NERITIC

Photo taken at Sabangan, San Narciso town in Zambales, Philippines

Hope all is well. Today, I would like to talk about the things that you can offer or give freely as a person regardless of your status, whether you are a partner, a parent, a child or a friend.  

It must be clear and fair to everyone that you should not expect something that you, yourself cannot offer or willing to give to others. If you are a partner, you don't impose a on your other half that you are not willing to sacrifice. If you are a parent, it would not be good to set a curfew to a child that any parent is not willing to honor even for themselves. 

This goes also to friendships. It is easier to claim you are a friend, but can you really reciprocate and give deeper sense to the word?  

Like in any relationship, friendship must be looked at with depth, responsibility and risks involved, depending on the level of your so-called "friendship." If what you can commit is only shallow, accept that those around you will also reciprocate the neritic bond that you are willing to extend. 

One of the best lessons in life is to allow any seed to grow naturally. Let them go and as they progress just be there, and make sure that the stems you are growing are according to your liking. Also, it is good to accept that there are people better than you. Each person is made distinct from one another based on our individual purpose in life. 

Even to the standards of ordinary men, humility is much more appreciated than haughtiness and arrogance. And as we enter the lenten season, it is also good to reflect, to analyze your character, values and priorities because you might already be over stepping? It is better to live in harmony than to  be challenged by others, much by yourself. So while you still have the chance, make a moment with God and be the child that you are. 

CROWD MENTALITY

Photo credit to Pinterest.ph

Have you heard about "crowd mentality" which is tantamount to a crab mentality?

As human beings the natural instinct of a man is either to retaliate or respond to the issue or issues being allude to him/her. Why? Because it is part of man's natural tendency to act negatively against the perceived "instigators" of negative comments as crab mentality is part of acculturation and survival.

But has anyone ever considered what God might be saying to you, to us, everytime we make a crowd mentality action?

The truth is not about the veracity of the propaganda. Perhaps it would be better that rather than speaking to espouse the interest of your affilitiation, you allow the truth to speak for itself. 

As Fr. Jerry Orbos. Jerry Orbos said in his homily earlier this Sunday, men should not just waste his life checking on what is happening to the world but also make a time with God.

As the lenten season begins, it is also good that you filter every information that you would react to, so as not to fall into the crowd mentality group. I believe that as we all value our names and credibility, we should equally value and promote "just me and God moment" to be able to stand by and for the truth.

Remember, in everything that is happening with, and around us, lies a reason and a mission.

BODY SHAMING

Photo credit to @Pinteresst.ph

I'm sure you all have heard people from all around the globe talking about body shaming this days. By the way, what is your stand on the issue? 

We are in 2022 now, and I am one with the group calling for a stop to any form of body shaming. As the world becomes diverse, people should be more open-minded and learn to respect if they cannot appreciate and understand that we all have different needs and characteristics, and so are our physique. 

Recently, I read and heard the news about the actress, singer, and model Alexa Ilacad being compared to a gas tank because apparently, she has no curves. Whoever was this social media user who bashed a very beautiful and intelligent lady inside and out, is truly pitiful. I pity the basher rather than Alexa because what she has done was only a reflection of her personality–shallow. 

Imagine, of the many adjectives you can describe a very talented lady such as Alexa, you opted to look beyond the goodness and zoom in on a tiny negative, if indeed it was a negative trait?

Also, few days ago the world once again witnessed another Hollywood celebrity making a scene before officially receiving his first acting trophy at the Oscars. Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock after the latter made a pitch on Will's wife's hair, who incidentally has been suffering from Alopecia. 

Some may assume that the baldness of @Jada Pinkett Smith may just be one of her fashion trends being in the US entertainment industry. However, Jada's battle with alopecia has been going on since 2018.  According to a 2016 survey in the US about 5,594 black women are experiencing hair loss but refused to seek medical help. 

Thus, as human beings we should all avoid making fun of others because don't know the struggles each one of us is going through. While I do not agree with the violence inflicted by Will Smith but the incident must serve as a wake-up call for everyone to e careful and sensitive. 

Remember, we are all made unique by God so let us learn to respect our differences rather than mock them. And let us advocate peace and harmony rather than building walls and fences. 

Happy 1st Friday of April!