We Are All Connected

As I write this, my two children are sleeping soundly beside me and we are all comfy and cozy in our small apartment here in Quezon City. The weather is just perfect — cool with a hint of “brr…” — just right for the month of December, which we have known to be one of the coolest months in the country. (Though lately, it has been really hot during the day!)

The husband has left early this morning for a meeting at Eastwood with other colleagues — they are busy preparing for the Kerygma Conference in Davao this weekend. I know he will come home later, safe and sound, and tonight we will light the candle on our Advent wreath and enjoy being with our children as we cherish our family Advent traditions.

Sadly, many families and individuals cannot say the same at this point in time. They are not comfy and cozy in their homes and are, instead, trying to make the most out of their cramped conditions in evacuation centers. Many are stuck in their homes amidst raging typhoon rains and possibly heavy floods, praying for a miracle, praying to be spared.

Yes, our countrymen are in need again of our prayers and assistance, just like last year, when Typhoon Sendong hit the country, also in December.Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha) is battering, or has battered, different parts of the country as you read this. “Scores” of people have died and thousands more in shelters, seeking refuge from the storm’s wrath.

During times like these, especially as we are in the “frenzied” Christmas season, it may be tempting for those of us who are not directly affected by such calamities to go on with our daily activities, and seemingly “not care” about what’s going on. We’re too busy making our Christmas shopping lists, shopping for gifts, preparing for Noche Buena and family reunions, attending Christmas parties. Let someone else help those in need, right?

Wrong.

Dear readers, the reality is this: We are all connected. Whether we like it or not. Whether we believe it or not. Whether we have the same beliefs or not. Whether we are Muslim, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Buddhists, atheists, etc. — we are all connected somehow. At least, that’s what I believe.

As Filipinos, we have witnessed our country and our countrymen rise from different calamities and disasters — both natural and man-made. We know that “the Filipino spirit is waterproof.” We know that, after this typhoon, there may still be more to come (though let us pray that there aren’t any more) — yet we will still stand strong.

Because of our being connected somehow, we will overcome. Many of us, including myself, will say that it is our faith that will see us through.

During this Advent, as we prepare for Christmas, let us seek the means and ways to show that what I believe is the reality is really true. Let us reach out to those in need, especially our countrymen who are victims of Typhoon Pablo… even if it’s just by offering a prayer for them. In the end, the little things we do will make a big difference.