poison of the soul. But finding your purpose brings hope to your spirit, peace of mind and joy of the heart.

The Purpose-Driven Life book says there are two sources where people get their life purposes: from human speculation or from divine revelation (the later speaks of God’s disclosure of himself and his will).

This is wisdom. Life is too precious to waste it on speculations.

Go back to the Source, the author of Life. Then, your life will become purposive. When you have a God-given purpose, you have a compass in life. You can live a dynamic life. My Friend says, “I have come that they might have life abundant.” Yes, you can!

Win the Game of Life

Are you a winner?

Twelve years ago, I was a basketball playing-coach. I started with a bunch of young men. I handpicked, played, trained, and coached them as we toured together around the country; we taught children and young people how to play the game and get right with God and people. The group became the school’s official basketball team until now.

Now, I coach a different game; it’s called LIFE. As I mentor young professionals, guided children as chaplain, and led adults as preacher-teacher, and care for my family as husband and father, I wanted to share wisdom to all.

Consider my column as a weekly resource of reflections for you. Here, I will share thoughts to make your life count. You are not just “a dot of this world,” as Creed rants and sing. You mean to God, our country, others, and me.

If “winners never quit; quitters never win,” then move on. Don’t give up. Play like winners. Never play the game of life to loose. Some of my team fumbled somewhere, but now most became professionals and spiritual leaders. You too have a great future.

Daily, you hear bad news, maybe just as it is, but you need to walk with wisdom and hope. You need to be mindful of the important things in life.

As a saintly man once said, “Finally…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Whether you want to succeed, get rich, leave a legacy, you need to think, play and win.

I believe everyone is potential. It means YOU are a great potential! How can you harness that winning potential within? Gain wisdom and walk wisely.