President Cory

There are people who prefer to be in the sideline; working quietly to serve others.  Though wont to be in the limelight, some are destined to do bigger things for the better good.

Corazon “Cory” Aquino stood under the shadow of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a popular political figure in the Philippines who led the opposition against President Ferdinand Marcos who placed the country under martial law.  She took care of her children while at the same time visited Ninoy who was imprisoned. When her husband was sent into exile, she joined him leaving behind her life in the Philippines.  But there was a higher calling other than being Ninoy’s wife. Her husband was assassinated and the Filipino people sought her to become the leader to oust the dictator.

Hesitant at first, Cory agreed to the call. Through a dramatic turn of events leading towards the 1986 People Power Revolution, she was sworn in as President of the Republic of the Philippines. She set out to dismantle the machinery of the dictatorship and lead the Filipino in building a better nation through reconciliation. She said: “Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.” While her government was threatened by coup attempts by displaced military officers, she declared: “As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.” On a personal note, Cory Aquino signed the amnesty paper of my father, Angel Jr., who was persecuted by the Marcos regime. To her, our family remains indebted.

Cory Aquino, who suffers from colon cancer, lies physically frail in a Makati City hospital and her family decided to cease chemotherapy and other medical interventions. But the entire Filipino nation prays for her healing and of late her spokesperson said that: “she's stable, she's comfortable now and I can tell you that she received communion last Sunday,"

Marcos once said that Cory was undeserving to be president because was “just a woman”.  But it was because of her womanhood that made her the leader the Philippines needed as it struggled in its new found freedom.  With so many people with diverse causes and interests around her, Cory listened.  “Fools think their own way is right; but the wise leader listens to others.” (Proverbs 12:25) In the worst coup attempt against her government, Cory was said to have retreated to a room in Malacanang and knelt down to pray; and yes, loyal soldiers (and surely angels) protected her.  She was first and foremost a prayerful leader.   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Let us all pray for Cory Aquino. Let us pray that she will be well again. Let us pray that she will not be in pain. Let us pray that in her living we can learn from good she had done to the Filipino people and the world as well. Cory once said: “I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.”  President Cory, you lived a meaningful life, for truly you touched our lives.

by Mel Libre