The Truth Beneath My Wings

Lockdown but soaring high!

THE TRUTH BENEATH MY WINGS

Psalm 117: 1-2

1) O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him all ye people. 2) For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

A co-teacher of mine visited me in my humble abode. She said, "Ms. Glory, I can't imagine myself alone staying in a room like this. I think I'll go crazy if no one is with me. Your room is too big for me. If I were you, I think I'll be crying all night." "Well, if you are an introvert like me, to be alone in a room is a paradise." I answered. My room is not really that big. It's just an ordinary room. But if you are a Filipino, and you came from a province living in an ordinary farmhouse-like  residence with 4 or more siblings in it, then, a 25 square meter room is truly big. 

It's more than two decades already since I arrived in the city. My life revolved at home, school, and church. I don't crave for malls, parks, and any amusement places. If I go out, not to party but to teach, reach out the less fortunate kids, help the ministry in our church, and do groceries; doing these stuff, I am already content. That's why when our President, Rodrigo Duterte announced this lockdown, it's not a big deal for me, except the prohibition of mass gathering. I just can't imagine myself not going to church to fellowship with my fellow believers in Christ every Sunday and Wednesday night. I just love my church!  Not seeing them is really suffocating. But God is so good for giving wisdom to our church leaders. They managed to continue our fellowship through online services. Meeting the kids and my co-leaders in Zoom sufficed my longing for them.       

Miracles upon miracles happened to me during this lockdown period of my life. Oftentimes, miracles happen only to those who believe! Yes, this lockdown experience is a miracle for me. Please be guided, the meaning of "miracle" depends upon the perspective of each individual. If you don't agree with me, then, let's agree to disagree in peace. :D

These are all miracles for me: spending more time with God in reading and meditating in His Word, praying, singing, playing the guitar, doing poetry, writing stories, composing songs, doing discipleship through video and phone  calls, and a time to enjoy the wonders of God's love and provision through bicycle riding, and becoming a channel of blessing to others by sharing what I have; they all make my spirit soar high. The truth beneath my wings is experiencing God's faithfulness and goodness in such a time as this.

Yes, in the midst of this lockdown season of life, I am experiencing the marvelous hands of the LORD. GOD's provision is literally knocking on the door, and reaching me out through my phone. Everything just came in effortless. First, the provision from Barangay Sambag 1, I did not really go to the barangay hall and asked for it, in fact, I told my neighbors, it's okay if me and my cousin who is also a teacher will not receive anything from the barangay for as long as they will take care of those who are not able enough to feed themselves. But, lo and behold, someone knocked on the door, and told me, " Ma'am, please receive and sign this, it's the quarantine assistance from the Barangay." Then I replied, "Oh, I thought I am not included, I'm not expecting this." Then, she said, "Everyone should receive, Ma'am. It''s an order" Wow! So, how can I refuse for such a blessing, it's already knocking on your door, should you still refuse it? Next was a message from the messenger, "Hi Ms. Gwen, do you have a quarantine pass? I will leave an envelope to the guard tomorrow morning, please get it." At that time, I don't know how to respond for I knew her, once she left something for me, it's a blessing, and I am already ashamed to receive again. But anyway, I chatted back, "Yes Ma'am, I have, okay I will." 

I went to get the envelope by riding a bicycle: a fulfillment of my dream for 21 years that I really wanted to experience in Cebu City which only happened because of this COVID-19 challenge. The road was so silent and it's almost empty, so it's very safe for me to drive around. Finally, I got whatever was left for me to the guard. I didn't open the envelope right away until I reached home. Before I opened it, I asked the LORD a lot of times, for I always believe that whatever things I received, it's not necessarily for me, it could be that the LORD will only use me as a channel of blessing to others , so I asked "LORD, what's this for? Then, I opened it, and yes! I was not wrong, it's money with a love letter on it. I was overwhelmed, and I don't know what message should I send her, all I knew was, it's really too much. I told her that I don't know anymore what to say, for to say "thank you" wouldn't suffice. Then, she replied. "The LORD loves you. To Him be the honor, praise, and glory!" So everything is about God's goodness, what can I do, but to praise God and exalt the name of JESUS! After the praising moments, I asked the LORD again, "LORD, what's the money for?" Then, I was reminded of my prayer to God lately, to enable me to pay my debt to someone I owed since December. This person told me not to pay until I am able. So, praise be to GOD! Indeed, GOD is able! And now, I am on my way to pay my debt. Glory to GOD, great things HE has done! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!