Eid'l Fitr: A Moment of Peace

After a month-long of battles between the Philippine Government forces and the local terrorist group, finally our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters in the city of Marawi in Mindanao have a glimpse of a peaceful hour for today's celebration of Eid'l Fitr or the end of Ramadan — a meaningful religious festival to break the 30-day fasting. Though a short duration of ceasefire, it may have given them hope to escape and to live a peaceful life away from their devastated city. 

As I reflect on the significance of this religious celebration, we are in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters who sacrificed their life to achieve a peaceful living. Islam as a religion of peace brings a message of hope and not to instill fear and terror among fellow Islamic faithful; may be opposite of the current events where a fearful people cries for justice, unity, solidarity and peace they deserve. As a Christian in faith, I condemn the evil acts of terrorism and wars brought by greed and selfishness. Even the religion of peace would have condemned the same adversity that they have experienced for a long time. A never-ending conflict and war in the region resulted to political instability and has affected the social and moral welfare of the people. The psychological traumas in children and even adults will forever leave a permanent scar in their being. Unless they rise up to adversity, they will continue to suffer until the end of their days. 

We are not certain of what the future will bring to the people of Marawi, but we are one in prayers for their rehabilitation — their hopeful journey to recovery. It may be a spiritual test, but part of the recovery is to understand the nature of the Divine. A Violent God in Our Time would punish his people for the greater good and eventually achieve a heaven on earth living. Everyone can become a victim and a sacrifice for the future of humanity. It may be unjust, but that's the present reality in this world. People can kill others for the sake of wealth, power and influence; a dictator can order a massive killing of his own people; countries may bombed a non-allied nation. There's really evil in this world that is trapped in the hearts and minds of the radicals. 

People are getting anxious, fearful and powerless. Nations are getting upset and always on fire. The world is getting so chaotic that we sometimes ask, Is There A Divine Light in A troubled Nation? This might give clarity and answer to the untoward events that are happening everywhere. In situations like this, we remain steadfast and faithful to the most powerful force in the universe. When human being has lost its divinity, we again go through the process of purification to regain the divinity that is lost. With perseverance and faith in God, we can become whole again if there's a belief that There's A Certain Holiness in You. Humanity has to regain the lost beingness, so we can live in harmony and camaraderie with our brothers and sisters with different faith. We are one nation that belongs to one world with universal feelings and emotions. We can always make a difference in other people's wellbeing through our loving and compassionate nature. No matter what race you and I belong, our spiritual nature guides and directs us towards our purpose — to live and reign peace and harmony in our hearts forever.

© 2017 Del Cusay

Father's Day Special: The Greatest Gift

I remember the times when my father would give us practical advice about living our life based on our choices. An ocean deep of insight that he might have gained through personal struggles and miseries on his early days of fatherhood. As I grew up, I have heard several stories that are inspirational and worth emulating; would have pushed me to follow his path and was almost there. His life stories in a form of wise sayings, cliché and hyperbole created a deep impact in me that will be forever in my heart and my mind. 

It might be hard to emulate his ways, but what I have learned from my father all through these years is to be generous and be kind to people. As a public servant, he has the heart to serve the people in our locality and that he is driven and committed to give back to the society in any way he could. His kindness may have created a ripple effect of goodwill and that people are easily drawn to his personality. His values and character makes him win people's hearts and it is his best weapon in staying on the ground and remain to be strong. 

As courageous as he is, I have learned to be tough yet gentle and always do my best to be on the good side -- never to allow defeat when fighting for the right. His way of handling issues are never complicated, he gives an outright advice that will inspire and move your spirit.

My father may have won several battles, but he is brave enough to surrender to the Divine all those things that is beyond his control. As a wise man, he believes and surrenders to God his challenges and he can surpass all those trials through his faith. As our provider, he is 'leading the way' and is always responsible in his role as a father to our family and our community.

He always think of the welfare of other people and would think of ways on how to be of service to a greater whole. I may never know what the future holds, but what I know for sure is that I will continue to follow the path he has shown and will cultivate kindness to others. 

It is always a challenge to me how to become a better person and it would take a commitment and perseverance to become a better version of oneself. It's a choice we make and when our soul purpose would ignite the sleeping giant within, then we can move the mountains if we just keep our faith on a higher level. 

His journey to life is never easy as he is confronted with obstacles that made him stronger. As he punch the barriers, he can envision limitless possibilities that we can achieve. He may have started to be a nobody, but with his determination and will-power, he has achieved a milestone that we are all proud of. I will forever be a follower and I will continue the path that was started. After all, the greatest gift is not through materialism, fame and riches, but the gift of everlasting joy and fulfillment through service. 

© 2017 Del Cusay

119th Philippine Independence Day: Freedom in Our Hearts

Philippine national hero -Jose Rizal as a visionary leader once expressed his deepest sympathy against massive aggression against his countrymen by foreign invaders. In his younger years, he witnessed the abuses and suffering of his own family and he carried all the emotional baggage in his youth until he became a full-grown man.

In his youthful days, Rizal was already a champion in many ways and he has proven his capacity through great leadership in his family and the community where he belongs. He was a great believer in the youth and their power to do great things and so he once uttered  "The youth is the hope of the Fatherland" a heroic statement that we always remember. Back then, Rizal was just a little boy, but with a very strong character in physical and mental, and emotional being; such a commendable trait in his time. 

Today, in our generation after more than a century, how many of us have inherited those traits of a hero. Who among our youth have shown deepest respect and concern about our nation. How many Filipinos truly care and will continue to fight for the freedom that we have achieved through the years. To become a hero is never an easy task, but to become nationalistic is a meaningful expression of what it is like to become a true Filipino.

Conflicts, violence, and wars continue to happen in our time. It is unending and it keeps on repeating itself and becoming much worse than ever. Filipinos continue to suffer the consequences brought by false beliefs and the egocentric mindset of some Filipinos who would spread terror and invade the peaceful land making it chaotic, disorganized, and ruined.

With the sad fate that happened in Southern Mindanao, Marawi City is another victim of conflict and war between so-called Islamic State radical Muslims and the Philippine Government troupes. People lost their peace and sense of freedom to do the things enjoyed by ordinary Filipino citizens. We have lost several brave souls who fought for the dark forces. They have sacrificed their lives for the call of duty; which is to protect and defend our country and its people against oppressors.

We have lost our freedom. Our countrymen, The Maranao people are enslaved by fear and struggled to recover their lives; to rebuild and stand again -- continue to live despite the odds. It is not only the Maranaos but the entire Philippine islands; the Filipino people who also showed the deepest sympathy. We have mourned and expressed our emotions and we are concerned about the welfare of our brothers and sisters who are in trouble. 

It's difficult not to care about what is happening especially when we are dealing with terrorism. We might be living in a city far away from the bombings, but we could be the next target. It's easy to be complacent when we feel more secure and guarded. It's easy to get numbed of the unending conflicts and wars. However, in the end, we cry out loud for our misery when we suffer and become the victim. When our country is not safe anymore, we could only hope for more protection and salvation to escape from various threats. We could hope for a superhero to defend us from invasion and bring back our freedom. We are longing for a powerful Divine intervention to fill in peace and love in all our hearts.

Our freedom once lost will always find its way back on track. As we remain to be hopeful and resilient, we will always regain what is lost and we will fill in what is empty until we become whole again. As Filipinos, we must fight for our freedom and to contribute to nation-building. A divided nation will once again work together for a common good and the loss of national identity will find its meaning.

Do we still care about what is happening these days? Are the youths of today willing to sacrifice their comfort to express their fearless views and show solidarity? Are the Filipinos willing to fight again to regain freedom and establish peace in our land? We might not feel it, but the heroism of Rizal is always in our hearts. That's the greatest gift he has given to us and we must uphold the strength and power we are bestowed. We have the blood of a hero running in our veins and we could face any obstacle in our quest for lasting peace and order. We will not accept defeat and goodness will always reign in us. We can't be certain that history will break itself and not be bound to happen again, however one thing is for sure; whatever happens we will always stand as one... one Philippines ... one Filipino people. 

I am A Filipino and I am a part of our nation-building. I am a Filipino and I will uphold and respect our laws and constitution. I am a Filipino and will be a freedom fighter. Freedom leads to peace and freedom will always reign in our hearts.

© 2017 Del Cusay