(Article contributed to Fellowship Baptist College (FBC), my high school Alma Mater)
When Babette Maravilla requested me to write an article, I immediately visited the Alumni and Fellowship Baptist College (FBC) Facebook pages. It is truly a delightful avenue to reconnect with our roots and be in touch with the alumni who are scattered in the Philippines, Asia and across the world. It is awesome to see familiar faces sharing their video messages - Pastor Ebenezer Varon who is now our Alumni Association President and Dr. Glenn Repique who is the Acting President of FBC. We also recognize the years of service by Dr. David Gargantiel and the strong legacy he has left behind. It is great to hear our Alma Mater Song, “Fellowship, Our Fellowship” once again and stand true to its message. More so, how splendid it is for the school’s vision come to reality, “A globally-recognized and responsive institution of learning, shaping lives by providing excellent Christian education.” I for one has been shaped by the learnings both academically and above all, the Christian faith.
I marvel with the thought of our school being founded in 1954 ... wow… 66 years! You must let that sink into you. This institution has been blessed to withstand all hurdles and is on its way to seven decades of education and community service. It started having secondary studies only and expanded to post-secondary courses and elementary education. This for sure is a testament that it is not through man’s doing alone but by a Higher Power and Providence. If only the walls and the grounds of the school can talk, there would be engaging stories of perseverance, determination, triumph borne out of heartaches, pain and defeat. There are seasons of abundance and scarcity, periods of withstanding typhoons, floods, earthquakes and other calamities. The unimaginable Covid-19 pandemic is no exception. This organization has again faced this crisis and we believe as God has carried this school in the past, it will continue to do so in the future.
The Covid-19 virus has revealed that catastrophes do not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of status and race. It has infected presidents, royal family members, celebrities, the common man, the rich and the poor. It also showed that universally, we value the same things - life, health and relationships. The other matters become secondary such as material possessions, wealth, designations and accolades. More importantly, we are reminded that our circumstances are not within our control. Our best laid out plans can be disrupted at any moment in time. Given these insights, we now strive to make the most of each day and channel our energies to the right priorities. These priorities are a result of understanding the more important things in life.
Where we are placed is not by accident. Our engagement and education in FBC are appointed. Whatever we learned from our Alma Mater will equip us wherever we are right now. Where and to whom we are born is also appointed. Whether in dire or better circumstances, it is part of what makes our individual stories unique and powerful. May we recognize the value of our past and how it has shaped us to face the present. If at any point, we are under challenging times, we can choose to rise, fight and move forward. If we are in good times, we stay grateful and share the blessings to the people in need.
Our experiences with FBC ground us. It helped provide life skills that enable us to face various situations. Filipinos are known to be among the happiest people in the world. FBCians are no exception. In my experience working and living abroad, the innate positivity in us, help us tackle any situation and maintain our own sanity. We learn to thrive in adversity and appreciate the importance of community. We band together to go through challenging times. Filipinos are also recognized to be among the most hardworking people. Growing up in poverty and lack of resources, we learned how to be creative, adapt and make the most of what we have. Filipinos are known to have nurturing hearts which is why we have the best nurses, caregivers and practitioners sought out in the medical field. I recall Prince William’s nanny, Araceli “Lillie” Piccio, who hailed from Bacolod City. She was the only Filipino invited to the royal wedding. What a privilege and a testament of the impact we can make. I can compile a huge volume of inspiring stories of FBCians in the Philippines and abroad who have built their careers in various fields. Above all, there are exemplary stories of how each one strove to make a better life for themselves and their families, breaking the cycle of poverty in their generation.
As we face 2021, there are three guidelines I can share that has worked for me and I pray for you as well.
Remember
“Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paruruonan.” This is one of the popular Filipino sayings and I find it to be true. Remember our teachers, classmates, schoolmates… remember how we thrived amidst lack of resources … remember the heartaches at the same time, our victories. Most of all, remember what we have been taught, not only academically but above all our Christian education. It is appointed that we have heard the truth and made the decision to surrender our lives to our Lord Jesus Christ. If you have not yet made the choice, consider what you’ve heard and make the best decision you’ll ever make. If you lost your way, it is never too late to be back on the right track.
Believe
At certain points of our existence, we may give up on our dreams or the path to a better life. Do not lose that childlike faith. We can still achieve our dreams and goals. As long as we are alive and breathing, we can rewrite our story. Each new day is an opportunity to break free from our destructive habits and start anew to a road of success. Do not listen to the voice of the enemy that whispers discouragement, disappointment, regret and self-pity. Believe in a Greater Power that is in us that will help us prosper.
Flourish
Wherever we are, shine! Where we are is appointed. Let’s be a blessing to our families, to our friends, to our neighbors, to our co-workers, to our community, to our own sphere of influence. We do not serve men but our Master above - the One who sees all that is in our hearts. Love unconditionally. Work with excellence. Bless and give wholeheartedly.
Each of our experiences and circumstances are unique. My story is different than yours but both equally powerful. You and I can make a difference to someone. Before we can do that, we need to make our hearts right. A new year is a start of a new beginning – a fresh page to chart a new course to an impactful life.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
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