The Strength of Catholics in the Philippines

Blasphemous! We've replaced the 12 disciples and Jesus with supermodels. Female disciples? Male Mary? Female Jesus? Think about thinking out of the box.

I forgot where I saw this picture, but I thought it was very interesting because it shakes up the mind. It makes one think and wonder about the possibilities. It really opens your eyes to looking at things from a different perspective.

So about the catholics here in the Philippines? If we are such a strong catholic nation, why is our country described as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. If most citizens are catholics, why is there such pervasive display of non-catholic, unchristian behavior wherever you go. From Pagudpud to Sorsogon (that's the commercial from the movies), you see human tragedy. Greed, power, poverty, hunger, corruption.

Does that mean, then, that most catholics are hypocrites? That they go to church but don't really practice what they learn? Or does that mean that they are not hypocrites, but that the church is teaching them the wrong things?

Someone, please tell me.

I took a picture of this wall frame at one of my client's training rooms. It's a great reminder that despite all the battles, the hardships, the obstacles, the blues, or whatever word you may want to call it, we need to remember that there are still opportunities ahead of us. As long as life has not ended for you, as long as you are breathing, and as long as you will live to see the light of day again, you can make a change.

There are many times when I would just want to quit, and go back home to the US. But I keep telling myself, that this is where I need to be. That I have a purpose here. There are so many people that will try to undermine you. People who will not believe in you. People who could care less about the people. People are people. They are not perfect, and they can be the most cruel ones out there without even knowing it.

So I say, Don't Quit. DO IT. Sounds like Nike, eh? But it's so true. When the going gets rough, the tough gets going. Damn, how many jingles and cliches is this post going to have? To make a long story short, look at it from an optimist's point of view, like this wall frame says: Every difficulty is an opportunity in disguise.

Great Talkers are Little Doers

Today, one of my clients asked me, "What's wrong with the Filipinos?" He's a foreigner from Korea. He said that most Filipinos he meets are fed up about their situation. They always speak of corruption, bad politics, dirty streets, disorganized communities, poverty, poor education, bad government, the kitchen sink, the beeping car, you name it. He asked me, "If the Filipinos are so disappointed about their current situation, why is the country not changing?"

I ask the same thing myself. The only answer I can think of is that we like to talk, complain, whine, or what not, instead of helping to make a change through action. This begs the question, "Why do we not take action?" My honest opinion is that we are afraid. We are afraid that if we take action about the wrongdoings, we may be harmed in the process. Therefore, we would rather shut up and put up. If it inconveniences us, turn a blind eye. How sad that we must behave this way. However, I do understand, for we may only be protecting our own lives.

But there comes a time when you just need to speak out. When is this time?