Short Address to a Congregation After the Death of 4-Year Old Mary

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ dear brothers and sisters.

It is a terrible thing what has happened to Mary this week. As we mourn her absence we are also reminded that life indeed is frail and there is nothing we can do to control how long will it last.

But why this terrible situation had to happen? Where was God when Mary was dying? Was it really God’s will for Mary to leave us? Why her and not us? These and many other questions are surely triggering in our minds right now.

Though I cannot bring Mary back and I know that no sermon today can ease the pain that her family and the church are feeling, I would like to attempt to answer some of those questions.

Why did God make this situation happen?

My answer is very straightforward, this is not something that God made happen. In fact God did not want Mary to die. The Bible tells us that God knows the plans he has for us, and those are plans for good, not for disaster (Jer. 29:11). I can assure you by the testimony of the Holy Spirit and by the doctrine of the Bible, that God does not make evil to us. Then who? The answer to this is somewhat more complex. Sometimes indeed it is the devil who wants to hurt us, some other times things are the result of sad random conditions; nevertheless, ultimately it is us, human beings, who have brought pain into the world.

If we think of the case of Mary, maybe we could blame it on the driver who did not observe the car coming from the corner, or we could also blame it on that other driver who thought he could still make it in spite of the change of light. We could go farther and say that it is the fault of the mechanic who did not check the breaks in a correct way, or the factory who produced such flimsy automobile… but where will this quest for guilt take us? Sooner or later we will arrive to the realization that evil is in the world, that people suffer and that this suffering is only boosted by the selfishness and sins of humankind.

God did not want Mary to die on that accident, but in the same way we can affirm with all trust that he did not plan for humankind to experience pain and death. And this leads us to a second question.

Where was God when Mary was dying?

The Bible in Psalms 139:16 says that from the very moment we were being formed in our mother’s womb, God was already there. This is also true for Mary. From the moment she was conceived until the tragic day in which she left us, God was there. God did not forsake Mary, nor has he forsaken us. I even dare to say that as Mary left this world she was welcomed in the arms of love of her heavenly Father. He calmed her pain, he invited her to eternity. He led her by the hand…

 

Why she and not us?

This is a question that we all have the right to ask. Why such a precious innocent girl as Mary had to leave so soon when some of us have already experienced what life has to offer. We have loved, we have traveled, we have learned, taught and even raised children of our own. Why she then? As your pastor and friend, and even if I may expose myself to your dislike, I must remind you that we humans have a tendency to live on the assumption that we will be here forever. How sad this is… Mary being four years old was not yet attached to the things of this world as we are. For she this world was still a place to explore and understand, but precisely because of that she has been able to enter in our Father’s realm without looking behind. In her innocence and perfect devotion of love she went with the Father and soon we will join her. When? It may be a matter of a few days, months or years, but we will get there. 200 years from now none of us will be on this earth, and none of us will be wondering why this terrible event happened.

Today, in the middle of our suffering, we are having a glimpse of our true nature. My dear brothers and sisters, we are pilgrims and our human life is our pilgrimage. We are citizens of heaven (Ph. 3:20) and it is there where we belong. Mary has arrived there earlier than expected, but second by second we are walking in her same direction. Today is one of our last days. Let us then take advantage of this day without being attached by it. Let us give ourselves, instead of taking from others; let us live a good life and be ready to die a good death, a death that will testify of our love for God and for our neighbors, for in all honesty this is as far as our choices go.

- Brother Ánderson Godoy S.

DISCLAIMER:  This was written as an assignment for my ministry class. Though I have preached sermons on occasion of someone’s death, Mary is a fictional character.

A Reflexive Birthday (Video)

Here is the promised video following this post: http://jahnootoko.wordpress.com/2012/07/27/a-quarter-of-my-life-6/

Let me know what is best for you all, video or text?

I have many things I would like to share and although this is my personal corner of expression, I am honored that you guys also take the time to partake in it.

God bless you all

A Quarter of My Life?

Is our birthday an affirmation of life or a reminder of how short it is?

I know many of you have been around this earth for much longer than me. But this month it was my 25th birthday and there is just something special about this number… In one of my classes the professor said that for some people 25 marks the border between youth and adults…. maybe I’m not a teenager anymore

I must admit that more and more I am feeling that people consider me an adult, although I still don’t feel quite there yet. All in all, this year God reminded me that life is just a loan and that even if I would like these 25 years to be a quarter of my life, maybe they will be 50% of it… or 90%… who knows?

Those who know me know that I am kind of reflexive and analytical. So my birthday gave me a good chance to analyze not only my life but also some of the circumstances that I am facing. I decided to make a video and share a small part of what I am hearing from God in these days. Hopefully I will be sharing more later. As for now, for those of you who don’t enjoy my lengthy writing, I will be posting the link to the video I made following this post.

Happy BIRTH-DAY to all of us

 

Pinoy-Motherly-Birthday

June 24, 2012

Today is an important day because of two main reasons:

1) It’s my mom’s birthday. She is a wonderful woman and she worked without rest to give my sister and I a better life. In her I found the love and affection that only a mother can give. Even if I was really stupid and mistreated her during my teen years, she would just love me. When I left home 7 years ago I was not conscious that I was leaving definitely, but it ended up being so. And it is in days like this one that I especially miss my mom with her delicious food and all of the things she does to spoil me. Mom, I love you and I am so happy that our relationship has been restored by God. I am sorry for all the wrong things I did and I pray to God for him to satisfy the desires of your beautiful womanly heart.

2) It’s my birthday… sort of: It was exactly one year ago that I landed in the Philippines. This is the longest trip I’ve ever made and, in consequence, I had never been this far from home. I am seriously amazed to think that it has been already one year (and much afraid that the huge expenses of visa will knock at my door soon again). Talking to a friend about this I told her I feel like this year had only three parts: First semester, Second Semester and Summer Modules! That’s why it feels so short All in all, it has been a year full of changes and I feel I have become more adult (it’s about time some of you may say). Nevertheless, I still have some culture shock with the Philippines. For example, it really makes me mad that everything gets molds, and those molds seem to love expensive photography equipment (ugh!). Furthermore, the cockroaches flying and running all around really freak me out… But anyways, that’s not the intention of this post. I just want to tell you guys before God that I have been blessed for this place and for the people around me. I am still growing in my faith and different relationships and your friendship and support (whether you’re here or through the distance) means the world to me.

I came to study and indeed that is what I have done; but to celebrate this first year tonight I will be having some time to talk to my mom and tell her in Spanish some of the things I wrote here and even more. I will also have time with myself in a private night with The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. The responsible me tells me that I’ll be just losing time… and he’s definitely right… but I don’t care today!

Happy Pinoy-birthday to me and my mom!

P.S.: Pinoy is an informal term for the demonym or gentilic of the Philippines; but I am not sure if that clarifies anything

Brother Ánderson Godoy Passed Away This Morning

NOTE: THE WORDS BELOW ARE AN EXACT COPY OF AN ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED FOR MY “CRISIS AND LOSS COUNSELING” CLASS. I AM NOT DEAD AND DON’T PLAN TO BE ANYTIME SOON UNLESS GOD HAS PLANNED SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

Ánderson Godoy or “Brother Ánderson,” how he liked to be called, passed away from natural disease at 97 years old. He was born in Bogota, Colombia on the 7^th day of the 7th month of 1987 at 7:20a.m. Because of that he always liked the number 7. He grew up with his mother and sister although he never lost contact with his father. When he became a Christian at 16 years old he knew that decision would change the course of his life. He left his country for the first time when he turned 18 to go to a Bible Institute in Ecuador. After that point he never came back to Colombia to settle permanently.

After getting two master degrees in the Philippines and Europe, Brother Ánderson earned his doctorate in missiology from a well-known university and got married with a woman who would be his faithful companion for the next 57 years. Brother Ánderson invested his life in serving others through education, the preaching of the Word, pastoral ministry and evangelism. His service and dedication opened doors for him to positions of leadership in his denomination. Nevertheless, he always tried to keep a low profile and recognized that it was the Lord’s grace what sustained him and brought him to where he was.

Brother Ánderson liked to say to people that “we’re humans after all”. Indeed, this phrase in many senses defined his philosophy of life and ministry. For him the essence of life rested on the acceptance of our condition as humans and the need for God such condition entails. He always opposed those who ignored human fragility by trying to impose a fake spiritual façade. Brother Ánderson believed that it is in this frailty that humans are really able to experience God’s grace and presence. Such belief was reflected in the nature of his ministry of genuine and frank relationship with others. People who were around him gave testimony that Brother Ánderson was the same in church, in the classroom, at home, or wherever he was.

Nevertheless, his advocacy for human condition gave no room for sin. Brother Ánderson constantly affirmed that sin is an intruder in humanity and the only way to be truly human is by pursuing a life of holiness and communion with God. Furthermore, for him this life of holiness could only be lived in the context of community and that is why one of his favorite verses was Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another”. This was also the reason why he preferred to be called “Brother Ánderson,” he believed in the church as the big family that God had given him and he sought to learn from every one in a context of love and respect.

Brother Ánderson is survived by two children and five grandchildren. They regard him as a loving though disciplined father. He was both strict and merciful and his first ministry was always his home. His congregation also testifies of the appreciation that he had for local environments. In spite of the internationality of his ministry assignment, he always promoted the local church as the basic community of faith in which our lives are formed in Christlikeness.

Today, as we remember his life and death, we also remember that our goal in life is not to bring attention to us but merely to be able to encourage others to follow Jesus. Many years ago in his personal vision statement brother Ánderson wrote “I want to be a reflection of Christ to the world. I want people to be inspired and encouraged to follow Christ as they share life with me and weigh my words and actions.”

I think we agree he did this and more and because of that we praise God’s name today. We believe that, by God’s grace, Brother Ánderson has been found faithful and indeed he has managed to take us one step closer to God. May we do the same for others.

Pineapple Juice and Reflections on Christlikeness

“Piña para la niña… limón para el corazón”

The other day I went to celebrate the birthday of a friend of mine with a bunch of friends. It was a good time, we had some laughs, culture shocks (that most likely were only obvious for me) and overall a pleasant bonding time.

When it was time to order our beverages I chose Pineapple Juice as I like it and I know of its good properties for digestion. After a couple of minutes the waiter came with our orders and I soon noticed that my pineapple juice was nowhere to be found. I told my friends and there were like “it’s there, right next to you.” So I checked and indeed there was a tiny can of processed sterilized “100% natural pineapple juice.” The simple view of the can produced a short-circuit in my senses… After all, how is it possible that being in a tropical country where pineapples are seen in virtually every corner they bring you a canned-pineappled-substance produced who knows where?!

My frustration was quite obvious for everyone in the table and although I would not say that I was really mad, I confess that I was in shock at the pitiful sight of the can and the absurdity of the whole issue. I hit the can against the table in an expression of my frustration as I grumbled a “pff!” followed by a “shu!” Then I heard several of my friends whispering sounds that made it clear for me that they were observing my reactions. I felt embarrassed. Finally one of them told me that he could get the juice and I could order something else. I went and asked the waiter for a mango shake that at least was served in a glass and had a slight percentage of probability to come from a real mango… at least that I told myself.

The night went on, the beverages and food were soon gone; we had a good time and I came home… but the pineapple juice has been in my mind all these days. As I read my Bible I found the need to stop at the first chapter of Colossians. Two verses came out to me like brightened by a natural highlight:

“…live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way…” Col. 1:10

“…to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation…” Col. 1:22b

As I pondered on these verses, I realized that both of them present absolute goals for Christian life. They do not suggest partiality. I am not supposed to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in some ways; I am not to present myself in his sigh with some blemishes! I wondered if those who shared the table with me saw Christlikeness in the pineapple incident; obviously they did not. Did this issue please God and presented me holy before his presence? Again the answer is “no.” I cannot clearly know what my friends thought, but pride, selfishness, lack of patience and self-control could be some possible answers.

If you have read this blog before you know that I embrace humanity and recognize my many failures. However, that is not the same as saying that I am satisfied or proud of my “human tantrums.” Rather, each one of these are the chance for me to remember how indispensable is to practice the presence of God and be conscious that he is with me wherever I go and observes whatever I do. Furthermore, there is a “cloud of witnesses” in the most unexpected places and they can be drawn near to God or far from him if they use my deeds as an example of the Christian life. Today I remember that “perfection belongs to God, but excellence to humans.”

I think I learned my lesson “canned pineapple in peace is much better than natural mango in conceit.”

The school of fruits

Godcidences

coincidence |kōˈinsədəns, -ˌdens|

noun

1 a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

Yesterday was a day of many coincidences for me. As I was focused reading a book in my way to the city I forgot to pay attention to the road. When I finished the section of the book that I was reading I thought it would be a good idea to ask someone about my destination. I lifted up my eyes and without needing to say anything the assistant of the driver told me that I was right in the place where I had to go down. Then I got lost trying to find the place and as I was thinking of asking again, someone came to me and for the first time since I am here I was mistaken for a Filipino and asked for a place in Tagalog. I just smiled and used my survival Tagalog “Hindi ko alam” [I don’t know].

As I walked the streets trying to find my place and after several failed attempts I got a text message from a friend telling me how to get there even though I had not asked him, it came in the perfect time!; furthermore, right after this text I found a couple of Tourist Policemen having coffee in the place I was walking through! I arrived to my destination did what I had to do and walked walked walked for a long time. As I observed people using umbrellas to cover from the sun I was thinking of the first time that a person offered me an umbrella to hide from the sun. I remembered that I told her hers was a silly idea and that it would look weird for a man (indeed that was not part of my culture back then).

I ended up in a mall and having no idea where I was I just observed people and thought how unusual it is for a Latin American like me to be in this country. Then I heard the distinctive sound of Spanish language with a strong Mexican accent! Two men just by my side were talking in Spanish about life and business in the Philippines. It was the first time that I found Latin Americans in this place and I entertained myself by spying their conversation and faking it like I had no idea what they were saying. It is unusual, but I am not the only one in this place!

As I went back home I stopped at a different mall, ate, thought, walked some more, spent an hour looking at books and finally took a bus back to my house. What a surprise when I noticed that the guy who asked for my fare was exactly the same guy who had told me it was time for me to get down 7 hours earlier in a different place! In fact, I was in the same bus!! I grabbed a seat, read my book. When I finished the chapter and was planning to take a nap, I looked through the window and noticed that I was exactly at the place where I had to get down. So I rushed out of the bus with a smile on my face to know that everything was happening in such a right timing.

I logged in in my computer and I was doing my thing when all of a sudden I got a message in Skype [although my status was set to “invisible”] from a person who has not talked to me in three years… it was the same girl who had offered me the umbrella in Ecuador!! I could not hold my smile to see what an unusual set of coincidences this day brought.

Nevertheless, I admit that besides the weirdness and mystery of human coincidences, I remembered too that most of the coincidences are indeed “Godcidences.” Somehow everything that happens “just because” reminds us that there is someone looking at the wider picture, there is someone who sees the dots and connect them. What is his purpose or what he wants to teach us… that is a different question. But I am convinced that in this world there are no “just because’s,” as everything happens for a reason. 7 billion lives are connected to one another in the most unexpected ways and the only one who understands these connections is our God. Indeed, for him we are much more than toys being used by fate, we are his creation and he works everything for our good. Our conviction is that there is someone looking at us and helping us to get where we should really be.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Have you had any Godcidence lately?