Reaching Ahead

A message to our young ones now and to future generations of youth who are about to, and will be embarking on their journey towards the abundant future God has uniquely designed for them, let us meditate upon these verses from Apostle Paul's letters below.

Press towards the goal (NKJV)

"Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Be Focused on the Goal (The Message)

"Philippians 12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."

There may be obstacles. Pressures along the way. Never give up. Take Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians as encouragement.


"2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

"2 Corinthains 3:7-12 (The Message Bible) If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!"

Let me also reiterate to you, my message to those who have taken the journey before you, as my small contribution to the provisions of encouragement that you will carry with you --

"FAILURE IS ONLY A POSTPONEMENT OF SUCCESS

(Speech at the First PhilCoSA Commencement Exercises 1996)

First of all, I thank the Almighty God for this momentous celebration that we have today.

It is a great honor for me to have this rare opportunity and privilege to speak before a very special group intellectuals, these young people who are graduating today, the pioneer crops of the Philippine Community School in Al-Khobar.

Graduation. Some may have wondered why graduation rites are also called commencement exercises. As graduation, this moment marks the end of a phase of an endeavor. As commencement this marks the beginning of another stage of one's struggle.

We sometimes ask, how come an end becomes a beginning? How can such opposite words mean the same?

The explanation is quite simple: It is the reality of the continuing cycle of life. It is like the twilight that marks the end of the day and the beginning of the night. Or, it is like the dawn which marks the end of the night and the beginning of a new day. In life around us, all things begin and end. The beginning of one marks the end of another in the continuing march of time until eternity.

Graduation day brings happiness and joy to the graduates, teachers, parents and relatives as the fruit of a loved-one's effort is now being reaped. Sometimes, at graduation, longing from friends, classmates and schoolmates start to sink as relationships may now have to end in order to face a new beginning in the search for knowledge and wisdom. Yes, there is this mixed feelings of excitement which graduation evoke.

But today, there is no room for longing and mixed feelings. Today, there is no time for nostalgia of the year that passed. Today, there is no reason to harbor thoughts of doubts and anxiety for the future. Because, today I declare to you with thanks giving to God's blessings, our sponsor's reassurance that he is with us for the next school year 1996 to 1997 and the years to come. And that PhilCoSA is here to serve the needs of our children, to help mold their future in line with her mission. So today, no longings. No mixed feelings. No doubts. No anxieties. For we are here to wait for the next planting seasons, to continue sowing the seeds of wisdom. And indeed, God willing, we are here to stay.

Rather, an air of jubilation is here. For today is the day of reaping. Today is the day of a crowning glory for intellectual struggle for the search of truth and enlightenment. Today is the day of thanks giving to God, for His guidance and protection in leading us all through together in our journey amidst such perilous waters that we have just undertaken. For which, without God we would have not been here today to enjoy the glorious harvest of our labours, most specially the glory for the labours of our youth that we are honouring today. The echoing impact of the high marks they have garnered during the NEAT exams raised PhilCoSA's spirit to race on forward. Our graduates are the proof and exemplification of PhilCoSA's firm and strong resolve to accomplish her mission: Total Commitment to Total Quality Education.

You and I, the graduates and all of us, have now become wiser - endowed with the knowledge and wisdom, out of what we have experienced, for which we are all graduating from, as mentors and disciples. We have now gained an everlasting attribute, a valuable treasure of intellect. Graduates, we are now released from the dark dungeon of ignorance.

Graduates, I see in your eyes the bright and eager look for the future. I see you stare squarely upon greater heights of accomplishments. A sense of fulfillment is in your veins. But you must remember, this is not the end. Yes indeed, this is the beginning of your continuing stride towards more victories and successes. For today is the beginning of coming forth to service our God, to service our family, to service our community and to service our country.

From here on, you begin to shape and mold more vividly your ambitions and aspirations. So focus yourself straight ahead to the finish line. Never falter nor waver. Never accept anything as defeat. But consider everything as challenges to do better. For there is no such thing as failure - the ultimate defeat.

Failure is only a postponement of success...
Failure is only a postponement of success....
Failure is only a postponement of success.....

Always remember this, in your progress towards continuing knowledge, our country and people shall progress with you. You are the hope. You are the future. You are the light at the end of a tunnel. Therefore go forth! Chase your dreams! God is with you always.

Graduates, congratulations and may God bless you all.

Thank you very much!"

I am reiterating this message to reinvigorate and stir our zeal and commitment to allow God to accomplish His purpose for our lives. These words - empowered by God's holy and written Word has always been and will always be the driving force in my pursuit of God's plan for me through Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have full trust - these can be a driving force for you all, as well.

Again, congratulations to everyone!


F. A. Frias
PFCMissions 2008

With Mae, Hannah and Sarah