March: Eventful (the good, the bad and the issues)

In the Philippines, the end of March means graduation, school break and summer. Like to many, it’s eventful to me as well, particularly this year’s March and here’s why:

Personal –

My dad, who had been sick and has been written about here a few times last year, during the height of his illness, has finally been able to get back on the track. He’s gained his weight back and strength. His back to jogging 3 times a week. He’s still on medication but has definitely made a remarkable recovery. Two Sundays ago, I watched him march up to the pulpit to deliver the message that Sunday morning Worship, marking his comeback to the ministry.

I can’t be anymore thankful and relieved seeing him there.

Local happening –

There was a disturbing shooting incident here in a university involving a couple who are students in that campus that are only 17 year-olds. The young man shot his girlfriend in the face and then shot himself in the head. The girl  apparently wanted to break up with him.

The young man died but the girl survived, disturbing, not only because of the nature of the crime but also because it’s not common here.

It was on the news for sometime and the school was investigated. How did the boy get the gun and where and how did it get passed the university guard? The investigation centered on the gun and the responsibility of the school to keep the students safe. Those are good concerns but I think we were  missing the real issues.

The boy could have shot the girlfriend outside the school, in the street, in her house (who’d be responsible for that then?), he could’ve harmed her another way, with a knife or any blunt, sharp object.

I think we’re missing the real root of the tragedy, pre-marital sex, violence against women and our youth getting involved in relationships very early in life when they really have no realistic and true understanding of what ‘love’ is and should be, yet

Sadly, the interest of the media on the case didn’t last very long and the news about it died all too soon and the issues I’ve cited above remains to be addressed more seriously.

World News

An 8.9 earthquake and a 30 feet killer tsunami hit Japan, an estimated 17,000 or more deaths. It all happened in just 5 minutes.

The world was shocked at the devastating news. Requests for prayers for Japan flooded Facebook and I’m certain a lot of people heed the call but unfortunately, there were also negative posts I read from there.

Yes, Japan is not a Christian country like the Philippines but let’s not forget Christ died for us while we were yet sinners and unworthy of grace. God makes the sun rise on them as well as to those who are His children.

A disaster of that magnitude (even those that are not) that befalls any country, should get our sympathy, empathy, our help and most of all, our prayers.

Good news with the bad, they always go together but whatever happens, our hope is in the Lord.

Romans 8:28