Praying for the Philippines

I am certain that millions of words would be written regarding the passing of our former President Cory Aquino. I am adding my own words here. 

I have no memory of the events that happened in my childhood when we had the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, the snap elections, the victory of Cory Aquino, the EDSA revolution 1 and the presidency of Cory Aquino. What I know of these things I read from political science and historical books. I do see her from time to time on TV and in the newspapers for various events and most especially for democratic and political situations.

I often wondered then why she continued to fight battles. And today I understood as I watched various presentations and as numerous people gave testimony of what she did and stood for. I could not help but admire her life. And shed a few tears for what she fought for – democracy and a better country – I too longed for. Even before the announcement of her disease, I have been despairing over the state our country and wondering where we are heading. There is so much to be thankful for but you get tired of political bickering, accounts of corruption, lack of unity, unattained economic prosperity. What does the common Filipino to look forward to when current leaders of our country do not deliver their promises and fail in serving the people? I had been hoping there could be more but the tunnel of the future seems so dim. With the coming elections, you ask yourself if there is any use voting? I began to understand why many have chosen to leave the country to find better lives and enjoy peaceful existence.

In a sense, her death seemed timely for the elections next year. This event had brought back to the memories of the old the ideals that she stood for and made the young aware of our history. It was a reminder that in the recent past, Filipinos became united to fight for democracy and gained it back. It educated those who were too young to remember and those who were recently born, that it is possible for change to happen. And most of all, taught everyone the power of prayer and faith in God and Jesus Christ.

And now, I am praying. That the legacy and testimony she left would become the benchmark that presidential candidates have to measure themselves to. That her example would be an overpowering call for those who will run that it is not only about their personal agenda but about our country and people. That those who are in political and appointed positions would look at themselves and desire to be honored as she was and this would be translated into actions. That the Filipino people would finally unite and NOT be satisfied with the same mediocre solutions being provided them. That we would intelligently vote based on moral and rational reasons.

As I watch on television the procession and burial of former President Cory’s remains, I utter a prayer for the future of our country. I hope that as we honor her, we would remember to honor God and ourselves too. That we need to seek His face, to humble ourselves and ask Him to heal our land. That we need to love our country and to be proud of our nationality.  That we need to pray and pray. And pray.

God, have mercy on our country. Please heal our land.