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Friday, April 6, 2012

In My Own Eyes - A Holy Week Reflection

"You give me hope in spite of everything
You give me love in spite of so much pain"

These are the very lines from the song sang by the character of Ben (Tyler's older brother ) in the movie "Letters to God" that struck me most. How profound isn't it? 

Earlier, we had our mini-recollection as our response in observing the holy week season here. Our location only permits a discreet observance. I'm so thankful still for the minuscule opportunity to express our faith.

On the other end, we don't focus on fear but we focus on how fear magnify our courage to serve more and to glorify our one great God despite restrictions. And I personally believe that God protects us with his unbreakable shield. But of course, we are well aware where we stand --our high respect to the culture and religious tradition remains our top priority.

Now, let's go back to the movie. It's so awesomely moving and inspiring that I quickly need to sit down and have a short review of it after the recollection. I'm not sure if I can collect all my thoughts as I have a short span memory but I'll try to use it anyway and I'll let God direct my mind for ideas to flow in unstoppably.


Letters To God --is all about a young boy fighting cancer who writes letters to God, touching lives in his neighborhood and community and inspiring hope among everyone he comes in contact. An unsuspecting substitute postman, with a troubled life of his own, becomes entangled in the boy's journey and his family by reading the letters. They inspire him to seek a better life for himself and his own son he's lost through his alcohol addiction.

Mr. Brady & Tyler
The story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning -- the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them. Tyler is an extraordinary eight-year old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. 

Ben, Samantha & Tyler
To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher, and the ultimate pen pal. Tyler's prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. The letters find their way into the hands of Brady --a beleaguered substitute postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. but the decision he ultimately made becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy's shining spirit and unshakable faith.


Normally, I really don't show people when I cry, I still carry part of this weird pinoy-culture (or world culture I guess) wherein a guy is being misconstrued as a weakling or chicken-heart if they literally cry. But, earlier is an exception. Though I didn't cry a river I still come in unison with all the people surrounding me crying. I have cried deep inside my heart which is why I was short of tears to fall down my cheeks.


Most of the times, when we meet problems whether big or small at crossroads, our initial reaction is to feel sad, to think of unimaginable thoughts and mostly, our ideas are surrounded with negativity. Our tendency is to lure to it ---crying overnight, can't eat, and even can't sleep. But, it is so wrong. It's tantamount to underestimating the graces of God in us. It denotes mistrust in Him. It is a big insult to our God if we acted on our resolve without even consulting Him, without even thinking what He can do with it. And I must say that's our human reactions if God is not present in our lives.

Today's recollection is another reminder for us to continue hoping despite problems, to move ahead with smile even when unknown and present danger lures around. By doing so, we are proving to God that we completely trust him. As said, peace is not the absence of war but the ability to cope with it. It is the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict. It is a state of mind and a disposition for benevolence.

And today's holy week reflection also reminded us of how our Savior accepted all the pains --even the pain to death on the cross just for us to be saved. He was so selfless and boldly took the cross for our sins. 

May we remember Him not only on this lenten season but in everyday of our lives. Life is too short to be in misery. Life is too short to regret not saying THANK YOU, I FORGIVE YOU and I LOVE YOU. With these words we are reflecting outwardly and inwardly God's love for us.

Everyday is a gift and each day is a gift to inspire.






15 comments:

  1. Glory be to God the Father!!!

    :)

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  2. @Theo---Amen! Have a blessed holy week to you :))

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  3. you are really blessed with wonderful words of wisdom and thoughts.

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  4. God really moves in mysterious way! Truly your right that no matter what problems we had, big or small, we must continue hoping and face it with a smile just like Tyler did in the story even though he knows he's dying his faith to God is rock solid and affected all the people around him by his letter to God. I wish I had that faith to Him but I am afraid to face the biggest problem that will be given to me to test my faith, unlike Jesus who he certainly knows what will happen to him all the pain and suffering and yet He willingly accepted it, knowing it is the only way our soul will be saved. I have deeply moved by the scene where Tyler's mother is questioning God's power by saying that the bible can't cure her son's illness. It is true that its very hard to tell to a person who is experiencing a great difficulty to his life to trust God and believe in His power. But if not Him, who we will be trust and believe? We always made him our last resort where in fact He must be the first to know of everything that we do and experience. Thanks for our culture that observe the sacrifice of Jesus christ that really make us reflect of how God really and truly love us. He really is a magnificent God, He is good all the time, and all the time God is good! Have a blessed good friday tito Jay!

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  5. a really inspiring and powerful thoughts tito jay! To God be the glory!

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  6. Very well said T2 Jay. Two thumbs up po! That movie must have been directed by God :) Super nakaka-touch at talaga namang napipiga ang ating mga luha = ) Keep using po that passion of blogging for the greater glory and honor to our Almighty God.

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  7. @bro Tamie--Indeed God is mysterious as He is omnipresent

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  8. @Masterdjm --Thanks! I just follow the leadings of our God on how will I write my thoughts.

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  9. @Bro. Randy --It must have been directed by Him as He used people to execute the very details of it. Yes, bro I won't tire out expressing my gratitude to him through my passion on writing. :))

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  10. There is nothing wrong with crying. Boys DON'T cry .... but real men do.

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  11. @Kay --haha! yeah...real men do..it depends on what to cry about..hahahaha..

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  12. Looks like a very interesting / inspirational film. Your synopsis bring to mind the movies Magnifico and Central do Brasil. I guess I have to check this film.

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  13. @Totomai --a must watch! it's a family oriented movie and there are so many inspiring scenes in this movie.

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  14. i wanna see that movie...

    haaayyyy.... I like it when you said that peace is not the absence of war but the ability to cope with it...

    well written... pang lenten reflection moment tlaga

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  15. I wasnt able to watch the movie but the review was nice. With the array of reflections and insights it conveys the authenticity of realism which touches the very realm of our existence..the feel of triumph amidst the pain and suffering of every seeking soul of redemption.

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