"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me and preserve me for his Heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. AMEN." - 2 Timothy 4:17-18
"I'm a bad, bad girl."
I guess this was one of my classic Franciscan Youth Movement (FYM) moment. I remember Kuya Toms parodying this before until now. I'm both appalled and entertained when he does that, it's not just hilarious at one point but it's also embarassing at the same time to remember how sinful I was back then.
This line came out during my first Easter Youth Celebration (EYC). It was never a defining moment for me...until now because I realize that was that time that I was really broken. Broken by God and the beginning of my conversion.
On February 14, 1999, I joined the FYM. Weeks before this, I wanted to join FYM. I was observing a friend of mine as she entered this small room, the second door of the Parish. The people inside the room gave a warm glow, and greeted my friend with joyous spirits.
How I envied her.
I felt like I was outside that bubble of happiness. I was filled with envy and an indescribable longingness to receive the same peaceful and happy dispositions they have.
I was observing outside the bubble. I wanted to get inside that bubble and be part of it. And I did.
On Valentine's Day, in the year of our Lord 1999, I made sure I joined this movement. I wanted to enter on an auspicious day so that I would remember it forever.
And I felt home immediately. And it felt really good that our first activity I had with them was to go to the Orthopaedic where we assisted, serenaded, talked with the patients there.
Indeed it was a different way to spend Valentine's day with them. It was a great way to begin my Franciscan journey.
Modern Troubadours
Through the years, the fraternity had shown and glorified God through their works, teachings, formations, advices and examples. They were more than friends to me, they were my "kapatids."
They are true knights for God, like St. Francis of Assissi, and together with God, they are friend who are "standers" not "runners." In the Old West, "runners" are people who leave their comrades when the going gets tough while "standers" are the ones who stay and never abandon you in moments of peril. No matter happens.
Through the years, the fraternity had shown and glorified God through their works, teachings, formations, advices and examples. They were more than friends to me, they were my "kapatids."
They are true knights for God, like St. Francis of Assissi, and together with God, they are friend who are "standers" not "runners." In the Old West, "runners" are people who leave their comrades when the going gets tough while "standers" are the ones who stay and never abandon you in moments of peril. No matter happens.
I have entered the so-called bubble only to find out it was not a bubble after all but a continuous synergy of love that spirals to others and towards God.
I want to be like them because despite being an accepted member, I still believe I am far from being a true Franciscan. Their examples as individuals and as a group is still hard for me to follow until now. To be like them is not just being a light of hope and love but it takes courage, will, and total surrender to God.
Right now, the bad girl has improved in a way but I still have a long way to go. I have not fully followed Christ ways but I am trying and trying still.
Thank God I have my "kapatids" in FYM who are this generation's standers for people like me. Who despite my inconsistencies had been my friends despite of everything I have done.
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