It is very disheartening to see and hear all the bickering, bitching and back-biting going on right now as the relief and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of Yolanda. But there are more heartening stories of bravery, courage, generosity and genuine love coming our of the devastated places. I read about the disheartening news in the mainstream media. I read and hear about the heartening stories from social media, stories passed on from friends to friends. I end up losing trust in people in media and in our leaders. And I end up falling in love all over again with our people, their generosity, their ingenuity, their can-do and make-do attitude, their courage and resilience, their love of life even in the face of extreme adversity. These are my brothers, my sisters, my mothers and my fathers. These are my sons and daughters. They are my grandchildren.
My hope is that many local leaders will emerge to lead our people in the rebuilding effort. We can re-create and build more devastated towns and cities and make them better, stronger and more beautiful. I pray that we will not just muddle through this time; that we will not allow the past to dictate out future and that we will work together to create the Philippines of our dreams.
While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
Matthew 12:46-50