Franklin Delano Roosevelt was an athletic young man, arrogant in some way, and highly ambitious. He aspired to be the president of the United States of America but at the age of 39 he was stricken with polio that rendered him paralyzed from waist down. Despite his handicap he won the presidency when America was in turmoil due to the Great Depression when people lost most if not all of their savings when the stock market collapsed. One out of four Americans were jobless and thousands of bank went broke. America needs an inspiring leader and Roosevelt rose to the occasion.
The mere act of standing up to every time he makes a public appearance, with heavy metal braces needed to be locked in place was a real painful experience. Crippled and unable to move around, he spent most of his time reconciling with his God and it expanded his mind and sensibilities. Looking back the old fancy world he used to have he came to emphatize with the poor and the under-privileged knowing how difficult life is when fate dealt you with a heavy hand. It was that sort of immersion that gave him the strength to lead the nation out of the depression and the second world war.
Arthur Ashe is another example. He was the first Black tennis superstar but was stricken with cancer after his playing days. When interviewed about how he was handling it, he said " There were millions of athletes who aspired to be where I was before and I never asked God why I succeeded where most people failed. Now that I am dying of this disease, who am I to question God why me ? " He died months later at peace with himself and left a legacy, a fine example to all aspiring athletes that they can excel if only they put their heart into it.
I for one, to a lesser degree, have some kind of similar experiences and it was only when I learned to take what life dishes out for me did I found the serenity that I've been longing for. I found my rightful place where I was able to make full use of my talents, sharing the things that I have learned with people who are willing to listen. I did those things for the pleasure of it and I never thought it would cause ripples for some of them, touching their lives. It may mean a little to most but for me it meant everything - knowing that I able to touch other people's lives the way I learned from other people who I came in touch with. For surely I can attest to the truth that every person you meet were by no means an accident, pre-arranged to travel that path, to impart a lesson or to deliver a message. The only thing we need to do is to listen and open our hearts, better things are in store for us only if we are willing to wait and allow the storm to pass - for God never make mistakes.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
I. " GOD DOESN'T PLAY DICE " - ALBERT EINSTEIN
Coming from the man considered as the " Time Magazine's Man of the Century ", the comment came as a surprise to his peers and other men of science. Scientists are believe to be agnostics - people who don't believe in God. Albert Einstein argued that everything had been prearranged and we are here on Earth not to create but to discover the wonders of nature. The man himself said that although he doesn't want to involve himself in any religious sect, that " Its either you do not believe in miracles or you consider everyday is a miracle. "
Even today I have to hear a good explanation of his Theory of Relativity that could make a layman understand what it is all about. I have read a lot of them but I still can't picture out how Einstein was able to figure it out. I am not about to give up but I became more interested on how the man lived his life. Unlike other men of science, he believed that everything is controlled and designed by a Supreme Being. He understood that the world is like a puzzle to solved and figured out. He believed that his role was to solve as much of the puzzle as possible and each and every one of us should play a part in deciphering the meaning of life instead of arguing about it.
Its that kind of knowledge that separates us from other creations - there is almost no limit as to what our mind can do if we only put our heart into it. Albert Einstein is one good model to emulate - he loved life, he tried to unravel its mysteries and he shared what he discovered to the world. Different God-given gifts, different fields, different heroes, but they all tried to explore the limits of what they could do in their lifetime. Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan, Michael Jordan, - those are just a few names that excelled in their field of sports - but they also have different stories to tell.
By no means, they are accidents or freaks of nature. They were there to deliver a message, to teach some lessons and to shape the world's thinking about the things that could be achieved if only we put our heart into it. For each triumph there are dozens of failures but in all it only expands the capacity of the human heart to bear the pains and the trials of trying to figure out what is in store for us. For some it was God assisted accidents that made them great like Sir Isaac Newton when he was hit by a falling apple as he was trying to figure out how gravity works. Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin the same way through an unintended contamination of a vial he was putting up for an experiment. And biblically, Judas Iscariot was doomed for he was prophesied to betray Christ.
Let me share the words of American President Abraham Lincoln - " If I were to to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the very best I can ; and I mean to keep doing so until the the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end bring me out wrong, not even ten angels swearing I was right would make a difference. "
I came across this lines as I was watching for the nth time one of my favorite Stallone movie - " LOCK-UP ". Coincidentally the theme song was Evercsince the World Began where the phrase - " Were just another piece of the puzzle, just another part of a plan, a lone life touches the other, with so much to understand ", and so goes the song. A lot of times giving up crossed my mind but there was so much unexplained joy I was feeling in what I was doing that I went on even when we getting hit from all directions. I always say to my self - be like Leone - we only want to do our time.
Even today I have to hear a good explanation of his Theory of Relativity that could make a layman understand what it is all about. I have read a lot of them but I still can't picture out how Einstein was able to figure it out. I am not about to give up but I became more interested on how the man lived his life. Unlike other men of science, he believed that everything is controlled and designed by a Supreme Being. He understood that the world is like a puzzle to solved and figured out. He believed that his role was to solve as much of the puzzle as possible and each and every one of us should play a part in deciphering the meaning of life instead of arguing about it.
Its that kind of knowledge that separates us from other creations - there is almost no limit as to what our mind can do if we only put our heart into it. Albert Einstein is one good model to emulate - he loved life, he tried to unravel its mysteries and he shared what he discovered to the world. Different God-given gifts, different fields, different heroes, but they all tried to explore the limits of what they could do in their lifetime. Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan, Michael Jordan, - those are just a few names that excelled in their field of sports - but they also have different stories to tell.
By no means, they are accidents or freaks of nature. They were there to deliver a message, to teach some lessons and to shape the world's thinking about the things that could be achieved if only we put our heart into it. For each triumph there are dozens of failures but in all it only expands the capacity of the human heart to bear the pains and the trials of trying to figure out what is in store for us. For some it was God assisted accidents that made them great like Sir Isaac Newton when he was hit by a falling apple as he was trying to figure out how gravity works. Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin the same way through an unintended contamination of a vial he was putting up for an experiment. And biblically, Judas Iscariot was doomed for he was prophesied to betray Christ.
Let me share the words of American President Abraham Lincoln - " If I were to to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the very best I can ; and I mean to keep doing so until the the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end bring me out wrong, not even ten angels swearing I was right would make a difference. "
I came across this lines as I was watching for the nth time one of my favorite Stallone movie - " LOCK-UP ". Coincidentally the theme song was Evercsince the World Began where the phrase - " Were just another piece of the puzzle, just another part of a plan, a lone life touches the other, with so much to understand ", and so goes the song. A lot of times giving up crossed my mind but there was so much unexplained joy I was feeling in what I was doing that I went on even when we getting hit from all directions. I always say to my self - be like Leone - we only want to do our time.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
2017 ... A NEW BEGINNING
call of books by Kimberly Dela Cruz
2017 ... my 58th year on the planet and what have I got to show ? No house, no car, no money in the bank, not even a TV set at home, and the possibility of losing our business after 20 years. With the kind of financial mess were in, losing our only means of livelihood made our nights a little longer trying to figure out how we'll gonna make both ends meet. Then came the Inquirer story, it may not have solved our problem but it gave us some ray of hope that maybe we should take this one as an opportunity in disguise.
It seems like its not yet the end of the road for me but just a temporary setback. The proposed renovation will set us back a few meters behind our original place, a bit farther from the eyes of pedestrians but the Inquirer story have aroused the curiosity of some booklovers who came in droves to see what we have got to offer. Since we will be in the interior closing time will be adjusted to 8:00 PM losing my extended closing time but giving me more time to check my Facebook account and do some writings. The upside of modern technology, it will help me widen my market base.
Its not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity - getting recognized for something that you're doing for the love of it. I may have lagged behind my contemporaries in terms of financial gain but somehow I was able to even things up by having a meaningful life. The simple bookstore was my world where I got to communicate with people who share the same passion. I got to talk about the things I love to talk about and helped open doors for them to see the world in different horizons.
The article meant a lot to me knowing I have earned some stripes in the field I decided to jump in. The road to knowing is easy for there are a lot of books that could help you communicate with people who lived hundreds of years before you but making them listen as you relay to them the things you have learned is another thing. The last 20 years I've been talking to different faces most of which I could not even remember but luckily for some it had caused ripples and at least I could say I was able to touch them in a positive way. I have learned a lot but I have not learned everything. I wish to go on learning while I still can and share them to whoever is willing to listen.
And this year, this day will be a new beginning ...
2017 ... my 58th year on the planet and what have I got to show ? No house, no car, no money in the bank, not even a TV set at home, and the possibility of losing our business after 20 years. With the kind of financial mess were in, losing our only means of livelihood made our nights a little longer trying to figure out how we'll gonna make both ends meet. Then came the Inquirer story, it may not have solved our problem but it gave us some ray of hope that maybe we should take this one as an opportunity in disguise.
It seems like its not yet the end of the road for me but just a temporary setback. The proposed renovation will set us back a few meters behind our original place, a bit farther from the eyes of pedestrians but the Inquirer story have aroused the curiosity of some booklovers who came in droves to see what we have got to offer. Since we will be in the interior closing time will be adjusted to 8:00 PM losing my extended closing time but giving me more time to check my Facebook account and do some writings. The upside of modern technology, it will help me widen my market base.
Its not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity - getting recognized for something that you're doing for the love of it. I may have lagged behind my contemporaries in terms of financial gain but somehow I was able to even things up by having a meaningful life. The simple bookstore was my world where I got to communicate with people who share the same passion. I got to talk about the things I love to talk about and helped open doors for them to see the world in different horizons.
The article meant a lot to me knowing I have earned some stripes in the field I decided to jump in. The road to knowing is easy for there are a lot of books that could help you communicate with people who lived hundreds of years before you but making them listen as you relay to them the things you have learned is another thing. The last 20 years I've been talking to different faces most of which I could not even remember but luckily for some it had caused ripples and at least I could say I was able to touch them in a positive way. I have learned a lot but I have not learned everything. I wish to go on learning while I still can and share them to whoever is willing to listen.
And this year, this day will be a new beginning ...
Monday, January 9, 2017
XXI. WHY FIX SOMETHING WHEN IT IS NOT BROKEN ?
2017, my 58th year and what have I got show ? Still no house, no car, no money in the bank, not even a TV set at home. I can't blame my moneyed brother and sisters for thinking that my life need fixing. Can't even reason with them, or even call them to greet or something for they might think I'm asking for some more favor. Old friends and relatives ? they've heard so much negative things about me the last 20 years, I could no longer bridge the gap. Its a good thing there's Facebook to at least to make them know that I remember ...
I never knew it then but I guess I'm exactly at the place where I have been designed to be. I grew up with my grandparents in a remote barrio in Alfonso, Cavite in the early 1960's. It was about seven kilometers from the town proper and public transport passes only once every Tuesday and Thursday. The public market in Barrio Luksuhin, some 14 kilometers from our barrio is only open during those days so the only time a BLTB Bus makes a round trip pass. Travelling was mostly done on foot and if you're lucky enough to own a horse.
My grandparents were very protective of me, being the fourth child and the first son after three elder sisters. My Lola was my constant protector so while other kids my age were being taught how to farm I was taught to wash dirty clothes. While other kids help in planting, I was relegated at home prying corn from its cobs and separating peanuts from its shells for drying. Since we own the biggest parcel of land in the barrio, we almost never run out of harvest to take care of at our barn yard. There was no Lego during those days so I play with corn bits to make figures for I have no friends to play with most of the time. The other activities was doing houseworks but I don't remember getting bored with all those.
A year before schooling I was taken back by my parents to Blumentritt, Manila. They were vendors but since we occupy only a little makeshift room for the 3 of us I was like a prisoner the whole not allowed to go out to play. My world became even smaller so I learned to create a private world of my own. It was only when I started schooling that I learned how to make friends. School became a memorable place at the back of my mind - and even until now I still remember most of the names of my friends and classmates though I never got the chance to connect with them later in my life.
High school was less memorable except for the first girl I learned to fall in love with. At UST Education High School where most of my classmates were from the upper and middle class, I was like a square groove trying to fit a round hole. It was 4 years of screw ups that I would rather forget. Some 36 years later I tried connecting up with them in an organized class reunion but again I made a mess of my self. Again I disconnected myself from them, most of them are living in the high road or pretending to be there, and I don't find comfort in trying to be what I am not to be.
Worked in an Aluminum Factory after High School for a couple of years. Got a little bit of freedom after spending my younger years doing most of the houseworks - keeping the house clean, doing the dishes, laundry and pressing of clothes, and helping take care of our fruit business. At home I was the busiest guy and even have the job of taking care of my 2 youngest brothers. Actually I enjoyed doing those things, only I also got most of the scolding from my father who's not exactly an ideal guy to work with. That was mainly the reason why I opted to work so I could get away from all those scolding.
Two years of trying to support myself at college I only got to finish 28 units of Civil Engineering at Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP). It was actually the best years of my young life. I was a bit popular at school and most of my batchmates like or at least pretended to like me. Since most of my schoolmates are from the provinces, they like to listen to my jokes and I was almost always invited to get-alongs and round of drinks.
Never wanted to be an engineer though but the thought of having the name tag was attractive enough so I opted to be one.
After graduation, I got employed as a Cadet Engineer at MWSS , passed the licensure exam after two tries and got myself promoted as section head after 7 years.
It was a promising career but my heart was not in it - can't get use to playing the crooked game of supposedly called public servants. I just couldn't fit in so I resigned on my 10th year, got into the buy and sell business and here I am now - lagging behind my contemporaries in terms of financial achievements.
Now again I asked my self --why do I feel that I am where I am suppose to be ? The best explanation I could come up with is - the Rocky I ending. Badly beaten, badly bruised and aching all over, Rocky Balboa sought the comfort of having Adrian comforting him - contented of the fact that though almost everyone gave him little chance against Apollo Creed, he lasted the distance and came a few seconds short of snatching the crown. That's how I feel right now ...
I never knew it then but I guess I'm exactly at the place where I have been designed to be. I grew up with my grandparents in a remote barrio in Alfonso, Cavite in the early 1960's. It was about seven kilometers from the town proper and public transport passes only once every Tuesday and Thursday. The public market in Barrio Luksuhin, some 14 kilometers from our barrio is only open during those days so the only time a BLTB Bus makes a round trip pass. Travelling was mostly done on foot and if you're lucky enough to own a horse.
My grandparents were very protective of me, being the fourth child and the first son after three elder sisters. My Lola was my constant protector so while other kids my age were being taught how to farm I was taught to wash dirty clothes. While other kids help in planting, I was relegated at home prying corn from its cobs and separating peanuts from its shells for drying. Since we own the biggest parcel of land in the barrio, we almost never run out of harvest to take care of at our barn yard. There was no Lego during those days so I play with corn bits to make figures for I have no friends to play with most of the time. The other activities was doing houseworks but I don't remember getting bored with all those.
A year before schooling I was taken back by my parents to Blumentritt, Manila. They were vendors but since we occupy only a little makeshift room for the 3 of us I was like a prisoner the whole not allowed to go out to play. My world became even smaller so I learned to create a private world of my own. It was only when I started schooling that I learned how to make friends. School became a memorable place at the back of my mind - and even until now I still remember most of the names of my friends and classmates though I never got the chance to connect with them later in my life.
High school was less memorable except for the first girl I learned to fall in love with. At UST Education High School where most of my classmates were from the upper and middle class, I was like a square groove trying to fit a round hole. It was 4 years of screw ups that I would rather forget. Some 36 years later I tried connecting up with them in an organized class reunion but again I made a mess of my self. Again I disconnected myself from them, most of them are living in the high road or pretending to be there, and I don't find comfort in trying to be what I am not to be.
Worked in an Aluminum Factory after High School for a couple of years. Got a little bit of freedom after spending my younger years doing most of the houseworks - keeping the house clean, doing the dishes, laundry and pressing of clothes, and helping take care of our fruit business. At home I was the busiest guy and even have the job of taking care of my 2 youngest brothers. Actually I enjoyed doing those things, only I also got most of the scolding from my father who's not exactly an ideal guy to work with. That was mainly the reason why I opted to work so I could get away from all those scolding.
Two years of trying to support myself at college I only got to finish 28 units of Civil Engineering at Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP). It was actually the best years of my young life. I was a bit popular at school and most of my batchmates like or at least pretended to like me. Since most of my schoolmates are from the provinces, they like to listen to my jokes and I was almost always invited to get-alongs and round of drinks.
Never wanted to be an engineer though but the thought of having the name tag was attractive enough so I opted to be one.
After graduation, I got employed as a Cadet Engineer at MWSS , passed the licensure exam after two tries and got myself promoted as section head after 7 years.
It was a promising career but my heart was not in it - can't get use to playing the crooked game of supposedly called public servants. I just couldn't fit in so I resigned on my 10th year, got into the buy and sell business and here I am now - lagging behind my contemporaries in terms of financial achievements.
Now again I asked my self --why do I feel that I am where I am suppose to be ? The best explanation I could come up with is - the Rocky I ending. Badly beaten, badly bruised and aching all over, Rocky Balboa sought the comfort of having Adrian comforting him - contented of the fact that though almost everyone gave him little chance against Apollo Creed, he lasted the distance and came a few seconds short of snatching the crown. That's how I feel right now ...
Friday, November 25, 2016
XX. MY GETHSEMANE MOMENT
" The heart is willing but the flesh is weak " -- we hear this adage very often. Jesus knowing that He was about to be betrayed and put on the cross felt alone while praying at the Garden of Gethsemane. He was placing Himself unto God's hand and would have liked to have His disciples join Him in prayer but could not wake them up.
They call it the agony in the garden where He sweated blood as He prayed to the Heavenly Father - it was the beginning of His glory.
In our life just the same, we sometimes have the same kind of feeling - that of being abandoned and forsaken even by the people closest to us. A moment of chaos not knowing what to do and desperation caused by the thoughts of being misunderstood. Yet out of the miseries comes the good - the strengthening of bonds between wife and children and the enlightenment that comes out of the experience. Its either you break apart and be led into a darker kind of life or it could a sort of re-awakening and bridging your relationship with your God. In those times of miseries I found out that the kind of l ife you lead after spelled the difference between gloom and happiness.
A lot of doors were closed as I tried to make peace with myself. I have to cut them off some ties, burn some bridges and travel a different route and make some detours. I tried to clear up some issues with my parents, my brothers and my sisters, but soon have to let go for they only see what they want to see. I love them but their version of truth doesn't leave me a comfortable seat so the best alternative for me is to allow time to patch up those misunderstandings. Maybe time will come when the tides will settle down and we could swim in the same pool they are in and worry not bringing back the ghosts of the past.
Right now I have my own family to worry about. It had been a real rough ride for all of us and we were so used to just having our noses above water, but still have high hopes that someday we'll be able to get on the high ground. There is this satisfying feeling that its really not about how much food we are able to share on the table but tasty foods are when we have some to share. We have fun licking excitement each time a better food is served that the taste lingers even to the last bite. Some people may eat better but we enjoyed the food a lot lot sweeter.
Three months with no electricity - turned out to be a real memorable experience int in the family. With no lights, no TV, no PC, we only have our corny jokes to share as we as we get ourselves ready to sleep. Hot and sweaty with no electric fans we still found some ways to get our much needed rest. Nothing beats being together. Its not really about how bad things are, its about how good react to it.
If there are shadows there must be light.
They call it the agony in the garden where He sweated blood as He prayed to the Heavenly Father - it was the beginning of His glory.
In our life just the same, we sometimes have the same kind of feeling - that of being abandoned and forsaken even by the people closest to us. A moment of chaos not knowing what to do and desperation caused by the thoughts of being misunderstood. Yet out of the miseries comes the good - the strengthening of bonds between wife and children and the enlightenment that comes out of the experience. Its either you break apart and be led into a darker kind of life or it could a sort of re-awakening and bridging your relationship with your God. In those times of miseries I found out that the kind of l ife you lead after spelled the difference between gloom and happiness.
A lot of doors were closed as I tried to make peace with myself. I have to cut them off some ties, burn some bridges and travel a different route and make some detours. I tried to clear up some issues with my parents, my brothers and my sisters, but soon have to let go for they only see what they want to see. I love them but their version of truth doesn't leave me a comfortable seat so the best alternative for me is to allow time to patch up those misunderstandings. Maybe time will come when the tides will settle down and we could swim in the same pool they are in and worry not bringing back the ghosts of the past.
Right now I have my own family to worry about. It had been a real rough ride for all of us and we were so used to just having our noses above water, but still have high hopes that someday we'll be able to get on the high ground. There is this satisfying feeling that its really not about how much food we are able to share on the table but tasty foods are when we have some to share. We have fun licking excitement each time a better food is served that the taste lingers even to the last bite. Some people may eat better but we enjoyed the food a lot lot sweeter.
Three months with no electricity - turned out to be a real memorable experience int in the family. With no lights, no TV, no PC, we only have our corny jokes to share as we as we get ourselves ready to sleep. Hot and sweaty with no electric fans we still found some ways to get our much needed rest. Nothing beats being together. Its not really about how bad things are, its about how good react to it.
If there are shadows there must be light.
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