Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City- A big network conference was held last August 10, 2013 with thousands passionate partakers, not to watch a basketball league but to respond to a call and live a DESTINY.
The people who came represent all walks of life. I was there. I never planned. It is destined.
After the Morning Watch, as the first faint colouring of dawn found me getting ready in anticipation, the time whilen everyone huddled, I wondered what will happen at the gathering. Even the raindrops and the first pale light of the day gave me no hint. I'm more curious and delighted then.
The conference started with a playful beamed of lights. Then I joined everyone, sang the Lupang Hinirang, our Pambansang Awit. Next, the fast to mellow soulful songs that ignite me more. When the hosts pronounced the program and presented the participants thru respective shade and colours, I felt onoured to be in the crowd. And I just can't hide an inch of smile.
"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed- a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, (a) just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith"(b)- Romans 1:17
While I listened to the speakers I mean attentively, flashback came. Thoughts fell over and confirmations popped like pop corns on heat. I started to play around in my two dimensional realm. First was at the physical scenery right from the platform. Second the voice inside my head. And the more supply came, the more I demanded. So I both leaned and juggled on them.
At the head topic, the Vision with this question, "Anong Sadya Mo?" given by Pastor Leo Carlo Panlilio, I related to myself, "Totoo, sa mundong ito may mga bagay na sinasadya. Sinasada ang pagtaba, pag- ipon, pagkain, pagkanta, pagtago, pag-ibig,, at marami pang iba. Ayaw kong maligaw lang. Ayaw kong mapadaan lang. Kikilos ako. Maghahanda ako. Mananadya ako. Dahil ako ay ang taong may sadya."
Carefully I paid attention to Pastora Queen Helene Panlilio. Her statement really caught me, "Change the culture, Change the resul." The my selfie mode came. I remembered a phrase, "Would the girl you were yesterday admire the woman you are today? If not, adjust for desired results." True, I can't remain the same and expect more and have the right result.
Then again, I listened to the speakers and realized I've done this juggle thingy already while I'm away in the busy lights of metro. Whereas everyone had an information overload, yes, I juggled on Pastor Paulus Wiratmo's message as he stated, "Happy people are those who find their purpose." So I reflected...
About six weeks ago I stepped into Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal two with a light blue luggage and dark backpack. I was a little anxious of going back to my homeland and running into the unknown. My former fears rose quickly, but I valued my dreams more than the fears. So I silenced them.
All because I preferred to stop and breathe... with God for a time, to renew something outside my closed spaced and from what- who might influence me. So I favoured homey over elaborate. It was perfectly imperfect.
Even I'm surrounded with dear people; I had this realm inside. I run, sat on each day, and deeply breathed. Then I looked down at my hands, my feet, and the rest of the body that I am in, and the places that I went in. At times these places get too beautiful that i forgot where I am. I forgot time exist. I lost the past. I lost the future. I was left with nothing but whatever was in front of me.
I unlearned and relearned. And I had lessons I wouldn't have learned through a book or at the classroom. I found much more than what I look for.A short time before Pastor Nonon Orjaleza stepped into the stage, the kind of silence that was unearthly came and I knew I need to be patient. And as he spoke about "Developin Your Faith to Sow (Developing to be a Kingdom Millionaire)", I inhaled to pull myself together...
Pastor Orjaleza reminded me the insight I had, that one important thing of healing is trust. A seed assignment- a trust Mosses showed as he grabbed the serpent's tail, before it turned to his stuff. Whereas, God held its head secretly, I believed. After that, Mosses had his breakthrough. I wanted mine.
When Bishop Oriel Ballano started to talk, like most of some, I got really pleases. What he shared in a witty full manner got me into a more healthy level. He said that people with no vision will not experience royalty. Royalty is a big word. I too wanted it. I knew it will take me a lot of time, strength and courage. More I understood lots of prayers.
Next was simply entertaining, Pastor Rafy Panlilio whom disclosed to me that more that the thought of being an ornament and bringing along... I'm a mere lantern- nothing if not for the Light. This illustration ended me with wealth.
Further I felt right. Really, little is much in God's hand. The worship, fellowship, giving, and surprise continued.
It was sublime.
For many times my plans failed. But, the Lord never does, for His love endure forever. My usual control- freak self feels more assured now than before, knowing that I failed just for His plans to happen. I screwed up but I can say I have the courage to feel. Some said they're blessed of me. Some called it luck, while others saw it as a miracle. And as a Christian, I believed it to be the power of our Sovereign God.
The conference nearly ended, so it sank to me; indeed I came back on time.
Everything happened so fast. The next thing I knew I sat on top of a blue chair and listened to wonderful leaders. I realized that my journey is the greatest risks I've ever have taken. Perhaps the greatest thing I've ever done. And I've never felt more alive.
The moment where everyone celebrate and cherrished the event, I've vowed that I will keep doing this. I will keep taking risks for the sake of the quest. For the sake of my dreams. For the sake of doing what is right. For the sake of living my life's destiny. To always run into the unknown and discover the wonder that lies ahead... over and over again because I was BORN FOR THIS.
