Keep the faith

If you were from that era when Jazz Rhythms, Yesterdays, and East St. Louis were popular hangout bars, you would probably be familiar with Sting. “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” has always been a favorite, and lately, has become a personal anthem. While the song may be about being disillusioned—much like what we may all be feeling or be prone to feeling—which is totally understandable given the current state of events—it also speaks of hope in the power of believing in ourselves and keeping the faith. Otherwise, there would be “nothing left for me” and you to do.

Sharing some personal vignettes that hopefully will remind anyone of the inherent goodness in every one of us and our capacity to lift each other up. Our daily routine and unexpected encounters with people, both familiar and unknown to us, will always mean something if we care enough to look, pause, listen, willingly and unselfishly connect, appreciate one another, and just be grateful.

“Thank you for responding when I was in a crisis.” Funny that the expert on psychiatry was thanking a nonexpert. Hands down, she was considerably more adept at tackling these particular types of situations. We met by chance while waiting to be called for an important hospital gathering. Suddenly, feelings of being on edge, which are not unusual for Monday mornings, dissipated. A good deed for the day had been accomplished, and the best part was having been unaware of it.

“How was your trip?” I called a revered colleague who recently celebrated her 94th birthday by going on a cruise with her family. Her exuberant and joyous reply on seeing the sunrise and the sunset from her balcony made me vividly imagine the thrill that she must have felt. Her words took me aback when she said, “I thank the good Lord for making it possible.” When was the last time we looked up and thanked Him for these simple joys?

“Doctor, I got these for you.” A young colleague had gone back to my table to bring me edible giveaways. She had passed our way a few minutes before, carrying the same items, which we casually commented on as tasty treats. Her thoughtful gesture succeeded where words can never compensate. The only way to give back was to ensure that the lecture to be delivered was informative enough.

The forum was scheduled at 2 p.m., and I was rushing to the venue in kitten heels that were not made for walking.

Imagine how you would feel to be greeted with the news that the said building was on the other end and that you were walking on the wrong side of the road. To top it all off, the rain began to pour. Taking shelter in a makeshift post, the guard manning it immediately offered to accompany me to the covered sidewalk. Plus points to balance out the minuses from having landed in the wrong place under less-than-ideal weather conditions. The next challenge was how to navigate the uncovered driveway. Looking for someone to bring me to the front door, I frantically waved at three guards at the reception desk, motioning for help. It was so sad that they pretended not to see. A young man came to the rescue and willingly walked me across.

The parking lot was full, and I was seriously contemplating canceling my clinic after having circled the area countless times. After 30 minutes of waiting, a good-natured stranger called my attention. He gallantly offered to wait for me to ensure that I would have his parking space, but this would involve circling the block. Approaching his slot, I saw that a car was also waiting. I crawled past and said that it wouldn’t be right if I took him up on his offer, as the other person was way ahead of me. He gave a wide smile and a wave. In less than a minute, another parking space magically opened up.

The recent Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines circular in part read, “Let our white garments be a symbol of the purity we seek for our land and our hearts. May this season of prayer and repentance lead us to hope, healing, and the restoration of common life in truth and justice.” As of this writing, I still haven’t heard Mass. I am hoping and praying that when I do, I will be lost in a sea of white.

What are the lessons to be continually learned? Life will always have a way of evening out eventually if you believe that goodness still abounds to provide the needed balance. Take an active part in helping make it a truth rather than simply allowing it to remain a belief.

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