Forgetting Wrongdoings

Winona Ryder was one of the brightest young actresses of United States, having appeared in notable films such as “Beetlejuice”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “Girl, Interrupted” and “Mr Deeds”. There has been little news about her either in tabloids or mainstream media for sometime – until she made a plane from Los Angeles make an emergency landing in Heathrow, London on November 22, 2008 due to illness, after she took an overdose of tranquilisers. If only to add insult to injury, most news items recalled her conviction for grand theft and vandalism for shoplifting $5,500 worth of designer clothes and accessories at Saks Fifth Avenue department store in 2001. Media do not easily forget wrongdoings.

So do most people. More so, if a person is personally affected by the wrongdoing, there is a tendency for the heart to harden. In most instances, individuals ignore the wrongdoer, while others go to the extreme of seeking revenge.

Forgiveness is a virtue that many among us find difficult to inculcate. We must imitate our God who is a forgiving God. “He is so rich is kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” (Ephesians 1:7) He wants us to be perfect, yet He allows us to decide on what to make out of our lives. He sees us when we do wrong.  He is saddened when we sin. He keeps reminding us though that if we want to be with Him, we must follow His commands. If we confess and repent, He forgives us. To cleanse our heart and soul, He allows us to partake of His body through communion. “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Matthew 16:28)

He provides us with a fresh clean state – erasing and forgetting whatever infractions we committed. “Though yours sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Winona had paid for the stolen items, served 480 hours of community service, remained under probation for three years, suffered public humiliation and had a setback in her acting career, but in the eyes of the world the mistake she once committed remains a blot that won’t go away with time.  Not so with God:  “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

by Mel Libre

Caring Watchman

One of the most phenomenal reality TV shows in recent times is "Big Brother" which was first broadcast in 1999 in Norway. So popular is the teleserye that it has been adopted in 70 other countries. The Big Brother house has cameras all over, recording everything that happens inside. It is interesting how the real character of participants is eventually revealed to the audience. In the Philippines, a handsome actor confessed of his being gay. In Britain, the racist sentiment of one against an Indian actress caused a stir. In another country, the pressure and joy of giving birth was witnessed by millions. Though the producers and directors introduce situations, the housemates have no script, except to follow their own instinct, guided by their values.

Often it is said, "Life is a stage". I say, "Life is an unscripted teleserye". There is no director saying "Cut" or "Take two". Life is not like that. It is God’s plan for us to live the perfect life. “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Human weakness and social pressure compromise our commitment to the Lord; exposing us to temptation and sin.

We can never be complacent in our lives. For each and every moment is accounted for. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Hebrews 4:13) We are never assured of what happens next in our earthly life; for today may be the end. Through our faith in Christ, we are confident that our place in the afterlife has been set down for us.

It is our decision whether to take our place as planned out by God. Should we decide to go with the Almighty, then we will be guided to His plan; and He will set before us the path towards fulfilment. He watches over us, He cares for us every step of the way, thus we should be unafraid. “(F)or he is our God. We are the people he watches over the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” (Psalms 95:7)

by Mel Libre

Shut Window, Door Opened

I once joined a singing competition in Toastmasters International in our area. With a wonderfully arranged original composition and instructing a colleague to turn-off the lights to give impact on the commencement of my performance, I confidently sang “Light a Candle”, which was inspired by a spiritually enriching experience. When all the other contestants had rendered their numbers, I was shocked to learn that I did not even figure in the top three.

However we look at it – losing sucks. More so if you had high expectations of yourself, and you performed at your level best.  But in a contest like in an election, there can only be one winner and losers a-many.

The best approach to losing is not to react instantaneously upon learning of the result. One must remain calm, letting the reality of defeat sink into the mind. Cry a little then allow a joyful thought to spark warmth in the heart – you did your utmost best, the better competitor won in this particular contest and the judges came up with a fair decision. Congratulate the victor.

Defeat is not the end of the world. Believe that a window of opportunity may have been shut, but a door has been opened for a more meaningful journey. “[The Lord said], “I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness...But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.” (Hosea 2:9, 14)

I am thankful for the loss in that singing competition 15 years ago. It actually challenged me to write better songs and record professionally. Since then, I had written numerous anthems for major events and good causes; released three albums; and was led by the Spirit to my present pursuit of “sharing God’s Word through music and other acts of love.” (TawagAwit mission)

by Mel Libre

Hope of Humankind

In February 2007, a black gentleman with a Middle-Eastern name gave an introductory speech before one of the major political parties in United States seeking a new leader, at the Hilton Hotel in Washington. While the other hopefuls for the Democratic presidential nomination had all the campaign trimmings, Barack Obama had no badges, no posters and had only two young volunteers manning a lone desk. But when he told eloquently the audience of his vision, not only did he spark a buzz in the room, he created a national movement for change.

Senator Obama dimmed the light on leading contender Senator Hillary Clinton and has since become a modern day phenomenon with 3.1 million financial contributors, 2.2 million supporters on its Facebookpage, 700 campaign offices in every state in the United States and attracts 100,000 plus people in his campaign rallies. It is inevitable that he will become President Barack Obama.

The Observer wrote: "As the first black American to win a major party nomination, Obama was thought likely to face an election dominated by race. Yet his candidacy changed things there, too. He ran an explicitly "post-racial" campaign, heralding a new type of politics. His rallies attract blacks, whites, Hispanics and Asians, reflecting a changing society in which younger generations are less obsessed with race."

Blind songwriter/performer Stevie Wonder, who believes in Sen. Obama, declares: "Impossible is unacceptable." For Obama went on an impossible crusade. But then he is actually the representation of the new face of the US, a nation that has become the melting pot of all nationalities and of diverse cultures. No longer is the US a white man’s territory – it actually is a genuine rainbow nation whose migrant population works hard to attain dreams for a better life and aspirations of a brighter future. For many, it is a land of hope – and Obama is one representation of that hope.

The Jewish people may have been in a similar situation at the time when Jesus Christ began his ministry. A race with a proud history, their nation had become a mere province of the Roman Empire. Jesus became so popular attracting Jews, Gentiles and Romans for His teachings and the miracles He performed. He brought hope to the people of Israel. "He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24) Afraid of the rise of his promised kingdom, his enemies crucified him.

Obama promises a better and stronger USA; but human as he is, he cannot guarantee the fulfilment of each and every promise he has made if elected president. He may deliver some, while fail in others. He will not be in control of all circumstances, thus even how genuine his intentions are, the outcome is never assured. Not so with Jesus, for the hope that He promises is guaranteed with His very life: dying on the cross, resurrecting in flesh and ascending to Heaven to rule with the Father and Holy Spirit for all eternity. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." (Titus 1:2)

If the American people give their vote of confidence to a fellow human being named Obama to fulfil their dreams and aspirations; the people of the world ought to embrace Jesus Christ for He is the true Saviour of humankind. "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11)

by Mel Libre

Value vs. Values

Election is the bulwark of democracy.  The citizens decide on the course of the nation by voting the candidate or party they trust with their future.  If the incumbent has become ineffective or abusive, likewise the people can exercise their right of suffrage to bring about change.

But it is not that easy to discern a candidate or party.  Like a new product sold in the market, the candidate or party is promoted positively, putting forward only the strong points, hiding unpleasant features with utmost effort.  Media takes the initiative to obtain the truth about a candidate or party – separating fact from fiction – thereby, allowing voters to make a balanced decision.

As the voter scrutinizes the person of a candidate and the policies of a party, he must do so, taking into account his own set of values and beliefs. “Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.” (Isaiah 51:7) Candidates deliver sound bites that are soothing to the ears; while parties promise packages that impact on economic benefits for families.  Politicians target the urgent concerns of the citizenry, that of their basic needs – food, shelter, health and education.  The ones who promise better value on the economic front may just get that precious vote. 

The good electorate though must not count the coins in his pocket; rather he should take a holistic view on making a choice. Ask the following question: What is the stand of the candidate/party on the human life; on family and rights of children; on alleviation of the poor and the vulnerable in society; on law, crime and punishment; and on protection of the environment? Most importantly, you must find the answer to the query: Is the candidate/party God-fearing? A positive response to the last question can give some assurance that the path the candidate/party will be guided by faith values. “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let your vote count not just in favour a particular candidate/party, but most importantly for the victory of  the Lord. “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

by Mel Libre