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.