Losses

This week has been marked by a lot of losses.  The future-lawyer-now-no-more due to death by hazing, Marc Andre Marcos, indicts every one of how uncivilized Filipino society is in the segment of initiation to a brotherhood aggravated by their professed interest and concern for the law.  We grieve with the family as we also share the burden of being part of the society that has allowed some student organizations to develop beastly behavior and values. We grieve for the promise of a future senselessly and selfishly beaten to death. What a tragedy. What a loss.

To rub salt on the lesson to be learned that too much is not good, the rains came and have not ceased as of this writing. The rain and resulting floods over the northern part of our country has caused so much loss. Homes and public infrastructure have been destroyed, productive work in the farms, businesses and offices interrupted as getting to safety along with search and rescue are the priorities. The images of pain and misery of others should encourage the fortunate to be grateful, expressed in commitments to be helpful in the days to come.  As we look forward we also have to be able to pass the kindness forward.  The calamity spared citizens have, in some way or another, responsibilities to help those in need in ways they can.

Interestingly, a conversation turned toward the opportunities offered in the repair and rebuilding of lives and public infrastructure. The prices of goods and commodities are expected to rise sharply as efforts to stabilize supply are made. Forecasts and efforts now being made by those concerned on the local price of sugar in the coming quarter, the opportunities also are available for those who import rather than plant.  It will be a challenge, as well as, a learning experience for other, as to how the industry will address the local market conditions including the response of the entrepreneurs. 

Do we attempt a guess that a shipment of commodities is again seized by the government?  Do we hope and then see a better industry that has spread the opportunities with increased value for honest work and humble toil.

Let us end and be encouraged to ponder further with the following anecdote.  A preacher was completing a temperance sermon; with great expression he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

And then finally, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."He sat down.The song leader then stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn # 365: "Shall We Gather at the River."*