Three Faces of a Father

Last Sunday, our speaker in church is, Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Miranda, QCPACE North West District Superintendent. He has spoken about being a father in celebration of Fathers’ Day last Sunday. He has used three images of a father from the Old and New Testament in an attempt to clear out the role of fathers in the family.

First, a Sacrificing Father

God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his one and only beloved son, Isaac. The bible did not say what went on in his mind at that particular time. Perhaps, he knew God would not break his promise of an endless descendant through him so he would expect God to replace his son, Isaac even if he sacrificed him on the mountain.   

Abraham readily surrendered to the command of God without question. His trust in the goodness of God did not waiver no matter how confusing was the situation for him. God was pleased with his faith and he passed the test as God expected. He gave him a ram to offer instead of his son, Isaac.

How many of us fathers are willing to give our children to God for the ministry? Are we ready to give our sons to God as Abraham has shown?

Second, a Father who does not discipline his sons

Eli was the high priest in the temple. His sons Hophni and Phinehas were priests too but the bible describes them as evil men. They appropriate the best part of the animal offerings for themselves and even had illicit relations with the women servers in the sanctuary.

Eli was an image of a father who seemed to have not disciplined his children. He failed to guide them into the way that is pleasing to the Lord.

How many of us fathers are disciplining our children and molding them toward the right way? Sometimes, fathers are so busy with work that they miss giving their children ample quality time and just let other people (like nannies) do the parenting.

Third, a father who loves devotedly

The gentile ruler in the account of Matthew 9:18 whose daughter had died, was an image of a father who loved his child selflessly. He was a ruler, a gentile with honor and stature, yet did not mind bowing down before a Jewish teacher, who must have been lower in social standing just to obtain healing for his daughter.

Such is an image of selflessness. How many of us can set aside personal enjoyment for the sake of our children?

Let these three Faces of a Father guides us in carrying our responsibility as fathers to our children.

Image above courtesy of:

http://besthealthnewsonline.com/perfect-first-fathers-day-presents.html

QCPACE (Quezon City Philippine's Annual Conference East, North West District- United Methodist Church)

Spiritual Fathers’ Day

We have celebrated Fathers’ Day last Sunday in church. The church has given special tokens, folding umbrella, to fathers who have attended the worship service. They have said that an umbrella symbolizes protection and shelter, which fathers give to their families.

Surprisingly, they have given tokens even to those who are not biological fathers like me (Still, single and unattached). Even if we are not fathers yet, we can play the role of a father to the younger generation. I have been pleased to receive a Fathers’ Day token for the first time ever.  It is a bit scary if you will take it seriously because being a father is not an easy role. You need to give yourself with unconditional love to be a good father.

I think I am getting older... 

Image above courtesy of:

www.nobodybuy.com

Mom Celebrates Her 80th Birthday

 Mom celebrates her 80th birthday today. I am so happy that she has reached this age still strong enough to appreciate the people around her. She is becoming sickly because of hypertension, heart ailment, diabetes and rheumatism but by God’s grace, she is stronger than most people are her age.

Friends, family and church mates have come to greet her. Our pastor has prayed for her and that means a lot to her. A neighbor has given her beautiful flowers from their backyard. Some have brought food. I have bought her ice cream and cake as my birthday gift to her. Dad used to do that for her so she is a little sentimental about her birthday because she misses Dad so much. We have sung to her, her favorite song, "Leaving On A Jetplane", Dad's song to her and just as all have expected, she cries.

I hope she survives her hypertension and diabetes for many more fruitful years.  

Mom’s Special Request for her 80th Birthday

Mom has special request for her 80th birthday. She wants me to sing to her a song that Dad used to sing to her just before they get married. Actually, she couldn’t remember the title but she remembers the words in the song- “kiss me and smile for me”. I guess, clearly it is “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver.

She says, before Dad has made his marriage proposal, he is supposed to leave for Mindanao (Southern Philippines) for combat assignment (Dad’s a Marine). Of course, he cannot defy that order so he just wants to get married before he leaves (it seems to fit the story the song tells). Well, Mom just couldn’t say no. 

Without Dad knowing first hand, when his friends in the Marines have learned about his plans to get married, they have made the necessary arrangements so that Dad could be relieved of his combat duty temporarily because he is getting married. The commander has granted the request so the wedding preparation has followed. The rest is history.

I just don’t know how I would be able to sing it in church.

My Dad and Mom and I

Maybe the new Mc-Donald’s McFloat TV commercial about three old men dining in McDo have amused us all. It is funny that the two old men still call the other “kulot” (curly-haired) when his hair has already receded and is almost bald. Perhaps, that is how they have used to call him since their younger years. Ironically, one of them forgets the name of the one he is talking to at the closing scene.

Images of old men remind me of my Dad. A few years before his passing, after he has had a stroke, Dad would always recant stories about his past. He would vividly recall experiences he has had from the start of his military service, or from experiences, he has had from other jobs he has done before. I would listen to his stories even though he has told it several times. He would always express his opinions about political events especially against EDSA 2 and Mrs. Arroyo.

I really miss those days. Actually, Mom is starting to become like Dad. She would recall experiences she has had in the past then she would cry especially the time when Dad is still courting her. She sometimes tell the same stories but I am ready to listen to her even she tells those old stories over and over again. She's turning 80 on Thursday, June 14.

Taking Care of Parents

Click the image to read a copy of SB 2819

Sen. Panfilo Lacson

Recently, Senator Panfilo Lacson files Senate Bill 2819, an act that would mandate children to look after their parents in their old age. The bill explains that in spite the fact that Filipinos have closely-knit families, and the regulations in the Family Code that children need to take care of their parents are in effect, still many abandon their parents in their old age. The bill aims to:

This proposed bill therefore seeks to further strengthen filial responsibility

and makes it a criminal offense in case of flagrant violation thereof.

Abandonment of a parent in need of support shall likewise constitute a criminal

act. A parent who is in need of support may file a petition for support before the

court and pray for the issuance of a support order against those children who

failed or refused to provide the necessary support. The legal representation of

the parent in need of support will be provided by the Public Attorney's Office and

no court fees will be asses. This bill also seeks to establish Old Age Home for the

elderly, sick or otherwise incapacitated parents in every province and highly

urbanized cities. (excerpt from the explanatory note of Senate Bill 2819)

Personally, I support the intention of the bill.

I have joined a thread in the Adgitize forum a few days ago regarding the topic “Taking Care of Parents”. The thread actually, is about an inconsiderate mother-in-law that expects too much from a son who has a family already. The daughter-in-law sighs, “When is enough, enough?!”

I can feel the frustration in spite of the fact that I am still single. I have become interested with the thread because I remember my aging mom. She has been sickly now that she is almost 80 years old. She is definitely not perfect but she has always been a good mom and never require us (her 2 children and 1 daughter-in-law) to provide for her needs because she has her own pension although she accepts when we voluntarily give her something and asks for help in case of emergencies but she is very appreciative.

I believe good children do not need a legal enforcement to take care of their parents and likewise good parents would not require their children to take care of them in their old age to the extent of filing for a court order. The problem with this bill is that inconsiderate parents might take advantage of the this legal provision to force their children to give them money.

It is easy to take the responsibility of taking care of your parents who have loved you so dearly since infancy but what if the parents have neglected and have abandoned you in your tender age then now that you have become successful, they will file for support.

I am blessed with a great set of parents. My Dad has gone up to heaven already but My Mom is still here with me. I hope I would be able to take care of her in the best way I can.

In countries like the US, senior citizens have comfortable pension houses where they can stay. In countries like the Philippines, pension houses for the elderly remain a dream. In this area, I hope Senate Bill 2819 could address this problem once it becomes a law.

Sen Panfilo Lacson's image courtesy of: wikipedia

Pearl Brooch for Mom’s Day

Mothers’ Day has been a special event for our family especially when Dad is still around. We never miss the occasion without giving a gift to Mom. It does not always have to be something expensive but it is always something special.

I remember before, My Dad and I would buy mom a purse. Sometimes, a perfume or cologne because she loves perfumes especially “White Linen” although we could not buy one regularly because it is expensive here in the Philippines. Sometimes, we buy roses for her but there would always be ice cream and cake.

In the past Mothers’ Days (except for last year), I have given Mom pearl accessories (not the super expensive types). I have given her a set of pearl earrings and necklace. I want to give her a pearl ring but I can only give her a pearl brooch this year.

She adores it when I have given it to her. I have surprised her. I don’t have a picture of the brooch but I have seen something almost similar to it. I am showing it here with a proper link to show readers how the brooch looks.

I hope I can give Mom a pearl ring soon.   

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.gd-wholesale.com/wholesale-dir/a23c/e3513f/brooch-s-9.html