When God says .......
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. (Matthew 10:16, 17 NKJV)
He warns us of life's challenges in this world. Men could deliver us for scourging in their synagogues. We may even become our instrument to self-destruct, if we forsake wisdom. We are to be wise as a dove lest we squander the limited time we have. We are in the midst of wolves. And, life is short.
The Psalmist declared to himself: "My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass." (Psalms 102:11 ESV)
It happened to my cousin Sol. At age 53, he died while in his sleep on 5/19/16. He left his 6 children now totally orphaned. The youngest is in his senior high. One young lady and one young man are both in college. Good, 3 older siblings are working with stable jobs. The 2 oldest sisters are 26 and 24, respectively, and the next eldest brother is 20. I watched them at the wake of their father who was, as every father is, full of flaws. Yet they honor him. They are just made aware, they have a 3 year old sibling, whose mother just surfaced. With all their troubles of living, their father had another hidden problem they did not know. That's amidst their father having had no clear job for a long while. And here they are gathering around taking on the unwelcome task of preparing for their father's last rites.
It happened to my cousin Sol. At age 53, he died while in his sleep on 5/19/16. He left his 6 children now totally orphaned. The youngest is in his senior high. One young lady and one young man are both in college. Good, 3 older siblings are working with stable jobs. The 2 oldest sisters are 26 and 24, respectively, and the next eldest brother is 20. I watched them at the wake of their father who was, as every father is, full of flaws. Yet they honor him. They are just made aware, they have a 3 year old sibling, whose mother just surfaced. With all their troubles of living, their father had another hidden problem they did not know. That's amidst their father having had no clear job for a long while. And here they are gathering around taking on the unwelcome task of preparing for their father's last rites.
My eyes moistened with tears as I watched them. I talked to MaeAnn, the eldest. I told her I'm full of admiration her taking control of such an overwhelming situation, in maturely stride. Considering the bad cards she's been handed. Specially, taking care of her 3 brothers and 2 sisters as a very young teenager, when they originally lost their mother tragically. Their father was also critical from the multiple gunshots he got, when their parents were attacked in their home by a drug addict. With God's grace they were spared and their father survived. then. But, now he is gone too. And here she is having to carry all of it on her shoulders.
As we talked she reveals to me that she's thankful God helped her with all her siblings to listen to her. Also God blessed her efforts to have all of them 6 siblings live together. She's pulling out 3 of her younger siblings who studied at CMU here in Musuan. She managed to find scholarships for the 3 of them in Cebu schools. She told me she is continuing also her 2nd degree in education which she already started before all this happened.
I see how God uses bad situations to produce good out of a person. As I also observed how Jocy takes care of my brother Nenie is his state of coma for over a year now. The sight of my brother is very heart breaking. When I talk to him there is no hint of response. But his eyes are open and it blinks. Though not to converse. He at times stirs. I see in Jocy love without conditions. Considering that Nenie's present state is caused directly by abusive use of alcohol. His massive stroke was triggered by a drinking spree. That in spite, I watched many of my relatives continuously pouring hard drinks even at the wake of Sol. A sad sight. But I am thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to see my brother and other relatives in this part of the Philippines. I thank the Holy Spirit for prompting me to celebrate Holy Communion, the Breaking of Bread and Passover meal with my brothers. I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and His ever presence. I see His hands at work in every thing around us. He reveals many things out of my encounters on the journey and around here in Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines.
As I meet the budding beautiful grand niece- in- law Theona, with her lovely parents Maimai and Tobert, and grands Tessie and Pete, all the tragic things I observed, are wiped off by their loving and warm welcome. They are the light in such a gloomy environment I stepped into. I am reminded, Lord Jesus balanced everything on the cross. His grace is sufficient. I know that Jesus loves us all. He loves me. We have His assurance, as the Psalmist declares: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalms 23:1-6 KJV)
And I say ... AMEN!
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