Meet Some of My Friends
“The Glowing Lights”
A small presentation of some priceless jewels that have made my life complete.
Well, on top of the list would be …
Papa Butch
One of my best friends. A Christian minister currently pastoring a church headed by Mr. Ed Lapiz.
You may drop a visit his homepage which contains alot of Biblically inspiring posts for you to be blessed.
I remember a time when he gave me an unexpected long-distance call at my place early morning. And for me, thoughtfulness such as that is truly priceless. I am so grateful for all your kindness dad. May Love guide and bless you always.
Mom Aukina
Next on the list is my online mom, Aukina for Israel. A Sabbath-keeping Messianic Jew who loves Yeshua her Saviour. She has a lot of interesting as well as intriguing posts on her site which is also worth viewing. Although we may have had some differences, we love each other nonetheless because that is what unconditional love is. Embracing persons for who they are---and not for what we expect them to be. Although she is a Messianic she is not that dogmatic when it comes to love songs and for all you know, she has a strong sense of humor. No wonder she always stay young at heart. There are three words from her that I’ll never forget and those are: “Just be Yourself.” All because she loves me the “way I am.” Isn’t that beautiful to hear? Ima, what I've said to you before I will say again and over again---Ani Ohev Otach ... I love You. Blessed are you among women.
Sister Malga
A pious Roman Catholic, just like my sweet and understanding biological mother is. She is deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin, and is one of the administrators of Catholic Friends
Once again there may be some of you who would harshly accuse her of being an idolater, venerating graven images, praying the rosary, being “misled” and “lost’ all because she is practicing some of the things unapproved by your “faith.” But for me, that doesn’t matter. In fact, I don’t give a damn what she believes---and I won’t stone a person all because her skin color or her views differ from mine. But I will keep on loving her, not because most of her beliefs are the same with mine, or contrariwise---but simply because she’s a human being like us---with a heart that knows how to love and be loved, period.
Each one of us are created unique---and we should respect and appreciate that uniqueness---just as we want our uniqueness (in any way) to be appreciated by others. For so long a time religion and politics have stood in the way with the loving relationship we have with our fellowmen. But I believe this shouldn’t be the case. We shouldn’t allow our differences to be an impediment for us to live in peace and harmony with our fellowmen. We all know that no matter what we do, no matter we say---no matter how hard we try---we cannot convert all people to share our faith and to embrace our beliefs.
But is this enough reason for us to stop loving them? Does the sun cease to shine on those who are not grateful to the sunlight? Or does the rain refuse to fall on them who think of nothing but themselves?
If no, so neither must we cease on loving those who or who may not love and understand us.
Since time immemorial, men have been arguing, fighting and killing each other because of their religious differences and idiosyncratic, eccentric and prejudiced “truths.” And this bloody discrimination has been going on throughout centuries. Worldwide. What’s really the point of knowing what “Truth” is IF this “knowledge” would lead your heart to hate your fellowmen living in the same planet you live in?
If this “truth” is insinuating you to hate, to discriminate your neighbor by showing partiality---to create “holy” wars, to commit infanticide, to condemn others who do not share your beliefs to hell, to create countless inquisitions, innumerable jihads and woeful terrorisms---no thanks but----I’d rather not know your “truth.”
The point is not whether you “know” the “truth”---what matters most is where your “knowledge of “truth” is leading you. And what this knowledge is “creating” “molding” “fashioning” you to be-come first towards yourself, towards your neighbors and to the world at large.
Don’t you think it's about time to end all this strife?
Let us labor for Love, for the betterment of our society rather than be a fence-sitter waiting for some divine intervention to come from Above while doing nothing ourselves. And this knowledge of love and peace can only be born if we have concern to our children---and to future generations about to be born. They too have a right to share this world of ours. I truly believe there must be some way for us to end all this conflict---whether it be on the area of religion and politics---and we can only find the answer within us---inside our hearts … if we look deep within and listen closely---like a little child does.
So then I say, Miss Malga is my friend. Any one you may stone her with religious accusations if you want to---(as well as with every other faiths that may differ from yours) but be sure that before doing so---this doesn’t go against the definition of universal and unconditional Love.
Mrs. Yara Salloum
My friend and Grandmother online. She has, time and again appreciated my Videos “anointing my head” with her very lovely remarks and outstanding poetries, although I seldom send her such. I believe she also knows what unconditional love is. And aside from her mouthwatering recipes, you can “taste and see” that Grandmas love is sweet---sweet as her heart is. Thanks for your constant visits ma, I Love You.
Brother Mike
One of my Catholic Friends and like Mrs. Salloum keeps sending me lovely inspirational graphics in the past and until now. My remarks of you brother may be short but my love for you is not short-lived. Thank you so much for your friendship and for accepting the responsibility to be one of the admins of Catholic Friends. May the Light of Life and Love bless you and your loved-ones always.
Enzo Mordeno
The Music Lover---also known as brother Renzee. We actually have a lot of things in common especially when it comes to music. I highly recommend that you go and check some of his fascinating play lists on his site and I’m absolutely sure, you won’t regret dropping a visit at his page. He Loves Contemporary and Romantic songs especially those outstanding pieces from Jose Mari Chan and Sarah Geronimo. Well, way to go bro! Buong puso kitang ipinagmamalaki. More Power and More Blessings to you and your songs. Keep spreading the fragrance of love abroad the whole world!!!
Juliana Leslie
The Poet and the Herbalist. Not only is she good at poetries and uplifting quotes but is also an specialist when it comes to herbal remedies. So if you want a free but effective way to get rid of all your ailments---I suggest you go visit the doctor with the heart of a Princess. Sister Julie may God walk with you always. Namaste! May your kindness return to you a million fold.
Sheryl M.
Which I endearingly address Ate Shy. Like Brother Renzee Shy is one of my fellow Filos, a lover of Enya and ABBA. Listening to her etherical backgrounds of Enya makes me feel like I’m in seventh-Heaven. But don’t just take my word for it. Visit her site and be amazed yourself.
John, Jepp, Hector,
Romeo and Igme
And last but not the least—here are my friends John and brother Hector, Romeo and Kuya Igme. John, Jepp, Igme and Romeo are atheists and brother Hector is more like an agnostic and a freethinker like me but nonetheless like I’ve always said in my previous statement they’re still my friends. And much like Jesus befriended and talked to Samaritans (whom no self-righteous and dogmatic Jew would dare communicate with: maybe because for them Samaritans aren’t humans) the tax-collectors, prostitutes in His days so will I not make any discrimination among people when it comes to love, simplicity and friendship. They only key is understanding. So that means any accusations from the Pharisees are automatically disregarded. Why? Simply because first: Whether we like it or not, they’re human beings too like us with a heart that knows how it feels like to love and get hurt and second Because for me, they’re Good Samaritans and although they’re not affiliated with any Religion their WAY or LIFE and LOVE is their Religion.
So again, like I’ve said with Miss Malga---anyone of you reading this is free to stone these men with your dogmatical and religious condemnations. But then again, I repeat: Be sure “this doesn’t go against the definition of universal and unconditional Love.”
May Peace and Love reign.
You see, when we look deeply friends are not just those who stand beside us in times of trouble, who give us comfort and a tap in the back whenever we need it. But also those who teach us lessons of patience, forgiveness and temperance with every other virtue in life. They may not come in handy yes---but nonetheless they still show us the fullness of what life is---both bitter and sweet. And that is knowing the beauty of life as it is. Embracing and enjoying its wholeness and not just a part of it.
We are each one of us treading life’s journey. And in the school of life there are lessons to learn, for if everything were perfect what need is there for us to learn---and mature?
That is why we are commanded to LOVE our enemies because in the long run, we will know that no man on earth really is our enemy but are like manifold colored threads that make up a beautiful tapestry.
To get what I mean, why not try standing from afar (with an open mind and a contemplative heart) to get the WHOLE picture?
Have a Pleasant Day to All of You!
To All My Friends ...
Thank You for Decorating My Life!
Doumo Arigato
AngelRai
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