A NATION TO BUILD?
Is it an uphill climb? The Bernidos are born climbers. They chose a high mountain and then they began their ascent. Mark Twain said,
A born climber's appetite for climbing is hard to satisfy; when it comes upon him he is like a starving man with a feast before him; he may have other business on hand, but it must wait.
|
Without financial aid, one wonders why they keep on going in pursuit of excellence. Perhaps the question is best answered by this story.
n the 1980's Chris went to Germany for a research fellowship. Marivic was in the US for her Ph.D. studies. Chris sent her a letter. The letter said
Dear Marivic,
We must marry –for the following five reasons:
1. We both have a passion for learning
2. (personal)
3. (personal)
4. (personal)
5. We have a nation to build. |
|
Marivic decided to marry Chris on the fifth reason.
AN OASIS IN THE DESERT
In the midst of the political squabbles and economic difficulties our country is passing through, the story of Chris and Marivic Bernido is like an oasis in the desert. F. Sionil Jose, who believes that it is his duty to call for a revolution, was right when he said that the people who will form the vanguard of change in our country are the ones who will benefit from it. He said, “Revolution starts in the mind and heart. It alters attitudes to enable us to think beyond ourselves, family and ethnicity to encompass the whole nation.” Moreover, that “the leaders of the revolution could be in [the] university, young men and women who have education but are not shackled by alien concepts, or the attitudes of superiority that destroy leadership. Such leaders, …must lead by sterling example, with integrity, courage, compassion, and a willingness to sacrifice, people who know that when the revolution is won, it is time to change from conspirators to even better administrators.”
“A Call for Revolution” by F.Sionil Jose. An a daption from a speech he gave at the University of the Philippines on Nov. 23, 2004. A novelist, historian and journalist, F. Sionil Jose is the Philippines ‘most renowned living author. He is a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the title of the National Artist for literature.ii
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
-Micah 6:8NIV
|
If each one of us would walk on God's trail of justice, mercy, and humility, then, surely, no mountain would be too high for us to climb.
__________________________________________________________________________________
i James Fallows is the former editor of the Atlantic monthly
ii “A Call for Revolution” by F.Sionil Jose. An a daption from a speech he gave at the University of the Philippines on Nov. 23, 2004. A novelist, historian and journalist, F. Sionil Jose is the Philippines ‘most renowned living author. He is a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the title of the National Artist for literature.
Rev. Cawilihan Zubiri
Bread Of Life Ministries
|
