Tightrope

For me, there’s nothing more exciting to watch than a live circus. I have been to several ‘Cirque du Soleil’ shows and their acrobat acts are just simply the greatest. It's always a thrill watching their acrobats fly across the big dome with such dramatic performances. Even though I have a great fear of heights, I still do enjoy watching them from the ground. There’s the fire-eater, all sorts of jugglers, the flying trapeze, contortionists, and of course, the tightrope artists. Looking back, Karl Wallenda was probably the best-known tightrope artist of all time. He was the patriarch of a family that thrilled the world with their acts on the high wire back in the late 1960’s. But in 1978, Karl was crossing a tightrope 75 feet high above the ground stretched between two buildings when he lost his balance and plummeted to his death. After that incident, his wife talked about his career and that fateful tightrope act, “All Karl thought about for three straight months prior was falling. It was the first time he had ever thought about falling, and it seem that he had put all his energy into not falling rather than walking the tightrope.”

A lot of people fall because they’ve consumed all their time and energy thinking about not falling rather than accomplishing the task before them. Similarly, focusing only on the results could bring unpleasant consequences. Many people do their responsibilities and focus mainly only on what benefits they could get even if it would cause them their obedience to God.

When Samuel brought the message to Saul that God had sent him to anoint Saul as king of Israel, he also gave God’s message to Saul to smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have, spare none but slay both men, women, infants, ox, sheep, camel, donkeys and their fatlings. So Saul gathered his people, numbered them and came to a city of Amalek and waited in the valley. He warned the Kenites to go since they had been kind to all the children of Israel. As soon as the Kenites departed Amalek, Saul and his army attacked the Amalekites. He took Agag, the king of Amalekites alive and destroyed everything with sword. But Saul and his people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, oxen, the calves, lambs, and other animals; and all that was good were not destroyed. God was saddened for Saul did not performed according to what He commanded. When confronted by Samuel, Saul reasoned that the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to offer as sacrifice unto God, and the rest had been utterly destroyed as the Lord had commanded. Samuel responded that the Lord had no delight in the burnt offerings and sacrifices if this causes you to fail obedience unto God for to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15: 1-23). Saul walked on the tightrope. However, he missed out big time the process of doing what God had commanded Him to do. Instead, he became stubborn and later rebellious that God finally rejected Him and took away his kingdom. How ironic since we often behave like Saul and fall. We actually need to focus on the reasons for making the sacrifices rather than the sacrifice itself.

What does it take to successfully walk the tightrope, whether it’s 75 feet above the ground, or the tightrope of life? First is, perspective. When walking the tightrope, there is no fooling around. It’s strictly serious concentration and focus – your head up and eyes on the goal, staying alert.

Second, must have balance. Without it, you’re dead! This is where you learn to handle between business, social, family and peer pressures, church, managing finances, home affairs, giving and so on. Become a workaholic and you’re liable to burn out. I know because I do. This may cause you your family, but if you fail your family suffers.

Third, is tension, usually considered an enemy but you’ll need it. Without tension a violin sounds sharp, the wings of an airplane will sag, the tire on the cars go flat, and the tightrope walker will not get across the wire. But too much tension can also destroy you. Having not enough of it can keep you from being at your best.

There is one more crucial element needed to succeed in crossing the tightrope: courage! You may have all the above elements but without courage you’ll never step out and give it a go. Don’t just concentrate on not falling but instead, concentrate more on walking the tightrope.

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding great joy.” Jude 24 (KJV). We Christians have the assurance that Christ keeps us from falling prey to many things – although many of these are widespread and dangerous, there’s no need for us to be afraid if we trust Him and we are deeply rooted and grounded in Him.

Bible passage to read: Jude 24

“CONCENTRATE ON THE WALKING,

NOT THE FALLING IN TIGHTROPE OF LIFE”

The Christ of Christmas

Are you aware that even Christians today can miss the point of the Christmas story if they are not careful? There is a warning of the danger that we can become so charmed with the story of the baby that we have become so sentimental about and it does not demand any vital change in our way of thinking and living.

Now here’s the question: Is Christmas only a story about a baby born in a manger? Or is there more to Christmas than just a newborn child? Christmas is an undying story about a baby born in a manger that later grew up and redeemed the world from its sins and calls us into partnership with His great and mighty purposes.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, he said, “And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (KJV). We are able to grasp the full meaning of Christ’s coming only when we see His birth in the light of His crucifixion and resurrection.

If Christ is the essence of Christmas, how does it affect our lives today? Did Christ’s birth made any difference at all? Many people come to a point of discouragement by saying “Christ’s coming to earth has made a little difference in one’s life because we still have so many problems.” As the world celebrate Christmas today, many shops and places remove ‘Christ’ in their Christmas by using the words “Merry X’mas” and “Happy Holidays”. “X” means the unknown factor. Thus, eliminating Christ as the center of their Christmas and their hearts.

But when you sit down and think about the difference Jesus’ life has made, you can reflect on these four truths:

1. Jesus did not remain a baby. He grew up to be strong in spirit (Luke 1:80) and had an effective ministry of teaching and healing (Matt. 9:35).
2. Jesus when He was crucified did not remain in the grave. He arose to be our living Savior (Matt. 28:1-7; Rev. 1:18).
3. Our risen Savior did not remain on earth. He ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us and to send the Holy Spirit to indwell us (John 14:2, 25-26; Acts 1:9).
4. Our ascended Lord will not remain in heaven. He will come back to take us home to be with Him (John 14:3).

In fact, the birth of Jesus Christ has made a difference, but it does not mean we will have a trouble-free life. We will have tribulation in this world but because Christ Himself have overcome the world is one good reason enough for us to be of good cheer (John 16:33). Because Christ’s presence and power is within us, we can triumph over trials. That’s grounds for good cheer! Instead of being overwhelmed by trials, we can face them confidently because Christ does make a difference.

With your eyes wide open this Christmas; respond to God with love and commitment for the gift of His Son. Focus your thoughts, actions and motivations toward honoring the Baby who grew up and died for all our sins. Christ the Savior is born!

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Bible passage to read: Matthew 1:18-25

“THE MISSION OF THE CROSS IS HIDDEN
IN THE MESSAGE OF THE CRADLE.”

Second Chance

It was the night of my first big surgery and I was in the operating room at 9pm. The surgery was an hour and a half behind schedule. The sights of the huge surgical lights, the operating table and equipments; the neurosurgeon and his staff in their deep green gowns (to conceal the color of blood stains); the thought of being shaven bald while under anesthetic; going under the knife and drilling four holes on my skull are all nothing but like scenes in a slaughter house. It’s not my idea of fun and would have send chills down anyone’s spine. What would be on your thoughts if you were me? It was cold that night. Very cold! And I’m only wearing the hospital gown and a flannel blanket on top. But I was so calm and all smiles as the anesthesiologist talked to me for a while asking how I was doing while preparing me for the 3.5-hour ordeal. In the back of my mind, it is just another surgery. I know I am not alone. I’ve been through this three times before and I'm surely going to make it. The first one was, when I was as young as 8, for an appendectomy, then another major in 1996; and a right elbow injury a couple years back. Is there such a thing as being a pro when going under the knife? I wouldn’t like to think so.

My elder brother left his family behind, took (emergency) week off from work and flew in from Manila the day before, was waiting just outside the OR accompanying my 2 other good friends, Maggie and Paul. At about half past midnight, I regained consciousness. “Breathe! Breathe deeply! Inhale!” the Neurosurgeon said. I heard murmuring and sounds of metal equipments clanking on metal trays. I can feel the top of my head throbbing like it would explode as the effects of anesthetics lessen. As they wheeled me out of the OR on the way to ICU my eyes were still closed. A lady was jumping and screaming, “He’s alive, he’s alive!” And I heard my brother said, “Maggie and Paul are here waiting all night.” As I opened my eyes slowly, I uttered in my scruffy voice, “Wh…who’s Maggie? Who’s Paul?” Suddenly there was complete silence! For nearly half-a-minute all I got were stares from people surrounding me. The Neurosurgeon look puzzled. Then I smiled and said, “I was just kidding!” He gasped and exclaimed, “Oh he’s making a joke. That’s a very good sign.”

My first real taste of excruciating pain did not sink in until that night. But I don’t have to succumb to it. I believe that you must be able to take your pain and play with it in order for you to turn such situations around. Veteran comedian, Bill Cosby of the 'Cosby Show' was quoted as saying, “You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.” This holds true to those who survive such situations by turning them around and looking at the brighter side of life instead. For me, I prefer to laugh at myself and my own mistakes as I learn from it.

The second surgery the following night was even more agonizing than the first. I was awake all night just like the first, savoring every single minute in pain. In these moments, I experienced nearly my entire life flashed before my eyes. I was immobilized from the shoulder up as my head was too heavy and felt lifeless. My neck wound was too sharp and I was laying heavily on it. 4 days later, I had third surgery to remove my gallbladder which was highly inflamed and toxic. A few days had passed and one of my dear friends asked me during one of his visits, “So do you still believe in God after all these things that have happened to you?” In fact, it made me just draw nearer! The bad things that happen to us are perhaps allowed by God as a wake up call. From what? From abusing ourselves, excessive madness, being stubborn, or perhaps just to teach us an unforgettable lesson?

When David took census of Israel and Judah, he did it for pride and ambition in counting the people so that he could glory in the size of his army rather than putting his faith in God’s ability to protect them. This has angered God. For his punishment, God gave David 3 choices: 3 years of famine; 3 months of fleeing from your enemies; or 3 days of severe plague throughout the land. David chose the latter. So God sent a plague to Israel which lasted for 3 days where 70,000 people died. But as the death angel was preparing to destroy Jerusalem, God relented and told the angel to “Stop! That is enough!” (2 Samuel 24:16). David chose his punishment wisely. He knew how brutal his enemies were if he were to fall in their hands, and also knew God’s great mercy. To be punished by God is far better than to take chances without Him.

Every day people make mistakes, commit offenses or just simply become victims and you get to hear about it on the news. There are those who pay huge price for their wrong deeds while others are either punished harshly or disciplined. But what about those who are pardoned and become repeat offenders? Are there such valid excuses? Our God is a loving God He gives us another chance and sometimes, even choices to begin new life and become better persons. When you confess your sins to Him it is forgiven and thrown into the deepest seas. But sometimes we abuse the chances and often the consequences are devastating. Bad things are mostly the fruit of our disobedience. There are those who question God and turn their backs on Him. Others draw nearer! And there are those who chose to wait for their punishment before they learn their lessons. But because of God's unfailing love He gave me back my life, my strength and health to honor and glorify Him. I live to tell the wonders of His miracles and learn to accept whatever He sends my way and just simply put my trust in Him. This alone gives me good enough reason to live my second chance. One day after my third surgery that week, I stood up and was later discharged from the hospital.

Bible passage to read: 2 Samuel 24:1-25

“LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU
AND 90% HOW YOU RESPOND TO IT.”

Few weeks had past my friends and I finally decided to put the pain behind for a moment and enjoy a bit more of fun doing a little “Break Dancing”. And so we did as you can see from the following clip. (See below post).

Break Dancin'

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The Gift Nobody Wants

For many years I have been complaining of severe headaches, dizziness, nausea and eventually migraine attacks that caused me to suffer much bodily pains. Several practitioners prescribed me pain relievers in the hope that I get cured of all these ailments. One doctor dig deeper into the root of the problem and has prescribed me to see a physiotherapist. The result was effective and I was in very good condition for a couple of years. I also did practiced Yoga as part of my stretches. But just recently my condition began to deteriorate. I've had postural headaches with pounding, throbbing pains. I did have head rush whenever I change my posture. Dizzy spells came in and out most of the days and migraine has heightened my other senses. Spasms and stiff neck has taken its toll slowly and had limited my mobility. I could not take it anymore. My productivity has lessened dramatically and I was always in bed, in a bad mood caused by stress. It has affected my daily life including work, friends, family and personal time.

Symptoms and illness are not the same thing. The illness do exists long before the symptoms, and symptoms are the beginning of its cures. However, they are all unwanted! So, does pain really represent God’s greatest gift? Or was it God’s one great mistake? Are there certain times in your life you wish there were no pains? Have you ever thought what would it be like if there are no pains?

In his book, “Where Is God When It Hurts”, author Philip Yancey talked about Dr. Brand of Louisiana who lived among people with leprosy where he came to appreciate pain. In his works, he discovered that leprosy patients are suffering because they have a very defective pain system. Also known as Hansen’s disease, it is infectious and characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage and decreasing of one’s strength. Skin lesions decrease its sensation to touch, heat, or pain and do not heal after several weeks or months. He started following around patients at a leprosarium in India wondering how else they damage themselves. During one of his studies, pieces of fingers and toes disappear while patients are sleeping. He learned that rats were coming into the open-air wards and nibbling on unsuspecting patients. Without feeling pain, the patient is undisturbed until they wake up the next morning to find missing parts of their limbs. Then it became mandatory that each patient released from the hospital must have a cat for nocturnal protection. There were many other causes that contribute to patients’ deteriorating conditions in their daily lives. In short, leprosy works like an anesthetic, attacking the pain cells in our body producing numbness – hence, the absence of pain! The same is true in advanced cases of diabetes.

On Sept 8, 2008, I had CT scan of my brain. There was an evidence of severe increased intracranial pressure and was diagnosed with subdural hematoma with suspected intracranial hypotension due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Two major surgeries were performed 10 days after I was admitted at the hospital – they drilled four holes on the top of my skull to release the hematoma, and a laminectomy (the day after) which left more than 7-inch of surgical scar at the back of my neck to prevent the recurrent of hematoma. Lumbar puncture tests and a series of MRI scans were also further performed in between two surgeries to determine the cause and take preventive measures of the first ailment. Now that's a lot of torture! If not for the pains, I could have damaged my senses with either blurry visions, slur in speech, or worst, become paralyzed or fall into a coma if actions weren’t done soon enough. Can you tell how much pain I have been through in order to put my suffering to an end? Even though I cannot stand being awake since the pain is too much for me to bear, life must go on.

Just imagine how amazingly God created our body with minute details: The brain and spinal cord are covered by a tough, translucent membrane called the Dura matter due they are fragile and need extensive protection from being infected by disease organisms, from being crushed and other forms of harm. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain and spinal cord and cushions the brain and spinal cord from jolts. The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from any chemical intrusion from the rest of the body. The blood flowing into the brain is filtered in order to prevent harmful chemicals from affecting the brain. The absence of pain will make it hard to detect a single symptom of anomaly in the nervous system alone. Just two nights after surgery, I felt this strange sensation in my head as my brain gets fully hydrated. The top of my head which felt like a deflated ball suddenly came to rise slowly. I felt every square inch of my scalp hardening and the shape of my skull turned back in its full roundness again. Simply amazing! Now how many of you have ever experienced that kind of sensation ever?!? This is something you don’t get to see or experience every day, unless you are the neurologist yourself!

Through my experience, pain is not God’s mistake. It is simply the body’s way of alerting us of danger. The sensation of pain is a gift. It is a gift that nobody wants. To the victims of leprosy, pain defines life and God’s greatest gift! However, pain is never permanent. The world is full of pain and suffering. But it is also full of overcoming it. The deeper sorrow it carves into your being the more joy you can contain. “How is that possible?” you may ask me. You see, life is 10% of what happens to you and it is 90% how you respond to it.

Just imagine how many of us are recovering either from illness, a bad relationship, heartaches, and other pain-related matters. Well, I am sure everyone has their shares of pains and sufferings at some point of their lives. While pain is thought of as an unwanted gift, the fact that it is unwanted makes it more of a phenomenon of grace, a message from the unconscious to initiate self-examination and repair. We must embrace and burn it as a fuel for our life’s journey. Pain allows us to live active lives. If you are in doubt, why not visit a leprosarium and observe a world without pain. Pain, anyone? (To be continued…)

Bible passage: Job 7:1-21

"Life is simply full of surprises.

In the end, some of your greatest pains

become your greatest strengths."