JUAN M. FLAVIER: THE PARABLE OF THE DEAF AND THE BLIND

MANILA, OCTOBER 1, 2003 (BULLETIN) Juan M. Flavier - THE barrio lad was born completely blind and totally deaf. For as long as he could remember. He lived in a world of darkness and silence. Almost like an over-compensation, he evolved a supersensitive sense of touch. He could tell, as if he had a radar antennae, the presence of persons or things and exactly where they stood. By sheer memory, he had a mental view of their hut. He could walk around effortlessly without bumping into anything. He knew there were two narra chairs facing each other with a small table in between. On the table was a knitted tablecloth on which rested a glass vase with plastic flowers. To the side was a window throughout which the cool barrio breeze streamed. On one wall he knew there were shelves which displayed various statuettes and little ceramic pieces. In the corner was a cabinet (tokador) with a glass door. Past the wall was their bedroom. On one side was the bamboo stairs with five rungs leading to the dining area and kitchen. Many times, he would wonder about the colored appearance of the world around him. He imagined what the actual sounds were of the vibrations he felt made by the people and things inside and outside the hut. One day, the barrio lad knelt and prayed. “My Creator, I do not mean to complain. But I am just so curious about the sights and sounds which I am not privileged to experience. I pray for You to please let me see and hear even just for one day.” In a flash, the young man was stunned by the flood of glaring light and sharp sounds. He marveled at the play of colors outside the window — the lush trees and the bright blue sky. The voices of people, the barking of dogs, the roar of tricycles... all pierced his eardrums like never before. Everything seemed exciting and pleasurable. But then he began to see and hear too much. He was particularly bothered by the measure of unkind words. Of arguments filled with hate and enmity. Parents berating their wailing children. Women crying in despair. Young men cursing. He was unsettled by the poverty around the barrio. Many huts were dilapidated and unkempt. By the wayside were heaps of garbage. He was witness for the first time to the cruelty that men do to fellow men. He knelt down once more and prayed, “My Creator, thank you for your positive reply to my petition. But now please give me back my piece of mind in my dark and quiet life. In a world such as this, I prefer to be deaf and blind.

The Parable of the LOVE's Definition

The Parable of the LOVE's Definition The Farmer sat on the upturned wooden mortar in the front yard. His left foot dangled on the ground. His right foot rested on the mortar with his bended knee supporting his chin. Both hands manipulated a fishing net being repaired of holes. His twelve-year old son sat on a small stool beside him. His position approximated his father;s except the body whittled a piece of guava wood forming a turumpo (top). As the top began to form, the boy blurted out. " This toy top is in the form of a heart. I know what a top is. The heart has the same shape but, come to think of it, I do not know exactly what love is!" The father smiled knowingly and responded, " I do not know either but my grandfather once told me this account. An angel was sent to find out how the world defined love. "The angel went to the sea and asked the question. The sea answered that love was the river sending water. " The angel visited the shore and inquired of the definition of love. The shore said love was the tide that rose and fell each day. "The angel soared to the mountain and queried the imposing peak. The mountain replied that love is the multitude of stars that shone at night, :The angel stopped by the trees to find out their thoughts about love. The grains answered that love was the gentle rains that nourished them. "The angel then asked the soul about love. The soul replied that love is the heart or anything that giveth is love . For love is sharing and sharing is love. And love is GOD.While GOD is love"

The Parable of the Foreign Visitor

The Parable of the Foreign Visitor -----by Juan Flavier The foreigner looked like any typical tourist. He was evidently caucasian with his aquiline nose and tanned white skin. He sported a pinstriped pants and a colorful polo shirt. Somewhat muddied, his shoes resembled those worn by tennis players. His hair was slightly reddish with big curls all over his big head. Even for a caucasian, he was taller than their normal run. A camera hung by a strap from his neck. Leisurely, he ambied by the narrow street of the rural town's commercial district. Peddlers offered him various farm produce and souvenirs for sale. He shook his head to everyone to signify disinterest. A middle aged farmer stopped to stare at the tourist. In that barrio, a white-man was a rarity. So to see one was something of a spectacle. The farmer continued to gawk not knowing the foreigner would take offense. Without warning, the tourist slapped the farmer with great force. As the tiller of the soil sprawled on the sidewalk, others crowded around out of curiosity. A bystander assisted the fallen man who now had traces of blood on his lips. The farmer stood up and said in anguish more than anger, " What did you do that for? I did not do you any wrong. If at all, I was simply looking at you. Is that an offense where you come from?" The foreigner braced himself just in case the crown ganged up (pagtulung-tulungan) on him. Then he shouted, " That was for Pearl Harbor!" The farmer wiped the blood from his lips and replied calmly, "Look , there is a mistake. I am not a Japanese. Maybe I have a slit eyes. That is because I have a Chinese blood but I am a Filipino." The caucasian answered with some belligerence " Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese, Japanese....they're all the same to me." "Who are you anyway?" asked the farmer. I am Mr. Goldberg," replied the foreigner. The farmer suddenly slapped the foreigner on the face. :" That is for the Titanic!" :Hey I had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic," explained the foreigner somewhat disconcerted by the accusation and the assault." That was caused by an iceberg." With a flourish the farmer declared, " Iceberg, Goldberg, Pittsburg... they are all the same to me.

JUAN M. FLAVIER: THE PARABLE OF THE DEAF AND THE BLIND MANILA, OCTOBER 1, 2003 (BULLETIN) Juan M. Flavier - THE barrio lad was born completely blind and totally deaf. For as long as he could remember. He lived in a world of darkness and silence. Almost like an over-compensation, he evolved a supersensitive sense of touch. He could tell, as if he had a radar antennae, the presence of persons or things and exactly where they stood. By sheer memory, he had a mental view of their hut. He could walk around effortlessly without bumping into anything. He knew there were two narra chairs facing each other with a small table in between. On the table was a knitted tablecloth on which rested a glass vase with plastic flowers. To the side was a window throughout which the cool barrio breeze streamed. On one wall he knew there were shelves which displayed various statuettes and little ceramic pieces. In the corner was a cabinet (tokador) with a glass door. Past the wall was their bedroom. On one side was the bamboo stairs with five rungs leading to the dining area and kitchen. Many times, he would wonder about the colored appearance of the world around him. He imagined what the actual sounds were of the vibrations he felt made by the people and things inside and outside the hut. One day, the barrio lad knelt and prayed. “My Creator, I do not mean to complain. But I am just so curious about the sights and sounds which I am not privileged to experience. I pray for You to please let me see and hear even just for one day.” In a flash, the young man was stunned by the flood of glaring light and sharp sounds. He marveled at the play of colors outside the window — the lush trees and the bright blue sky. The voices of people, the barking of dogs, the roar of tricycles... all pierced his eardrums like never before. Everything seemed exciting and pleasurable. But then he began to see and hear too much. He was particularly bothered by the measure of unkind words. Of arguments filled with hate and enmity. Parents berating their wailing children. Women crying in despair. Young men cursing. He was unsettled by the poverty around the barrio. Many huts were dilapidated and unkempt. By the wayside were heaps of garbage. He was witness for the first time to the cruelty that men do to fellow men. He knelt down once more and prayed, “My Creator, thank you for your positive reply to my petition. But now please give me back my piece of mind in my dark and quiet life. In a world such as this, I prefer to be deaf and blind.

LOVE STORY NUMBER 5

LOVE STORY NUMBER 5

Jenny was so happy about the house they had found.
For once in her life 'twas on the right side of town.
She unpacked her things with such great ease.
As she watched her new curtains blow in the breeze.
How wonderful it was to have her own room.
School would be starting; she'd have friends over soon.

There'd be sleep-overs, and parties; she was so happy
It's just the way she wanted her life to be.
On the first day of school, everything went great.
She made new friends and even got a date!
She thought, "I want to be popular and I'm going to be,

Because I just got a date with the star of the team!"
To be known in this school you had to have a clout,
And dating this guy would sure help her out.
There was only one problem stopping her fate.
Her parents had said she was too young to date.

"Well, I just won't tell them the entire truth.
They won't know the difference; what's there to lose?"
Jenny asked to stay with her friends that night.
Her parents frowned but said, "All right."
Excited, she got ready for the big event

But as she rushed around like she had no sense,
She began to feel guilty about all the lies,
But what's a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride?
Well the pizza was good, and the party was great,

But the moonlight ride would have to wait.
For Jeff was half drunk by this time.
But he kissed her and said that he was just fine.
Then the room filled with smoked and Jeff took a puff.
Jenny couldn't believe he was smoking that stuff.

Now Jeff was ready to ride to the point
But only after he'd smoked another joint.
They jumped in the car for the moonlight ride,
Not thinking that he was too drunk to drive.
They finally made it to the point at last,
And Jeff started trying to make a pass.
A pass is not what Jenny wanted at all
(And by a pass, I don't mean playing football.)
"Perhaps my parents were right....maybe I am too young.

Boy, how could I ever, ever be so dumb."
With all of her might, she pushed Jeff say away:
"Please take me home, I don't want to stay."
Jeff cranked up the engine and floored the gas.
In a matter of seconds they were going too fast.

As Jeff drove on in a fit of wild anger,
Jenny knew that her life was in danger.
She begged and pleaded for him to slow down,
But he just got faster as they neared the town.
"Just let me get home! I'll confess that I lied.
I really went out for a moonlight ride."
Then all of a sudden, she saw a big flash.
"Oh God, Please help us! We're going to crash!"
She doesn't remember the force of impact.
Just that everything all of a sudden went black.
She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble,
And heard, "call an ambulance! These kids are in trouble!

Voices she heard...a few words at best.
But she knew there were two cars involved in the wreck.

Then wondered to herself if Jeff was all right,
And if the people in the other car was alive.
She awoke in the hospital to faces so sad.
"You've been in a wreck and it looks pretty bad."
These voices echoed inside her head,
As they gently told her that Jeff was dead.
They said "Jenny, we've done all we can do.
But it looks as if we'll lose you too."

"But the people in the other car!? "Jenny cried.
"We're sorry, Jenny, they also died."
Jenny prayed, "God, forgive me for what I've done
I only wanted to have just one night of fun."
"Tell those people's family, I've made their lives dim,
And wish I could return their families to them."
"Tell Mom and Dad I'm sorry I lied,
And that it's my fault so many have died.
Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?"

The nurse just stood there-she never agreed.
But took Jenny's hand with tears in her eyes.
And a few moments later Jenny died.
A man asked the nurse, "Why didn't you do your best
To bid that girl her one last request?"
She looked at the man with eyes so sad.
"Because the people in the other car were her mom and dad."



This story is sad and unpleasant but true,
So young people take heed, it could have been you.

Tears are good for cleansing the eyes.

Tears are good for cleansing the eyes.

I cried for my brother 6 times. I was born in a secluded village of a
mountain. Days by days my parents plowed the yellow dry soil with their
backs facing the sky. I have a younger brother, 3 years younger than
me.

Once, to buy a handkerchief which all girls around me seemed to have, I
stole 50 cents from my father's drawer. Father known about it right
away.

He made my younger brother and me kneeled against the wall, with a
bamboo
stick in his hand.

"Who stole the money?" he asked.

I was stunned, too afraid to talk. Father didn't hear any of us admit,
so
he said, "Fine, if nobody wants to admit, you two should be beaten!"

He lifted up the bamboo stick.

Suddenly, my younger brother gripped father's hand and said," Dad, I
was
the one who did it!"

The long stick smacked on my brother's back repeatedly.

Father was so angry that he kept on whipped my brother until he lost
his
breath.

After that, he sat down on our stone bed and scolded my brother, "You
have
learnt to steal from your own house now, what other embarrassing things
you
will do in the future?? You should be beaten to death! You shameless
thief!"

That night, mother and I hugged my brother. His body full of injuries,
but
he didn't shed a single tear.

In the middle of the night, all of sudden I cried out loudly.

My brother covered my mouth with his little hand and said, " Sis, now
don't
cry anymore. Everything has happened."

I still hate myself for didn't have enough courage to admit what I had
done.

Years gone by, but the incident still looked like it just happen! ed
yesterday.

I will never forget my brother's expression when he protected me.

That year, my brother was 8 years old; I was 11 years old.

When my brother was in his last year of his lower secondary school, he
was
accepted in an upper secondary school in the central. At the same time,
I
was accepted into a province's university.

That night, father squatted in the yard, smoking, packet by packet.

I could hear him said, "Both our children have good results? very good
results?"

Mother wiped off her tears and sighed," What is the use? How can we
possibly finance both of them?"

At that time, my brother walked out, he stood in front of father and
said,"Dad, I don't want to continue my study anymore, I have read
enough
books."

Father swung his hand and slapped brother on his face.

"Why do you have a spirit so damn weak? Even if it means I have to beg
for
money on the streets, I will sen! d you two to school until you both
finish
your study!"

And then, he started to knock on every house in the village to borrow
money.

I stuck out my hand as soft as I can to my brother's swollen face, and
said, "A boy has to continue his study; If not, he will not be able to
leave this depths of poverty."

Me, on the other hand, had decided not to further my study to
university.

Who knows on the next day, before dawn, my brother left the house with
a
few pieces of worn-out clothes and a few dry beans. He sneaked to the
side
of my bed and left a note on my pillow; "Sis, get into an university is
not
easy. I will go find a job and send money to you."

I held the note while sitting on my bed, and cried until I lost my
voice.

That year, my brother was 17 years old; I was 20 years old. With the
money
father borrowed from the whole village, and money my brother earned
from
carrying cement on his back at cons! truction site,finally, I managed
to
get to the third year of my study in the university.

One day, I was studying in my room, when my roommate came in and told
me,"There's a villager wait for you outside!"

Why is there a villager looking for me? I walked out, and saw my
brother
from afar, His whole body is dirty, covered by dust, cement and sands.
I
asked him, "Why don't you tell my roommate that you are my brother?"

He replied with a smile," Look at my appearance. What will they think
if
they know that I am your brother? Don't they laugh at you?"

I felt so touched, and tears filled my eyes. I swept away dusts from my
brother's body. And said with a lump in my throat, " I don't care of
what
people say! You are my brother no matter what your appearance is?"

From his pocket, he took out a butterfly hair clip. He wore it on me,
and
said, "I saw all the girls in town are wearing it. So, I think you
should
also have one."

I could not hold back myself anymore. I pulled my brother into my arms
and
cried and cried.

That year, my brother was 20 years old; I was 23 years old.

The first time I brought my boyfriend home, the broken window had been
repaired.And it looked so clean inside the house.

After, my boyfriend went home, I danced like a small girl in front of
my
mother, "Mom, you don't have to spend so many time cleaning the house!"
But
she said with a smile," It was your brother who went home early to
clean
the house. Didn't you see the wound on his hand? He was injured while
replacing the window." I went into my brother's small bedroom. Looking
at
his thin face, I felt like there are hundreds of needle pricked in my
heart.

I put some ointment on his wound and bandaged it, "Does it hurt? " I
asked
him.

"No, it doesn't hurt. You know, when I was working in the construction
site, stones falling on my feet all the time. Even that could not stop
me
from working and?"

In the middle of the sentence, he stopped. I turned my back on him and
tears rolling down my face.

That year, my brother was 23 years old; I was 26 years old.

After I got married, I lived in the city. Lots of time my husband
invited
my parents to come and live with us, but they didn't want.

They said, once they left the village,they didn't know what to do.

My brother also didn't agree, he said, "Sis, you just taking care of
your
parents-in-law. I will take care of mom and dad here."

My husband became the director of his factory. We wanted my brother to
get
the job as the manager in the department of maintenance. But my brother
rejected the offer. He insisted on starting to work as a reparation
worker.

One day, my brother was on the top of a ladder repairing a cable, when
he
got electrocuted, and was sent to the hospital.

My husband and I visited him. Looked at the white gypsum on his leg, I
grumbled,"Why did you reject to be a manager? Manager will not do
something
dangerous like this. Look at you now, such a serious injury. Why you
didn't
want to listen to us?"

With a serious expression on his face, he defended on his decision,
"Think
of brother-in-law?he just became the director, and I almost uneducated.
If
I became the manager, what kind of rumors will fly around?"

My husband's eyes filled up with tears, and then I said, "But you lack
in
education also because of me!"
"Why talking about the past?" My brother held my hand.

That year, he was 26 years old and I was 29 years old. My brother was
30
years old when he married a farmer girl from the village. In his
wedding
reception, the master of ceremonies asked him, "Who is the one you
respect
and love the most?"

Without thinking, he answered," My sister." He contin! ued by telling a
story I could not even remember.

"When I was in primary school, the school was in different
village.Everyday, my sister and I walked for 2 hours to go school and
go
home. One day, I lost one of my pair of gloves. My sister gave me one
of
hers. She only wore one glove and walked for so far. When we got home,
her
hand was so trembled because of the weather that was so cold that she
could
not even hold her chopsticks. From that day on, I swore that as long as
I
live, I would take care of my sister and be good to her."

Applause filled up the room. All guests turned their attentions to me.

Words were so hard to come out from my mouth, "In my whole life, the
one I
would like to thank the most is my brother," And in this happy
occasion,in
front of the crowd, tears rolling down my face again.

Love and care for the one you love every single days of your life. You
may
think what you did is just a small deed, but to that someone, it may
mean a
lot.

Have a nice day everyone! May this story inspire you in any way! ^_^

Inspirational Story

Inspirational Story


Don't give up.....

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. So, I went to the woods
to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...: "Look around", He said.
"Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took
very good care of them. I gave them light, I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the
floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the
bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and
plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit
on the bamboo.

He said. "In year three there was still nothing from
the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was
nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quite." He said. "Then in the
fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the
fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months
later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five
years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it
needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it
could not handle."

He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this
time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots". "I
would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you." "Don't compare
yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different Purpose
than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will
come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" - I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" - He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" - I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as
you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope
these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.

Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.

Don't tell the
Lord how big the problem is; tell the
problem how Great
the Lord is!

Heavens door open this morning, God asked me... "My
CHILD...what can I
do for you?"

I said "Daddy please protect and bless the one reading
this message".

God smiled and answered ... "request granted "
............

This message is now in your hands. What will YOU do
with it? You could
send it to as many people as you like, so that they
too will have their
lives in God's hands. You never know when GOD is going
to bless you!!
Good things happen when you least expect them to
!!!!!!!!