Friday, January 8, 2010

What could it be, God?

Mr. 2010 has come! Indeed, a lot of things happened while 2009 was still around. If I am to keenly scan my handy calendar where I wrote some of the simple things happened on a specific day of 2009, I'd say there are still more in which I've failed to take note.

While I have decided to choose to welcome 2010 full of excitement and enthusiasm, which I really did wholeheartedly ;), I can't help but think of one very thing happened that shook the whole world if I may say.

Well, it has been what.. about almost 3 months since the tragic and historical Ondoy typhoon catastrophe happened and yet it keeps on haunting me and urging me to put whatever thoughts and feelings I have had and are having right now into writing.

From the very day that the tragedy happened, I've instantly asked myself "why such a drastic event?" They say that you can't argue with the course of nature and I wasn't really doing that! lol. In fact, abruptly I've asked God, "God, what are you trying to tell me, us, and everyone with what you've just allowed to happen?". Not to mention that after that storm, comes another storm in the same country (where else) Philippines, and then there you go the earthquakes somewhere in Indonesia, what else? The news about the war going between Norh & South Korea and Imma say a whole lot more of events that really made me think a lot!

I don't know why such a huge bulk of emotions (good & bad) I have deep inside on this one. Not that my family was part of it (I'd say that's just a little) but I believe the concern I have to mankind is... ugh! unexplainable! In the Ondoy tragedy, the whole of Metro Manila was submerged into flood in which everyone is considered traumatized regardless of its status in life. Poor, rich, middle class, famous, normal citizen. I remember I've received a text message saying, "God is humbling Metro Manila for what has happened". Well, I can say that could be one of it... but I've observed and noticed some random stuff in conjunction to the historical Ondoy flood and made me ponder on a lot of things. Here you go:

1.) The human nature of goodness emerged in this incident and so do the nature of the darkside if I may say. Some people did their very best to help whoever they can help. Those who were not affected by the flood voluntarily opened their homes to the victims and even shared whatever supply of food and the likes they have. Some even risked their lives just to save others who were carried away by the flood and a whole lot more of instances. On the other hand, I guess some were possessed by the devil to take advantage of the situation and even had the nerves to plunder goods and the likes. Sadly, that's still a reality!

2.) The importance of unity in family. I saw one photo whereby the father and son are pushing one small boat in which the mom and daughter are riding. Together, they face the adversity happened in unity. Such a noble piece. Well, I was away from my family when that happened - it was completely excruciating especially when you knew that you're in such a physical comfortable condition while your love-ones are there suffering like hell! Well that time, I was physically comfortable so to speak but my mind was like crazily mad because i couldn't do anything but to be still and keep trusting God that He is in control! My sister was talking to me over the phone crying and crying because it seemed impossible to finish cleaning up, etc during the aftermath and everything is practically gone. I have no choice but to keep encouraging my sister that everythng will be alright and that we should be grateful that nobody got hurt. Where I was, I am thankful that my spiritual family really pulled me up and helped me through their prayers and encouragement. I've felt that they were united in helping me not to go insane. God is good!

3.) The value of friendship. My highschool friend, Sol opened her place and her resources so that my family can get in touch with me and let me know what has happened. Rain was non-stop but I was constantly online communicating with my friend and asking for updates on what's happening. Through Sol, I was also able to talk to them over the phone and over the internet - thanks to her really! Also, these are the moments I'd say I'm thankful for technology! Other friends I have here in Malaysia (mayit be Pinoys or Malaysians =)) started to send me email/s and text messages about it. They have no idea how grateful I was, how it touched me and helped me to think sanely and continuously believing that God is good, all the time! I have also realized more that people have really different ways of expressing things directly and/or indirectly. Well, it made me think how expressive I am or how do I normally express the things I want to express to everyone around me.

4.) How you view the Almighty God. I don't know about the others but this Ondoy didn't really help much in untangling my view of God, lol. I know and strongly believe that God was in control that moment and He will always be. While in the shallow phase of myself are kinda mix feelings of anxieties, worries, hurt & pain; in the very deep and inner core of me was peace. His peace that surpasses all understandings.

5.) The resilience of Filipinos. When I had my Christmas vacation, I had some sharing with my siblings about what happened. They shared the hardship and fun stuff they did - cheerfully. They practically cleaned everything during the aftermath while playing with waters and the remains of the flood. I can imagine. Probably they were chasing one another with the water coming out from host with fun and laughters! My sister shared about sharing of the food and eat together while the whole house is submerged into flood. The smiles & posing they had during picture-taking under the heavy rainfalls and the likes. I've also mentioned that I saw one video in facebook whereby a group of friends did a video of showing or making a tour for everyone in their submerged house. They did the video while swimming in the water - funny huh! :) Cecille told me that Philippines has become a shield to other nations especially in South East Asia. If not because of the Philippines blocking other countries, it could have hit a few nearby. Filipinos, in our very nature, whatever the obstacles, however it's so challenging, can easily get up and continue and move on with life. My sister said that during interviews, majority can still smile and be happy despite of what has happened. And then she cited the hurricane Katrina incident whereby people don't want to be asked & interviewed at all and even talk a video of their faces.... I was like really? i didn't know about it.

5.) The final one - made me ask again, What could it be, God? Ondoy was just the icebreaker... or should I say the explicit one. While that's happening, other things in other parts of the world is also happening. Reminded me of the passage about the End of the World and the Signs of End of time. Could it be God is telling everyone that the end is really near? Could it be that God is telling all to return unto Him?! Well, at least for Ondoy, almost everyone in there turn unto the Lord and prayed.. well what about now? Is there something going on that people are urge to turn unto God and pray?

What could it be, God? Could it be that the end is coming?! Oh I can't wait! For when the end has come, I know where i will be :)

How about you? Might wanna think about it for this 2010?

Ta!