Starving for Love

“Alms, alms, give me a piece of bread,” this is a line from a famous monologue.

Food, water, clothing and shelter – these are the basic needs of children. But do all of them get these things? Are all of them enjoying their childhood?

I was dressed in my Sunday’s best and I was ready to go. Then, me and Kuya Kier rode in our car with my mom driving. We were heading to church when suddenly the red light flashed so we stopped. While we were waiting for the traffic light to turn green, I heard a soft knock on our window. It came from a little boy begging for alms.

My mother looked at him and asked, “Where are your parents?” With gloomy eyes and weak voice he answered, “My mother and father are at home.” “What are their jobs?” mother asked again. “Nothing,” the boy sadly replied. And then the green light flickered, it was time to go.

My mother didn’t have the chance to give that boy anything. All I was able to say was, “Mommy, he’s such a pitiful sight.”

At the moment, my heart heard a cry amidst the deafening noise of the world. I suddenly remembered what most adults would say about children, “Children of today are the hope of tomorrow.” But how could that be if they are not given their needs and attention and love from their parents? What a sad fate it would be for them.

But I know in my heart that God is merciful and that He would guide them wherever they may go. He will always shower them with His great love.

After all, I believe in the saying that “A baby is born with a need to be loved and never outgrows it.”