Who Killed PINK Wednesday?

As far as I know, I am the only one who has continued with the PINK Wednesday habit. 

It was originally part of the kakamPINK campaign for good governance during the 2022 presidential elections. We uploaded on Wednesday something PINK, symbolizing hope for a better-run Philippines. 

Atty. Leni lost and this stopped. No use beating a dead horse. 

But I slogged on. My PINK Wednesdays have become bigger, growing into my panacea. They now feature God’s grace through spectacular PINK in nature, blessings unlimited by a generous Creator.  

I research every post, making sure it is accurate. I cite owners of quotes and images, careful not to alter nature and data that support it.   

But slowly, my panacea has turned into pain. What used to be fun has morphed into a chore. And therefore everything about my Wednesday posts will now be in the past tense. 

PINK Wednesday ended last Wednesday, the 16th of June.    

Who killed it? The creative people behind AI: digital editing and invented tales. They are so good at their jobs that mine became impossible. Most of the PINK things I found on the Net were excellently done by them--deep fake, digitally enhanced or manipulated images with matching fabricated data--and passed off as real. They took liberties with the natural beauty of nature, with sensationalized captions and tales meant to be click baits.   

The last straw was when more than two dozens of my friends sent me via Messenger the same news and photos of a magnificent PINK dolphin. One uploaded it to my wall. After a few days, FB took down the viral post with these words: “This is fake news and violates our ethical standards.” 

I refuse to be a complicit in unethical standards. So I ended my PINK Wednesday habit with this post: 

(PINK rose. That's how and where my PINK Wednesdays started--two years and eight months ago.  And now, this is where it will end. 

So . . . my last hurrah. 

As of this year, there are about 60,000 varieties of roses and counting. Out of these, only 1,600 are PINK! And yet, it is already a mind-boggling number. Plantitos and plantitas say this number grows every year because of pollination and breeding. Wow! 

PINK rose to me will always be that in the largest photo. The tiny photos are just a few of the varieties of PINK, which are all lovely, too [and hopefully, not digitally enhanced]. The amazing beauties in nature multiply before we can even count them. 

PINK Wednesday it is. One last happy PINK post. ❤)

“Can AI even magnify or alter God’s great design? Nevah!” my friend Yay replied to this post.  

No, but it can magnify and alter anything to lure the eyes and trick the mind into thinking they are authentic and original, as created. That's deception.  

Its only way out is to come clean and present these images as a new genre of art, and the words, a stab at literature (fiction). From last Wednesday, this is how I will see them—through a new lens.  

Can’t Figure It Out?

People who work in places that require creativity are encouraged to think in fresh, original ways (out of the box)—come up with non-traditional, non-conventional ideas that are fresh and innovative. 

“Resist the usual,” is a credo most creative departments in advertising agencies follow.  

Such was how our small group in church viewed the ministry of Jesus. He taught about life not in the way people normally saw it but in a jaw-dropping, head-scratching way. 

He said in Mark 8:35 (NLT), “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. ”  

He also said in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven 

. . .” 

Luke 22:26 reads, “. . . Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” 

When the people heard Him say these words, they were perplexed and thought that Jesus was strangely out of touch.

 

Even today, this is the way unbelievers think about our Savior. 

But we are the ones out of touch. We think in a run-of-the-mill way, limited by our imperfect humanity. In Isaiah 55:8, He explains this, “’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’” He thinks differently!  

So if we can’t understand what is happening in our lives, we must be confident that the Lord does, because He has all the answers—way beyond our limited, finite minds. Only by grace can we find answers on our own.   

Questions to ponder:  

When I find myself out of touch of the troubles around me, how do I find solutions and keep going?  How do I keep faith in and trust the One whose solutions I often can’t figure out?  

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/420945896402713915/

Old Habits Die

Let me delete “hard,” the last word from that idiom. Because old habits can die sooner or later. 

When our three sons were young, up until the pandemic, eating out was part of our routine.  There was not a Sunday (or some other day) that we did not go out to share a meal at our favorite or a new place. 

I am not blaming the pandemic for that habit now dead. I am bragging about Mother Teresa, the househelp who has stuck it out with us since the beginning of the three-year lockdown and learned to cook every cuisine you can think of, courtesy of You Tube and authentic ingredients ordered by son #3 online. 

She could actually mimic any cuisine served at our once-favorite dining places—and often does them better! 

The only time we dine out now is when there is a celebration with invited guests, clan, or friends. 

But there was that one time last year when we decided to spend our weekend at our favorite resort. Alas, the place has morphed into something unrecognizable and forgettable (especially the food). We ditched what would have been our last meal there and went instead to try an Italian restaurant that son #3 said be spotted on our way to the resort. 

It was a decision we all enjoyed. And JR’s driver, Sammy, who has begun making money on vlogs, documented it. Two pictures show our joy and upbeat expectation of the food yet to be served. 

Unsolicited review of the food at Amare on a scale of 1-5:  

Saturday Nights: Five Years Later

Sometime in 2019, just before the Covid 19 pandemic, I blogged about our Reuben Tribe. It is like my very own oasis, grace from an all-knowing God, where thirst for the Living Word is quenched week after week. 

Today, only five years later, I realize that so many changes have happened: Ate Miriam had gone home to Jesus (her wish in her last months), and so had Sis Blessie so unexpectedly. Several left for abroad or some place in the Philippines. 

But this tribe, and so with all our church’s other tribes happening in other days and other places, remain inexorable. It cannot be stopped. New families have joined us and by grace, more will in the coming days. 

We read about these different tribes’ activities on our church’s social media page. These remind us that we are headed in the same direction: toward the glory that awaits all believers. 

The concept of tribes (also called cottage ministry or small groups) suddenly perked up at our church service last Sunday, when our invited speaker, CAMACOP’s missionary to Nepal, spoke of discipleship and its exponential growth in ancient days in Antioch (alas, not Jerusalem, where it all began). From his slides, we saw how the Word is likewise exponentially spreading where he and his family are assigned. What a challenge!  

Aside from Bible study, sharing of praises and coming together in prayers,  Saturday Nights are also times of celebration of milestones like birthdays, promotions, graduations, etc.  

Fellowship with fellow believers is, for me, non-negotiable. It should happen if we wish to grow our faith. 

In the years to come, there will be more changes in membership, but there will never be any change in purpose: to honor and glorify the Source of all Saturdays and days we live out on earth.  

I fully agree with John Piper, one of the theologians and authors I frequently read, when he wrote, “Fellowship is a mutual bond that Christians have with Christ that puts us in a deep, eternal relationship with one another.” 

To Hell and Back

"Smiling Lola” was how people—young and old—in church described 80-year-old Mrs. Chua. She always had a chirpy remark for every person she meets. 

To those who did not know her well, she seemed free from all problems. But her faith brethren were witnesses to the tragic events in her life. In Mrs. Chua's own words, “I have been to hell and back.” 

She had nursed her husband through cancer surgery, heart attack, stroke, and half-body paralysis until his death. Then she also struggled with cancer for years after that. 

All through her difficult journey. she ran to her prayer partners in church. They constantly prayed for and with her, assuring her that God carries His children through their fears and brings them to a better place. 

“In a better place—that's where I am today,” Smiling Lola said in one of her testimonies in  church. She confessed to the audience, “After suffering through the grief of losing my husband and then struggling with cancer myself, I cried to the Lord every day. And miraculously, He healed me."  

  

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave,O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death . . . You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” (Psalm 30: 5-6 and 11 NLT) 

Psalm 30 was penned by David, who experienced healing so incredible he declared that in his agony and anguish, he was soaked in spectacular grace—God’s powerful hand of restoration. 

In some ways, I (and perhaps some of you) have been “to hell and back” myself. God carried me (us) through. 

Saying Nothing

 When an innocent person is accused of a crime, his normal reaction would be outrage and anger. He would demand the accuser for concrete proof of his alleged crime. 

Either that or he would stay silent, thinking, If it isn’t true, why should I even bother explaining? 

In the Bible, Jesus did both. 

He spoke up: He rebuked the Pharisees, who could not believe His arguments about being the Son of God. He also challenged the unbelievers who argued with Him about who He was. His last argument was emphatic, “’I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!’ At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.”  (John 8:13-59 NLT) 

He stayed silent: The leading priests and the entire high council tried to pin Him down,  so they could put Him to death. Many false witnesses came forward to accuse Him. 

“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” The council asked Him to answer, but He remained silent. 

A professor suddenly resigned from the university because some of his students who got failing grades spread a false rumor about him. He thought it beneath him to even defend himself. But by his leaving without any explanation, many people believed the students’ accusations.  

 

Sometimes, if we say nothing, wrongdoers go off scot-free. And yet, sometimes, too, remaining silent is the best option to quash the issue.  

When do we pipe up and when do we pipe down? 

I could almost hear my late mom repeating what she loved to say, "Always seek help from the Holy Spirit and His guiding grace to lead you in the right decision." 

Instant Friends

Thelma was running late and imagining dire scenarios. Her mother, who was traveling for the first time from the Philippines to Melbourne, Australia, must now be feeling nervous, or disoriented, or lost in the airport crowd. 

Was she surprised when she saw her talking animatedly with another lady.  

“Mommy!” Thelma exclaimed, hugging her Mom, who was oblivious to her daughter’s  arrival.   

“I gotta go, Sining,” Thelma’s mom waved goodbye to the lady she was talking to. “See you on Sunday!”  

Inside the car, Thelma apologized for arriving late. 

“No problem,” her mother replied. “Sining kept me company.” 

“Your friend?” asked Thelma.  

“Well, since we met at the airport, yes. She has lived in this city for years, and she invited me to her church this Sunday. Would you drive me there?”  

This usually happens when faith brethren meet for the first time. Although they are actually strangers, they feel like instant friends.   

Pastor Joe, a missionary, confirmed this. “In all the churches where I speak abroad, I am welcomed like an old friend.” 

Our Friend and Savior Jesus Christ unlocks doors for us to enter. That’s why there is an immediate welcome from and connection with a stranger when he finds out that you both know Jesus. It’s like reconnecting with an old friend. In John 15:13 (NLT), we read about what friendship is, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 

Belonging to the family of believers is comforting. “Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

Jesus is the mutual Friend of His followers. He joins hearts around the world and encircles them with His grace.  

Those who are in Christ, although strangers at first, become instant friends.  

  

Photo credit: Original painting by James Coates Fine Arts

Brand Image

In Marketing parlance, Brand Image is the perception of the customers of the brand. This image develops over time—as customers interact with and experience the brand. 

If marketers want their brand to have an elite, top-of-the-line brand image, then everything (advertising, packaging, pricing, and placement) have to be high-end. 

A Patek Philippe watch, for example, maintains a reputation for excellent craftsmanship.  Every part is polished, visible or not. Because it is the only company that maintains a record of all their watches since 1839, they can restore any of them. The lowest-priced Patek Philippe cost US$20,000 (over one million pesos!), sold only in exclusive shops.   

This was exactly the brand the Philippine’s new president was wearing on his inauguration day. Immediately memes about how much the watch cost (ranging from 14-24 million pesos), which was quite insensitive because 24% of the population is living in poverty, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and at that time, the country was reeling from the high inflation rate.    

Just as quickly, apologists came to his defense. “You can’t expect him to wear any less,  don’t you? The Marcoses are super rich and so are the Araneta’s (his wife).” Brand Image.  

In contrast, a Timex watch, which is displayed randomly in big and small watch shops, and which ordinary people like us wear, is mass-produced and can sell for as low as P2,000. 

To maintain their status in elite society, many go for Patek Philippe because of its Brand Image. In this consumer-oriented culture, we feel we can “buy” acceptance by wearing what beautiful people, like the new president, wear: branded watch and other branded items.     

In like manner, there is sometimes a temptation to make ourselves and our places of worship attractive to the world so we can win followers for Christ: impressive knowledge of the Bible, state-of-the-art equipment and musical instruments, etc. But the Bible is clear about the Brand Image that is really important to God. 

It is found in Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT). “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . . Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” 

Instead of enhancing our own Brand Image, we need to reflect the image of God, which is being perfected in us through the grace of Jesus. 

How can I be the likeness of Christ among unbelievers? 

photo credit: https://philnews.ph/2022/07/01/president-bongbong-marcos-wears-patek-philippe-this-is-price/

Q&A on (My) Blogging

Whenever conversations go in the direction of blogging (as it did again this week), I am always asked these same questions.

Q. Why blog? 

A. My sons talked me into blogging in 2006 because almost all I do is write. 

Q. What?! You’ve been blogging for, uh, 18 years?!

A. Well, yeah. I post a blog every three to four days; I haven’t missed my rhythm yet. 

Q. What?! 

A. . . . 

Q. What do you write about?  

A. Anything about grace, God’s grace.  

Q. Don’t you run out of things to write about?

A. Does grace run out? Ever?  In fact, I have six months of blogs already written and scheduled for posting.  

Q. What?! You have to be kidding! 

A. . . . 

See, nobody believes me, as though I were some kind of a leg-puller. But to young people who want to be published writers and come to me for tips, I say like a looped recording, “You have to have the itch to write, every single day. Write on all spaces. Blogging is one such space."  

However you want to call it, for me, writing is a tic. A most welcome, delightful tic! It’s my stress buster, vitamin pill, picker-upper, den, refreshment, and watering hole—all in one. 

There's a hitch though. 

Because all my finished blogs have already been scheduled, I need to alter the scheduling when I blog again. And that takes keen attention to details such as the dates on current and future calendars so that not one is missed or misplaced in a different portal.  

If you are a blogger and you have a tic like mine, I am sure you enjoy answering questions such as those above.  

  

Gen Z: Uncharted Territory

“Talking to Gen Z’s is always a treat,” this I say often. Because each time I do, I navigate an unknown territory.  I see familiar terrains, but when I go closer, they are unrecognizable. It’s like being lost in my own space. Scary, but in fear, there is adventure. 

When Gen Z nieces (daughters of BFFs) invite me to a Gen Z gathering, I can’t say “no.” One such invite was Hanna’s. She said her Literary Society was considering me to be a speaker for its career seminar.  

It was my undoing. 

Preparing my talk required me to see the topic “Outside the Box” from their POV. There are gray areas in what this means to different generations. Just look at how differently we visualized the concept. 

But from my experience and research, there is a common ground among all life stages: not theories, but stories. We all like to listen to real-life stories that touch our own. 

So I interwove age-old theories on success with authentic stories from the workplace, my milieu for 20 years. 

Although I got hugs of appreciation at the end of the event, I was concerned whether my message resonated with them. Then I read this article on their social media page: 

 

After the successful event 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘅: 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, let us share impactful moments that truly resonated with our Literature majors.   

“ . . . [she] opened up with stories about her career. She shared a well-designed acronym to help in navigating the jungle which is the workplace. IMHO: Innovate, Move emotions, Hone abilities, and Overcome weaknesses. She highlighted the importance of excellence as the standard for working.

Grace enabled us to be on the same page!   

Yet I maintain: Gen Z remains an uncharted territory. My friend Ggie, who accompanied me to the event, said I failed to answer one question, “Would you advice taking a gap before applying for a job?’” 

Gap?! What's that?! Duh. In my time, we had to keep going . . . and going . . .and going. 

Inheritance Woes (2)

Erning, the eldest of nine siblings, was born to parents who owned vast farmlands in the province. After his parents had gone to glory, he found himself in charge of their estate which they had divided equally among their children.  

It was a problem because all his siblings had migrated to various parts of the world.  So they begged him to please take care of logistics—paying taxes, solving tenant problems, and overseeing the planting and reaping seasons. Naturally, Erning had to account for the profits and expenses.  

In the process, he was accused of being dishonest—pocketing profits and not remitting all that was due them.  

Long distance communication created problems. Details were missed out and all this erupted into a huge family feud. The once closely-knit family had broken into factions. 

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NLT)  

After one church service, where Erning was a lay pastor, he invited the elders to his house and let his heart out. (I have taken the liberty to narrate his words briefly.) 

“You all know how my parents worked hard to buy properties so that that they could leave them all to us, their children. I wish they had not left us anything. Money has brought nothing but trouble. What’s worse,  I no longer have a family—most of my siblings have turned against me. And I have no way of explaining to those who still haven’t.” 

The elders laid their hands on Erning and prayed for him.   

Inheritance woes (or a feud) in families have existed since Biblical times. Only those who live by grace, not by greed for material wealth, can escape this age-old disease. 

Inheritance Woes (1)

“Sorry I’m late,” Troy apologized to his buddy, Paolo, in a coffee shop. “I was with my lawyer, signing away all my properties to my children.” 

"What?!" Paolo was aghast, “Are you crazy?! Why?” 

“Well, I want to spare them the trouble after my death. You know, inheritance taxes and transfer of deeds are a pain.”  

“Didn’t you hear about what happened to Caloy?” Paolo asked.  

“No, what happened?” 

“He transferred the deed of his big house to his only daughter. A year later, she and her husband asked Caloy to move out and stay in a small condo unit which they rented for him.” 

Dread started to line Troy’s face. Trying to look calm, he said, “Before my wife passed, my children promised her they’d take care of me.”  

“Yeah, our children may not be a problem, but we have no control over their spouses, you know, in-laws,”  Paolo shrugged. 

There are two schools of thought among parents about their investments: 

1) bequeath them, while they are still lucid, to their heirs; 

2) Keep them, so in their sunset years, they still have a hold over their children.    

Material possessions have been, since ancient times, the most common source of conflict among siblings. No wonder parents worry about how they should be left behind. 

Let’s seek Scripture for wisdom about material wealth: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19–20 NLT)

“If you have savings and properties you worked hard for,” my late Mom used to say, “remember that these are grace that you need to bequeath to the needy and church ministries."  

The Language of Kindness

Book talks had often brought me to many places in the country. It was a regular activity with my publishers. 

The pandemic, however, put a stop to that. And now that the restrictions have been lifted, it is not easy to go back to regular programming. Many things ground to a halt (procedures, traffic, transportation, protocols, etc.) 

And today, there’s the punishing heat! 

The way to go is online. The invitation to speak at Brightwoods School, as organized by Teacher Catherine Martinez during its Language Week, was not one to pass up. From my workroom, without having to worry about the long road trip to Pampanga, I was able to speak to over 100 school children and their teachers about “Kindness.”

As an author, I weave stories around values, using characters to model them. For me, values go way beyond literal words. They speak through words of behavior and relationships.  

For this, I used some books in the Mateo series in inculcating kindness among children and titled my talk with two words, “Be kind.” 

During His ministry on earth, Jesus embodied this wherever He went. That, to me, is the crux of kindness—and concluded my talk. 

By perfect coincidence, Brightwoods (founded by Ana Maria Yap-Zubiri, the directress) featured my Mateo books that won Palanca Awards in the introduction. 

What I will always remember about that event was the Q&A. The young students asked incisive and profound questions that needed equally reflective answers. Some of them are interested in writing! This was critical thinking at its best (my dream for my college students).

Through Hiyas of OMF Literature, I thank all those involved in the event for inviting me. I am unable to name you all, but I hope to meet you someday. Till then, you will forever be remembered for your kindness. 

It was another peak experience for this writer on grace. 

Photos: by Meljie Lorenzo of OMFLit

I Don't Want to Judge

At first blow, “I don’t want to judge” is a noble statement among Christians. It is also what we call, in this era of compromise, "politically correct." 

Many now believe that every being has the right to say whatever he wants and what to do with his life. We are warned in so many ways not to rock the boat or be branded as self righteous. 

If you as much say a peep about the Word, about what is wrong, the world will hit you back with what is also in the Bible, ". . . let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7 NLT) 

So, can we censure and correct? Unless it is within our inner circle (family, friends, and church mates), we are afraid of being lynched if we even tried.  

This dilemma has bothered me as I watch with grief the way the world is going—people freely doing anything, sowing seeds of hatred, choosing the gender they prefer, and speaking in despicable language on the Internet.    

“I don't want to judge” then, among Christians, is a washing-of-hands stance. It is an abdication of our responsibility to lead people to Jesus. Every day, as abominations in the Bible (gender re-definition, cursing, greed, idolatry, theft, fake news, etc.) are blatantly committed and justified, we stand still.    

Worse, we can even be tempted to go with these modern “trends” and nobody will say we're wrong.    

What are we to do? 

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:14-15) 

In a perverse world, may the Lord always shine His grace on us so we can likewise let our light shine. 

Philippine Book Fest: Day 2

On day 2, I had book-signing assignments at both the Hiyas booth (children's books) and the OMF Lit booth (Inspirational books for adults). It was another hot day, and so to survive, I chose to wear a loose caftan I usually wear in the neighborhood. A little choker was a camouflage for the casual outfit.  

Signing books for adults opens the door for conversations—I am told about the reasons for buying the book. These reasons border on struggles and coping, my very own when writing every page. Their stories resonate with me and in between we hug tightly. 

I pray that grace may find all of us as we go through this precipice called life, especially these last days. 

"Are you still writing?" they ask.   

"Till the Lord takes me home," is my reply, which is also my wish and prayer. 

"Please do," they encourage me. 

Here are more memories that I will take to my grave: 

I thank the OMF Lit staff for being there every step of the way, overly fussing about and making sure I had everything I needed for the "job." But book events are never a job. They are refreshments, precious gifts from the author of life.  

Photos by: Meljie Lorenzo

Philippine Book Fest 2024: Day 1

These photos by Meljie Lorenzo of OMF Lit can tell the grace story better than I ever could. As you can see, it was a happy day well—very, very well—spent with book lovers. 

(Hosted by the National Book Development Board Philippines [NBDB], the second PBF was held at the World Trade Center. It promotes the culture of reading while developing the publishing industry in the country. NBDB is the government agency that focuses on the development of the book publishing industry.) 

Sense of Entitlement

“In the mall near our home,” narrated my friend Cely, “senior citizens sit in chairs provided by Starbucks for spill-over customers. At any given time, there are around eight to 10 of them. What’s odd is, they are there as soon as the coffee shop opens, ahead of paying customers.”  

Cely, who is likewise a senior, said this happens every single day—prior to the pandemic and immediately after the malls opened again. The elderly rush to the newspaper rack and start reading or start chatting with his/her companion. Not one orders anything. This must be frustrating to paying customers who want to read the newspapers, too. 

In the same light, there are: those who watch movies during free-for-seniors day and snore there, disturbing their neighbors; those who occupy store's rocking chairs or settees and put their unshod feet up and nap. 

Since the enactment of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act 9994), senior citizens are now experiencing a surge of respect for the elderly. Younger people allow us to be ahead in queues (bank, toilet, wherever) and offer their seats on a bus. 

Sadly, there is also a surge of seniors having a sense of entitlement. Some demand quick service and preferential treatment, often gesturing authoritatively and not mincing words. If all of these scenarios are replicated in all malls, well, what impression are we leaving the young?  

Seniors are in that enviable stage where we can be role models to all ages below ours. We therefore need to re-enact the good things we taught our children when we wanted them to behave properly and politely.           

The Bible enjoins young and old, “. . . let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16 NLT)

Don’t laugh, but I am now asking my adult children, and listing their answers in my mind, what were some of the things I taught them about good behavior, before it's too late for me to re-learn them.   

Thick Skull

The idiom “thick skull” describes someone who is inflexible or stubborn, someone who can be overly willful. Once he has made up his mind about something or someone, there’s no way anybody can change it.

Our driver Mas (not his real name) always took only one route to Makati for years. Tony, my husband, told him to look for alternative routes to avoid the horrendous traffic. Mas would insist, “No, Sir, this is the best way.” 

One day, Tony instructed Mas, “Follow that red car. My friend and I are attending the same Rotary Club meeting.”   

But Mas was obstinate. He took the route he was used to. When they reached the venue of the meeting, Tony’s friend had been there for an hour! By going through another route, the red car was able to cut the driving time in half.

Tony took the opportunity to talk to Mas about having a teachable spirit—about listening to and learning from the wisdom of others.

Unless it is specifically written in the Bible for us to follow, there is always a better way, a better route, a better idea in doing things. And these could come from anyone in our various circles.

Proverbs 3:7 reminds us, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” 

We are told of the benefits of wisdom in Proverbs 2:2-4, “Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.”

Like Mas, sometimes we can’t see grace even if it it stares us in the face. We need a  glaring illustration to open our eyes and be proven wrong.

The Bible is clear, we need to listen and search for insight outside of ourselves. 

Youngest, Oldest

I used to hate being the youngest here, the youngest there, the youngest wherever I went. My parents enrolled me in first grade at age five. Without K-12 in those days,  I graduated from college at age 18. 

In all the church activities (summer camp, conference, seminar), I was the youngest. I was also the youngest faculty member in a university—my students were all older. So I strove to look old. I wore outfits that adult people wore: blazers, high-heeled shoes, make-up. No jeans or sneakers. I styled my hair in a severe bun. 

Fast forward to 2024. 

Now I am the oldest there, the oldest here, and the oldest wherever I go. Where have the good-young-days gone?  I could be stubborn, though. I still look for new things to learn and defy the adage, "You can't teach old dogs new tricks."  

In the mall one day, while I was gawking at distressed jeans, wondering if I still could summon the  nerve to wear them, the salesgirl asked, “For your granddaughter?” 

I was appalled, so I snapped, “I have no granddaughter!” 

That should have given her the hint, but she pushed, “Oh, for a grandniece then?”  

I could have left the store in a huff, with a vow never (cancel culture) to return, but the grace of good humor prevailed and I joked, laughing, “I was thinking if I could buy it for myself to wear in class to shock my Gen-Z students.”     

She guffawed; I giggled. 

In moments like this, Psalm 71 is uplifting. The psalmist talks about God’s presence throughout his life. “Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!” (Psalm 71:6 NLT) 

When the Psalmist was older, he proclaimed in verse 18, “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” 

Waking up hale and sound every morning, I remember God’s faithfulness—from my youngest years to my oldest days. 

Why Should We laugh?

Some  people laugh more than others, but we all laugh—in different ways: Ha-ha-ha! He-he-he! Yuk-yuk-yuk! Gik-gik-gik! Har-har-har!   

Now, listen to yourself when you’re laughing. You'll hear happy sounds.

Why do we laugh? And why should we? 

Laughter, which is only found in humans, gives us wonderful feelings.  

Animals don't, and can't, laugh. The laughing hyena does not really laugh. Its sound (to confuse the animals it wants to eat) only seems like laughter.

Scientific research tells us that a baby, as early as three months old, starts laughing. Why? 

Laughter serves a social function. It is our signal to other people that we wish to connect with them. Although sometimes we laugh alone when we find something funny, we laugh more often in a group, with family and friends. 

Young children between the ages of 2.5 and 4 were found to be eight times more likely to laugh at a cartoon when they watched it with another child than when they watched it alone. 

In a study among adults, the participants were asked to listen to a series of laughter. They had been able to determine the difference between laughter of people who had just met and laughter among long-time friends. These suggest true laughter is linked to friendship. 

Aside from social connection, Mayo clinic lists many physical health benefits of laughter: 

- increases our oxygen intake, which can stimulate our heart, lungs, and    muscles. 

- releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals our bodies produce to make us feel happy and relieve our pain or stress.

 - calms and relives tension by increasing and then decreasing our heart rate and blood pressure. 

- can boost our immune system response through the release of stress-and-illness-reducing neuropeptides.

So how can laughter not be God’s gift to man?  He loves us so much He wants us to feel better and be happy. 

We are happy when we laugh. 

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." (James 1:17 NASB) 

Let's laugh out loud when we can! 

The Wound that Wouldn’t Heal

Grief is caused by varied events: betrayal of a confidant; separation from a loved one; unrequited love; death in the family; etc. But each one can leave a wound that wouldn’t heal. 

If it happens on a Wednesday, it affects all our Wednesdays (plus all days of our weeks) thereafter. Life has changed and so have we.

This grief brings a pain we cannot ignore, as sensitively rendered by my artist/writer friend, Lorenz, who uploaded this on his FB wall sometime ago. I downloaded it because it graphically illustrates how a wounded someone (including me) feels at some point in his/her life. 

(The Wound that Wouldn't Heal by ENZO) 

Yet, despite what we feel, the world turns: children attend school, employees go to work, housewives shop in supermarkets, scammers prey on the naive; politicians deceive voters, etc. 

We, the wounded ones, are left to wonder with the prophet, “Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?” (Jeremiah 15:18) 

C.S. Lewis describes his after the death of his wife, in A Grief Observed. C.S. Lewis describes his after the death of his wife, in A Grief Observed. Let me quote some parts: 

“In grief nothing ‘stays put.’ One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. . ."   

This heart-stabbing we feel is found in Scriptures.

It was felt by Jesus Himself. At the Triumphal Entry, while descending the Mount of Olives, His disciples cried out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Luke 19:38)

Then, when Jesus drew near the city, He was so pained that he wept (Luke 19:41). This alludes to Jeremiah (9:1), the weeping prophet:  

“Oh that my head were waters,

and my eyes a fountain of tears,

that I might weep day and night

for the slain of the daughter of my people!” 

We may never return to life as it once was. But—although easier said than done—we must never let this ache stop us from living. We can ask for grace moment by moment, groan by groan, tear by tear. That old wound may never heal in this life, but Jesus will glorify our scars in the next.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 ESV)   

Am I a Swiftie?

 “Did you know that Taylor Swift . . .” I began. 

“You are a Swiftie??!! three incredulous voices with matching incredulous faces assaulted me around the dining table. 

What the three men (husband, sons #1 and #3) did not verbalize was, at your age?! 

No, at my age, I am not a Swiftie. But as a writer, and now as a facilitator in Sunday school for women, I shun linear thinking and work at being a lateral thinker while enjoying the process. I try to answer “whys” and “wherefores” with as wide a perspective as I could manage within all life stages, especially the youth's. I feel old, but I refuse to think old. 

Keeping pace with changes is not about taking part but keeping watch. 

Even if I now see where fashion colors are going, I stick to my monochromes and what the Gen Z’s call matchy-matchy. I read books from the printed page not from the Internet. I wear leather footwear to church and not sneakers. Old habits neither die nor fade away. 

Digging deeper, however, I may be accused of not being inclusive—stubbornly hanging on to the values I learned by grace from the good Book. 

These verses say it for me in concrete terms:  

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)  

Keeping pace with changes is closely keeping watch where the world is going because . . . 

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15)

The 3 R’s

At the university where I took up my communications degree, I had to sink or swim. The professors didn’t care whether students failed or passed. 

However, at the university where I teach part-time today, our caring dean requires the faculty members to meet with students at risk—those in danger of failing for whatever reason. He encourages every professor to devise his own early intervention program to help these students make the grade. 

I have adapted the three R’s, which I learned from our Bible study group: Rebuke, Remind, and Redeem.

Bringing back a truant student to where he should be is like bringing back a backsliding believer to Jesus.   

1. Rebuke is to correct. I reprimand them about their failings and violations. “Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.” (Psalm 94:12 NLT)

2. Remind is to prompt. I detail their responsibilities as students and their obligations to their parents who work hard to finance their education. “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:10) 

3. Redeem is to pay the price for someone’s freedom. I tell them that my neck is on the line. They either shape up or I ship out (very tactfully, with well-chosen words, of course). “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” (Isaiah 44:22)

The three R’s are about emulating Jesus in performing our roles in our careers and ministries. Apostle Paul wrote, “. . . you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Caveat: Students are a captive audience; they are under the teacher's care. How about backsliding faith brethren? How are we to do the three R's? Here's where we need gobs and gobs of grace to guide us.   

Who Reads Bio-notes?

First off, what is a bio-note? It is short for biographical note; ergo, it's hyphenated. It is evolving into one word, but up until it appears in legitimate dictionaries, I will use the hyphen. (Hah, a stickler for rules!) 

The publishers of my books always require an updated bio-note for every new book. They say it helps establish the author's credibility, provides context for the work, and facilitates their networking and marketing (on various media) goals.  

Net net, a bio-note is written for adults, including those who purchase storybooks for children. 

Was I surprised when I saw this photo on the FB page of Aklatang Tambayan ng Kabataan Paranas Chapter.

 

The little girl (about 6 or 7 years old) is so intent in reading my bio-note instead of reading the storybook like what all the others inside the classroom are doing!  

What could be running in her mind? 

My bio-note summarizes awards, educational attainment, current persuasions, and professional involvement—all adult stuff.  

Huh?! 

Admonition to self: Do not put children in boxes. There are those—like this kid above—who go against the grain. That is what you preach in all your book talks before young, would-be authors. 

How I wish I could meet this little girl!    

Everything New

 Jesus resurrected and death lost its power! He lives to bring God’s glory to all who believe. 

In the same way, after our death on earth, we can look forward to a new life without end! 

John wrote in Revelation 21:1-7 (ESV): 

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 

"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.' 

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

"And he who was seated on the throne said,  'Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' 

"And he said to me,  'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.' 

"'The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.'” 

Lord Jesus, thank you for making everything new for undeserving me. Amen. 

Happy Resurrection Day! 

GUEST BLOG: Tetelestai

(This message on the 6th Word yesterday, Good Friday, by son #3, is my second guest post in 17 years.  Although not as short as my posts, it is too short by speaking standards, because it does not preach; it powerfully synthesizes what scholars have posited for centuries about his faith. I have taken the liberty of shortening it further.) 

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30 NKJV)

When Christ said, “It is finished”, it showed that He had already fulfilled everything that was prophesied in the Bible about the Messiah. God's great plan for our redemption, which unfolded over a span of thousands of years, was now complete. Jesus took the punishment we deserve and offered us His righteousness. Both the judgment and payment of sin were done on the cross.

“It is finished" is the translation of the Greek word Tetelestai, a word from the verb teleo, meaning “to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish.” 

It's the word you would use, for example, when you pay off your house mortgage or cross the finish line in a marathon--end of a course of action! Receipts in ancient texts were sometimes introduced by an abbreviated version of this word, signifying the debt is paid in full.

Also, Tetelestai is in the perfect tense in Greek. It speaks of an action which had been completed in the past but with results that continue into the present. Tetelestai thus adds the idea that "This happened and it is still in effect today." So when Jesus cried out "It is finished," it means that "It was finished in the past, it is still finished in the present, and it will remain finished in the future."

Jesus completely paid the price needed to satisfy the judgment that sin requires. There is nothing we can add to the finished work of Jesus. There is no amount of good work can pay the price for our redemption. Christ already did that when He died on the cross. 

"It finished.” Jesus left no unfinished business behind. This was a cry of victory. Jesus had a purpose and a mission to complete. On the cross, He had done everything He came to earth to do.

In the Old Testament, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies where he poured the blood of an unblemished lamb on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. The moment that blood touched the mercy seat, atonement was made for the people’s sins for one more year. This was done year after year to obtain the temporary forgiveness for sin. 

“It is finished!” Jesus was declaring the end of sacrifice because the ultimate Sacrifice had finally been made. Atonement was completed, perfected, and fully accomplished. It was done once and for all – finished forever.

He paid the price for our salvation, for our freedom, for our healing, and for our restoration. When He died, God’s justice had been fulfilled. His words also remind us to share the Good News to others. There are multitudes of all over the world who believe they can earn or buy their way into heaven. Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” 

Think about it. If every debt you personally owed to others was suddenly paid off, how would you act and feel? 

Now Jesus paid in full your debt to sin. Salvation is God’s gift to us. Doesn’t that make you want to thank Him for what He has done for you? Brothers and sisters, Jesus won the greatest victory in history, let our hearts be filled with unending praise!

Guest blogger: Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong 

“My God, My God . . .”

Good Friday, 2024. This afternoon, at 3 PM, we will begin our worship service in church to look back on the crucifixion and Jesus’ seven last words. 

I was assigned by our pastor to speak on the 3rd word, “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani,” translated to English as, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” 

Exactly 17 years ago, I spoke about the same, as written in Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, and Psalm 22:1. 

No matter how I go around the words or how much research I do (reading studies by Bible scholars back and forth), I end up on the same page—the truth. 

What I said 17 years ago remains unchanged.   

The only change I see around me is the art of rendering by talented artists, like this awesome one by my friend Tom Yboa. (He posted it early this morning and it gave birth to this blog.) 

I can’t help but marvel at his lines, colors, and textures. They are different from those of other art pieces then and now, but for me, the essence that I speak about is encapsulated in this one magnum opus:  

My Savior, the Author of life, Who knew it all, Who had it all, gave it all up so I may be free from the slavery of sin. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for your bottomless grace. Amen. 

Holy Week: Is PINK Your Favorite Color?

That is a question readers often ask me. It is something expected, because every Wednesday, my post on social media is about PINK. 

This started during the political campaign when supporters of Atty. Leni Robredo posted every Wednesday something PINK, her campaign color.

I believed then (and now) that PINK is a color of hope. Hope has not left me even after she lost the election. 

And so PINK Wednesday it will always be—beyond politics. My PINK posts now focus on deeper knowledge about creation and creativity. Looking for PINK in nature and in humanity, then learning more about them, has actually deepened my supreme awe of our Creator whose out-of-this-world ideas are more than amazing. 

And sometimes, I also post PINK ideas of men with God-given talents. 

I had forgotten that my very first PINK Blog was written in the year 2007–17 years ago! It was about my friend Sylvia, whom I have not seen for years, and her love affair with the color PINK.

ooo

Today, Holy Wednesday, I posted this on social media.                    

"For some reason, this beautiful PINK flower dramatizes, for me, the events solemnized in all of Christendom this Holy Week. 

The stem bends and stays bowed down, like the mood during the crucifixion on Good Friday. Then after pollination, the stooped stem slowly turns upright (middle photo) into feathery heads, wafting away from the plant—and disappearing with the wind. It is Easter (last photo), Resurrection Day! 

"This PINK Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) at end point looks ethereal, and vanishes from our sight. The same way that Holy Week leads to the celebration of Easter Sunday, when death is conquered and new life is given to all who believe." 

This PINK Wednesday, may we slow down, pause, and reflect on hope, rooted in His grace.