Monday, 28 May 2012

Victory in Losing


Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez failed to win the title, American Idol, during the finale on May 23, 2012. The popularity contest obtained a total of 132 million votes, the highest ever. The white guy with guitar – Phillip Phillips – took the top spot. A horde of Sanchez supporters were dismayed with the result.

There was one consolation: in the show finale, everyone was blown away by the duet of Tony-award winning performer Jennifer Holiday and Sanchez of the song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. The Wall Street Journal said, “One of the most electrifying moments of the “American Idol” finale last night was a duet performed by Jennifer Holliday and Jessica Sanchez, which brought the house down and had even judge Jennifer Lopez jumping up and down screaming.”

There are many instances in life that even if you give it your all, you don’t get the championship trophy. We have this notion that “winning is everything”, and “nobody remembers runner-up finishes”.

One must develop a positive outlook on losing.  For as long as one gives his/her very best in whatever pursuit in life, victory is attained.  In Desiderata, there is that wise advice: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.”

Martyrdom means losing one’s life for God. It is about giving your very best to serve the Lord. It is about standing for your Faith against authority, against man-made laws, against popular will. It takes courage, conviction and trust to face the wrath of public ridicule.  

But it is not for humans to judge what is in your heart; God knows what is in your heart. Those who are pure of heart He justly rewards. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? “(1 John 5:4-5)

Jessica Sanchez lost to Phillip Phillips, but she won our hearts, and that is what counts the most.

1 comment:

  1. A very positive way to consider when losing. I still don't believe Jessica's is a defeat. She is a winner in her own right. The same case with Pacquiao vs Bradley. Since when did the 'good' becomes better than 'best'? I am beginning to dislike competition.

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