My Sunday Thought for August 30, 2015: To My Kids... I Love You!

This is lovely Bernadette Ibay Iligan, living in the Philippines, and a reader of "The Path."   She has only asked for one thing from me - it was for her family; a prayer.  I get the distinct impression from Bernadette that she rarely thinks of herself.  I feel she is the rare breed more interested in the welfare of others, and if their good fortune happens to include her that is fine, but not required.  She seems to have a large family, and if you aren't blessed to be a member of her immediate family, you are still family.  I also think the many photos of family and friends, on her Facebook page, also bear this out.

She recently posted this statement above, "To My Kids...," on her Facebook page.  It evidences, for me, what I have just said about her as a loving being, a loving child of God.  It would be disappointing if I had to include that she was a rarity to my blog, but she is actually a representation of many who have chosen to follow, to read, "The Path" as part of their own travels.   I am constantly humbled by folks like Bernadette.  I am humbled because, where they might look to me for some words of guidance, or a prayer, I see in them a faith I feel lacking in.  I am humbled because they allow me to be included in their faith, their love, and their extended family.  How great is that?

The sentiment she shares for her kids is the same sentiment we should all embrace.  Our children are the best things that ever happen to us, period.  Many of us forget this.  Many of us simply don't understand or get it.  Grasping the concept is easy, not rocket science.  You brought a life into this world; you fulfilled your only true reason for being, revel in it.

I will be sending the link for this post to Bernadette, and I will be asking her to write something for my readers.  Perhaps she could address something about her faith, family, love, or God.  Maybe she can give us a taste of the Filipino people.  One can only hope.  I'm certain she has much to say.

This Sunday I hope for all an introspection of selflessness, love, and faith.  When was the last time you thought for the spiritual welfare of another, asked God to bless them, and not yourself?

Just a thought...

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we do afterward, and what we learn from the experience.

Frank Anthony Villari (aka, Pastor Tony)

Pastor Tony is founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance and author/editor of the Congregation's official blog site, "The Path."