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.