My Safe Haven

THE TIME has arrived. The man in his formal suit has asked fifteen individuals to rise as he will utter two questions that will surely create a new definition of life. The crowd is in great silence, waiting for the happiest response ever heard. I, too, was there, finding myself in the center of this great pool of believers, standing in front, and ready to broadcast the same positive answer as what the other fourteen did. Simple move of my lips, yet requires time to prove its worth. Years must go to gradually find pieces that will complete the puzzle I am about to create. This time is the most precious of all, as it was the day of giving up my life to the One with the exclusive rights to all of my possessions. After some time, a melody was played and filled the stadium with its very heartfelt vibrations, following by the accompanying joyful voices of all attendees. I never heard such singing so lively before! It really touched my deepest self. The song concludes with the very reassurin...

“At pinasimulang anyuan ng Diyos na Jehova ang tao mula sa alabok ng lupa at inihihip sa mga butas ng kaniyang ilong ang hininga ng buhay, at ang tao ay naging isang kaluluwang buháy.” (Genesis 2:7, bi12) Ito ang pasimula ng napakahabang linya ng sangkatauhan. Nilalang si Adan na perpekto, walang kapintasan, at pinaglaanang sagana ni Jehova. Higit sa lahat, ang tao ay nilalang “ayon sa larawan ng Diyos”. (Genesis 1:27) Kung gayon, taglay ni Adan ang mga katangian ng Diyos na buháy na tinukoy ng Bibliya bilang makatuwiran, nakahihigit sa karunungan, makapangyarihan-sa-lahat, at pag-ibig. Subalit sa kabila ng mga paglalaang ito, naiwala ni Adan ang kaisa-isa nitong mana noon: ang walang hanggang buhay sa paraisong tinatamasa. Naging kahulugan ng isang munting pasiya ang buong kinabukasan ng tao. Iyan mismo ang iniuulat sa atin ng ikatlong kabanata ng Genesis, at ang resulta nito’y isang hatol sa lahat na walang tao ang may kakayahang bumali, na ipinasulat ng Diyos sa Roma 5:12 upang b...

In the midst of the great human sea, I can find myself the subject of the wave and resounding applause by thousands of delegates in the stadium. Fifteen individuals are in the row marching towards the greatest decision ever made. While I am in the edge of this row, I began to took a single glimpse of the two big screens, taking a nap after the most wonderful scene being portrayed. Few minutes passes by and my turn came to step in the water to publicly declare my vows and dedication to the One who creates me. At this point onward, I decided that all of my will should be placed next to Jehovah (the one who means the most for me), and shall not be honored first. Exactly a year have been passed since I took the greatest decision as stated above. A year of pleasing Jehovah, a year of loving Jehovah, and a year of walking with Jehovah. As I step into the water, I already assemble myself to die from my old self and old course of living so that I can live again for Jehovah’s will. After get...

In the Hand of Striking Physical Pain The sun is slowly setting down. As I look up above, I can’t help myself but to be amazed of all the colors brushed in the broad, cloudy sky. Thinking of the scene portrayed, I began to measure how wonderful the earth is, but seems too far from what I can really imagine. Golden and lush reddish color fills the sky, truly a special exhibition of world’s wonders that no one can imitate. Behind me is a lush greenery fields, an astonishing evidence of His love. As I watched these awesome creations, Jehovah never show any unpleasant to my eyes. But despite these gifts, my heart become blind that fails to see all these wonders of the earth, seemingly hopeless and refusing to accompany me in bringing praise to Jehovah with a rejoicing soul. I can’t fathom what’s within me or what’s wrong with me, but a thing is certain: my heart is always asking, “why I am here most of my life?” Throughout my entire existence, I’ve seen many things that affects each ...

The dawn is just around the corner. Later, the beam of light signals the start of shining by the rising sun. This day is very clear, pleasant and no worries. Tasks have to be done, and the normal routine of living ruled again. I was there in my safe haven, happy, playing joyfully, and running freely in the dusty yard. The scene was very peaceful, much differ from the next events. That day, we have received a dreadful message: my grandfather, who watch my mother grew, have passed away. I don’t remember how it feels to be left alone, but I know that pains inside take time to be cured. Only seasons can make me heal, but can’t recover my totality in full. Until now, even I have my wants, I feel that I am not absolutely complete. I was only ten years old by that time, but still, the memories of that event are clear. I am too young, and thus I have much time left in this world, which means that majority of my life, I will be fastened to incompleteness as long as I breathe. That is why I’ve ...