Not so ‘fast’

Every time people learn I’m taking part in a five- or seven-day fast, they shake their heads in disbelief and soon all the whys, how and what for, begin to pour out like a waterfall. This year we did it again and mid-week, our Senior Pastor Steve Murell shared a short blog that answered the many questions people ask when they hear someone is “fasting.”

“NASHVILLE – This week churches all over the Every Nation world are beginning 2017 with a week of prayer, fasting and consecration. I have been participating in fasts like these since I was college student. I’ll never forget my first fast.

For some crazy reason, Rice Brooks and I and several of our brilliant friends, decided that it would be a good idea to break our fast at midnight at Sonic Drive-in with footlong chili cheese dog. It seems like most of the fast we found ourselves in a trance-like state, dreaming about chili cheese dogs and longing for midnight. I definitely learned my lesson on how not to fast (and how not to break a fast). Here are a few more tips on how not to fast that I have learned over the past few decades.

1. A fast is NOT a Christianized diet. When we diet, the ultimate goal is body transformation. When we fast, the ultimate goal is soul transformation. When we diet, we are relying on our own personal discipline to change ourselves. When we fast, we are relying on the Spirit of God to change us. When we diet success is measured quantitatively (in pounds or kilos). When we fast, success is measured qualitatively (in relationship).

2. A fast is NOT a hunger strike. A hunger strike is all about defying an authority figure and getting him to comply with our demands. A fast is all about humbling ourselves before the ultimate authority and submitting to His will. In a hunger strike, the person fasting is the heroic actor who brings about change. In a fast, God is the heroic actor who brings about change.

3. A fast is not a spiritual performance. Fasting is not a demonstration of spiritual strength. Rather it’s a declaration of spiritual weakness. Fasting is not about proving to God ( or to ourselves) that we are committed disciples; it is about denying ourselves, picking up our crosses and following Him. Fasting is not about demonstrating devotion; it is about cultivating desire for God and His Kingdom.

As I have said many times before, I have a love/hate relationship with fasting. I hate having an empty stomach for a week, but I love how God changes me as I am emptied of self and filled with his Spirit. So as we fast this week, remember fasting is NOT about losing weight, or getting what we want, or proving how spiritual we are. It’s about God working in us and creating an even deeper desire for Himself and His Kingdom.” 

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The pre-emptive strike of the DENR against suggestions to build an underwater park in Coron, Palawan was certainly swift and popular. But then again, a few wondered if there ever was a plan on the table or was someone just launching a trial balloon or fishing for a response? The idea was so preposterous it bordered on the absurd.

On the other hand, there are a number of people who want the DENR to focus on real problems that already exist and could get worse.

A number of our readers and Netizens are concerned about tourist destinations that have become over developed, reached their “carrying capacity.” Baguio City for example has been destroyed by urbanization and commercial greed. What saved Baguio from complete melt down was the government was able to build numerous roads leading to and coming from Baguio. The City also benefitted from Green zones set up by property developers.

Now, people living in Tagaytay City and its outskirts are voicing their concern regarding over-development and unregulated Tourism. Tagaytay City has prospered and become an extension of Metro Manila for “gimmicks” or quick drives and quick bites. Local politicians have managed to attract investments as well as tourists. But recently, complaints about traffic jams, water shortage, parking problems and “tourist-driven” inflation affecting the quality of life of local residents have risen.

There were instances of water shortage particularly during holidays, Christmas to New Year. Residents who tried to escape Tagaytay were stuck in traffic jams. Tagaytay restaurants now charge as much as Metro Manila joints and this has led to an increase in food prices for locals. Sadly the locals now find it extra hard to have a social life for lack of parking and available tables in restaurants, churches and the local mall during weekends and peak season.

Will the DENR, DPWH and local officials of Tagaytay City wait for disaster to strike or will they come together to prepare for increased demands for water, build new access and entry to the city as well as impose stricter rules on requiring buildings to have sufficient parking spaces and just as important, will they develop a real program towards reducing waste at source and arresting people dumping garbage in ravines and abandoned roads? Instead of attacking what’s not there, the DENR ought to start paying attention to what’s already there and has the potential of becoming real disasters.

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Still on the DENR, Secretary Lopez ought to develop more officers to handle issues and matters directly because her mere presence or opinion can make a mountain out of a molehill. A small local environmental concern can suddenly become a big issue or be labeled as a “big deal” or a disaster just because “The Secretary” is in the picture.

Denying Sponge Bob his playground may sound good to the choir but not necessarily to people who pay attention to details as well as investors lured in by people with faulty messaging. In the “Ash fall” issue in Limay, Bataan, the Usecs and local officers did a good enough job addressing the issue without Secretary Lopez needing to get hands on. Too many cooks spoil the broth and it also lets in a lot of flies looking for a free meal, a soapbox to stand on, or a story to exaggerate.

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