When I was young, I already know that there is GOD. When I become a little older, I came to believe that there is GOD. And when I become much older I have proven and known that there is really GOD.
When I was a little girl, I used to believe that the GOD is the one who is made of cement that is displayed on our altar. There is a point during my childhood that I always come to the altar kneeling down to pray in front of the graven image. And then I have learned how to pray repetitively while holding some beads in my hands. Also, have learned how to go to a place to hear mass, inside there are plenty of those graven images that look like ours, in there they look more bigger and more colorful compared to what we have at home. During those times, I thought that serving GOD is just as easy as doing good deeds that the men in white robes are teaching, praying and kneeling down in front of those graven images and that is it, Hoala! I am going to heaven after I died!
One fateful day, when I was watching television, I certainly came across to a religious program(Ang Dating Daan). Agh, I cannot when is that day exactly. What I can only recall are the days when I feel that my day is incomplete without me watching that religious program on TV. I was very young then but old enough to understand and feel that what the host (Bro. Eli Soriano) is saying are indeed the truth because he bases his preaching solely from the bible. I always and always hear Bro. Eli Soriano say, basa! (read in English). It came to a point that I realized that the teachings and doctrines of my current religion that time are totally wrong, and to make things worst, the teachings and doctrines of my old religion are the exact opposite of what the true and undefiled doctrines in the bible says. Eventually, Ang Dating Daan has become my favorite tv program. Watching it has become my habit. Well, not only a habit but literally part of my daily routine. I feel incomplete without watching it.
Later on in my life, by watching Ang Dating Daan, I realize that my life is gradually changing. I no longer go to that place to hear mass and pray while im on my knees in front of the graven images, I no longer pray repetitively and my faith belief has started to become colder, colder and eventually, has totally gone.
Alright, at some point I need to make a decision, a major, major decision. The greatest decision in my life and yes, it is a matter of life and death not only literally but spiritually. Yes, I might be young then actually I am just a minor then, but I feel that, that decision is the greatest decision a man can make – minor or adult. I finally made up my mind (and my heart) And so I asked my mother if I can change my religion, and you know what is her answer ? (Drum roll please…) a resounding no! My goodness! That is one of the shattering moments in my life. But since GOD’s calling is so strong that I can never ever resist, I have decided to pursue my plans. To cut the veryyyyy lonnnggggggg story short, I was baptized and become a member of theChurchofGOD International.
At first, I can say that it was easy. There was some series of drama (plenty, actually) and action (o, memories) and adventure as well. Well seriously, it was tough it was hard but it is rewarding.
Life here on earth is not as easy as riding a bike. Regardless of what kind of faith that you have, regardless of your status in the society, whether you are rich or poor – admit it people, it is not easy.
But what makes my life (and my brothers and sisters in faith) different from everyone else is that despite of the hardship that we may have, no matter how big our problems are, no matter how complicated the situation or matters in our lives may be, we have inner peace in our hearts. We are happy because we are grateful for who we are, and what we have. This is because we have one GOD who quenches our thirst, who fills our hungry stomachs. We have GOD to shield us from any storm, protect us from dangers, who loves us unconditionally and whose love and kindness is unfathomable –
Yes, the GOD Almighty.
We also have Christ who delivered us from sins and who mediates us to GOD.
And also the Holy Spirit that assists and guides us.
If I am to die in the near future, and while I am still alive right now and able to write this blog with GOD’s help, I would like all of you to know that I do not regret the decision that I made 10 years ago. I would like to move forward with GOD’s help and fulfill the destiny that is upon me.
Looking back from the first day that I receive the faith until this very moment, I would say that in spite of the hardships, the pains and sufferings that I have encountered. Despite of how unworthy and useless I am, I am honored and grateful to be called to reside inside the House of GOD.
And if I am to live again, my decision would still be the same. The decision that I made 10 years ago had led me to have a renewed life, a more peaceful life and a more blissful life. Residing inside GOD’s House gives me the feeling of comfort, the feeling that there would always be SOMEONE who is always here by my side whenever I am happy and whenever I am in pain.
I know writing this blog is not enough for paying even a single thing that GOD has done for me and for my loved ones but, in my humble way, I would like to express how grateful I am to be loved by GOD.
Thanks be to GOD for the wonderful decade that HE has given me. All Glory and praises are to HIM
Moving forward 