Let us be courageous this 2022

The year end of 2021 was tough for some Filipinos who were victims of typhoon Odette. Many were displaced as houses, places of works, businesses and even agricultural fields were destroyed by the typhoon. Electricity, internet connections and water works were cut off as debris from the aftermath of the typhoon destroyed most of it. For weeks the affected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao suffered in darkness, limited water supply and poor internet connection even up to now. There are still victims who are suffering with no homes and needs help at this time.

Some Davaoeños through the initiative of the city government donated their pahalipay grocery packs to the victims. Likewise, the catholic church through the Archdiocese of Davao also initiated a donation program for the typhoon victims. With the said initiatives it is hoped that in one way or the other the hardships brought by the typhoon will be eased.

What a year 2021 was for everybody aside from the pandemic, some of us suffered from typhoon Odette. Despite that many also celebrated milestones in their lives. And many are still living a healthy life with their family and friends. So, this coming new year 2022 let us be courageous as we face the uncertainties before us. What we can do is to be hopeful for a better year. Let’s cling to God, our shield in every adversities.

On another note, with the onslaught of the new Covid-19 variant that is Omicron, we are fighting another battle as cases of it continue to increase. We are once again asked to be not complacent instead be more careful and for us to continue following health protocols. Those who have completed their 1st and 2nd dose of vaccines are encouraged to take booster shots already. More than anything else, we should continue to trust God in all of these. He is an all knowing God as he knows what is best for all of us for it is said in 1 John 3:20, “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

Below is a prayer for comfort and protection which is very relevant in our situation today that i would like to share with you that was penned by a friend and posted on Facebook.

PRAYER FOR COMFORT AND PROTECTION

By: Melba Irene Gabuya

Dear Lord,

From time to time we are getting restless and overwhelmed.
There is an uncertainty that hangs like a dark cloud above us all.
This irregular sequence of our daily living has brought so much fears

We no longer want to be won over by fears, Oh God
Instead, we want to increase our faith in you.
We surrender to your holy will
We pray as one in faith
That all will be ok again, soon.
We know so much has changed and we can never go back to how it was before.

We have lost some and we have won some.
But we pray for your stubborn love that makes us resilient and protected
A love that makes reborn and strong

Please comfort us in times of despair
Especially those who are grieving
And those who are sick.
Bring forth your healing grace to each one of us
And please heal the earth so that we can breathe freely once again.

Stop those whose intentions are impure
Protect those who are working so hard to keep us all safe and sound

Grant justice to humankind.
And grant us the courage to stay on guard and to protect each one.

Have mercy on us all during this ordeal.
May this will soon come to an end. Amen.

“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.” – Mark Twain