A Reflection on Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is the only chapter in the Bible I know by heart.  It has been for many years.  Throughout my life, I got to memorize several chapters in the Bible, but I eventually forgot parts of it or its entirety completely.  Only Psalm 23 stuck.  Probably because it’s just six verses long.  But also because it has likely appealed to me a lot. 

Psalm 23 is a very notable passage in the Bible.  It used the metaphor of the LORD as a Shepherd, and it’s full of encouragement and comfort for His flock since it gives a comprehensive glimpse of the benefits that a sheep belonging to the Good Shepherd will enjoy.  

This reflection is my short analysis of the blessings depicted in Psalm 23.  I will be discussing them by verse.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

The LORD is our Good Shepherd (note: from this point on, when I use the third person pronouns like “we”, “us”, or “our”, I am referring to us Christians – the sheep belonging to the Good Shepherd).  The Good Shepherd who gives his life for his sheep (John 10:11).  The Good Shepherd who willingly sought us in the wilderness when we were lost (Luke 15:4-6).  It’s a great blessing and honor to have Him as our Shepherd! 

Belonging to Him, there is the guarantee that we will never lack of anything we need.  Emphasis on “anything we need.”  God will always give us the things He knows we actually need, not the things we want or think we need. 

So if we don’t have something, it’s because we don’t need it.  If God didn’t provide the thing we are asking for right now, then it’s because we don’t really need it yet.  Or at all.

Indeed, what we need to get the most out of our lives and accomplishing a task for the glory of God is always present or provided in the perfect time.              

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,         

The imagery from this verse inspires tranquility.

God gives us rest and peace.  And they are not dependent on the circumstances around us.  Regardless of the weather we are in – pleasant or turbulent – there is an inner calmness, for the Good Shepherd is always in control.  

he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

When God saved us, He also guaranteed that He will preserve us and sanctify us till we are ready to stand in front of Him.  By our own strength, we can never remain faithful.  It is God who enables us to be faithful.  There may be times that we falter and fall, but God will keep on sustaining and restoring us till the end.  

Through the power of His Word and Holy Spirit, His instructions and wisdom to discern what is righteous are revealed to us whenever we seek them sincerely.  But even if we fail, His forgiveness is readily given when we repent, replenishing the vigor in our souls in continuing our pressing on forward.  All of this is for His glory; so what He started in us, He will surely see it brought to completion (Philippians 1:6).    

This is basically the doctrine from the 5^th-point of Five-Point Calvinism, “Perseverance of the Saints.” Such great source of reassurance.      

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

God promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.  He promised to be with us till the end of age (Matthew 28:20).  So no matter how terrifying, impossible, dire, or threatening a certain circumstance we are in, His presence gives us courage, cheer, and calm.  For if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) 

In short, God got our backs. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Simply, we are overwhelmingly blessed! 

Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that being overwhelmingly blessed always translates to material gain – good health, fixed relationships, promotion, excelling in academics, improved standard of living, ownership of more properties, etc.  God never really promised these things.  God never promised that we will have problem-free, wealthy, comfortable lives in this world.  Quite the opposite actually. 

However, what God did promise us are the honor and joy prepared for us in Heaven that are incomparably, incomprehensibly greater than any material gain from this world.   And even in the presence of whatever form of antagonism and menace, these great blessing and glory from God is made apparent. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Due to God’s grace, we have been gifted eternal life.  Hence, we will be able to enjoy His presence for all eternity in Heaven.  But even while we are still remaining in this world, undergoing our life journey towards Eternity, the glorious presence of God is already felt to an extent – His love and grace evidently working to push us forward until we get there.  The Good Shepherd will get His flock there.     

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My Slogan: 'Keep Calm and Press On'

This post is to officially announce my life slogan. 

“Hakuna Matata” has always been my motto since I was able to understand what a motto means.  During the time I was about to get to my silver anniversary – a notable life milestone – I contemplated if there’s a need for me to change my motto as I move forward with my life, but I arrive at the conclusion that there’s no need; “Hakuna Matata” is still appropriate at this point in my life. 

So with “Hakuna Matata” already at hand, why is there a need for a life slogan?  Well, basically, a motto is different from a slogan.  A motto is a brief statement that serves as the guiding principle or philosophy that one has to live by.  A slogan is more of a catchphrase that pushes an agenda or cause.  Therefore, the purpose of a life slogan is to promote in my life the cause that I have to live on and to pump me up as I progress with my life. 

If it’s still not apparent from the title of this post and the T-shirt I’m wearing in the photo above, my life slogan is “KEEP CALM AND PRESS ON.” 

“Keep Calm and Press On” is just another play with the “Keep Calm and…” meme, in which particular revisions are made on the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan done by the UK government during the financial crisis back in the late 2000’s. Nonetheless, “Keep Calm and Press On” is almost similar in function as the original “Keep Calm and Carry On.”  Both basically mean that in the presence of excitement and difficulties, we should just remain calm and just continue moving forward.  It gives an optimistic message that no matter how hard and chaotic the situation is now, we will get through it.    Somehow, we’ll manage.  Somehow, we’ll overcome.

However, even if the implication of my life slogan is virtually similar to the original UK slogan, I still prefer to use the phrase “Press On” rather than “Carry On.” “Press On” alludes to what the Apostle Paul has stated on Philippians 3:7-14:

    But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
     Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Despite the tremendous amount of hardships and struggles that he had undergone in his life, Paul remained enthusiastic, resolute, and kept moving forward.  Why?  For he understood the great value of this future prize that God has set for him in Heaven, and that no earthly pleasure or glory can ever come close in matching that.  So he worked hard for the glory of God – storing riches in Heaven that will last for eternity – rather than seeking earthly pleasures and glory that are all temporary anyway.  In everything, he gave it his all, no matter what.  He knew that every sacrifice, every pain, every drop of effort, is going to be worth it; the glory and happiness that he would receive as reward far outweigh the sufferings that he experienced in this world while working for God’s glory.

Paul doggedly pressed on towards an upward prize, and didn’t get distracted by anything that this temporary world gives, whether temporal enjoyment or suffering.  Thus, by pressing on towards the Prize, his life became meaningful.  So for my life to be meaningful, I should follow the example that he has set.

I definitely won’t be able to do it with the same extent and quality as Paul’s, and there are times I completely forget about it that I ended up being a hypocrite.  But I just have to keep on trying; rise up each time I fail, and move forward again; don’t panic; and do the best I can and be the best I can be.  

This is what “Keep Calm and Press On” reminds me of.

Everything in this world is temporary.  Both earthly pleasures and pains will pass.  Therefore, I should not focus on the things of this world   No matter how bad my problems are, I should not let myself be drowned in them and despair – be calm.  And no matter how delightful earthly pleasures and personal glory are, I should not ground my ultimate satisfaction in them, pursuing them instead of heavenly rewards. 

My focus should be on the Prize.  If it’s for the glory of God, then I should go all out.  No holding back.  And no matter how hard the circumstances are, I should keep moving forward.  Even crawl if I have to.  Press on towards the Prize, no matter what. 

For the pains and the pleasures of this world are nothing compared to this immensely glorious Prize that God wants me to enjoy in Heaven.  Everything is going to be worth it.

In the Bible, the “crown” has several times served as symbol for heavenly rewards.  If the crown on top of the art design of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” campaign is any indication, then it’s definitely meant to be tailored for the context of my life’s slogan.

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My Tribute to the Amazing Life of William Wilberforce

This month – August 24^thto be exact – marked the 255^th birthday of William Wilberforce, one of my most favorite historical figures.   Wilberforce (born 1759 and died on July 29, 1833) was an English politician who was instrumental in bringing about the end of slave trade and, eventually, the abolition of slavery in the British Empire (decades before Abraham Lincoln and other American abolitionists succeeded in doing the same in the States).  His life story, particularly his grueling battle for the abolition of slavery, is one inspiring example of someone boldly and firmly pursuing what is right despite of overwhelming opposition.  I have termed such admirable attribute as “moral badassery” and William Wilberforce is one of history’s greatest moral badass.  

I first learned of Wilberforce in my readings on John Newton – the minister who wrote the powerful, classic hymn, “Amazing Grace” – for Newton was an early influence with Wilberforce’s journey towards Christianity, which is why the latter held the former’s counsels in high regard (moreover, being a former slave trader, Newton was knowledgeable of the evils of the practice so he was a valuable consultant when Wilberforce was fighting for its abolishment).  John Newton was a great man and has an interesting biography, but I discovered that William Wilberforce’s life was a little bit more fascinating.  

Young, hedonistic William Wilberforce decided to venture into politics due to the encouragement of his best friend, William Pitt the Younger (who would become the youngest prime minister in British history), and when he was merely 21 years old, he was elected into the parliament.  Wilberforce has always been witty, sharp, and an eloquent speaker, so he was able to hold his own in parliamentary debate.  However, he was more interested in enjoying a lifestyle of worldly pleasures than in actually making a difference.  This was Wilberforce’s early life as a politician.

Then his whole life dramatically changed during his travels abroad in 1785.  It was during this time that he met Christ.  He started reading the Bible and having devotions regularly.  He got rid of his vices, and lamented the years that he had wasted in living a hedonistic, shallow life.  He considered leaving politics to become a minister.  He sought the counsel of John Newton regarding the matter, but Newton advised him that he can still serve God by being a politician – that there was a purpose why God’s will allowed him to be in the parliament.  William Pitt also urged him to remain in politics.  So with two of his most trusted friends asking him to remain in politics, Wilberforce decided to do so.  Wilberforce found God’s calling for himself: to promote Christianity and moral and social reform in the British Empire through his position in the parliament.     

Which led him to advocate for the abolishment of the slave trade.  Wilberforce, after learning and completely comprehending the inhumane horrors of slave trade, proceeded to passionately fight this evil.  He was convinced that it was through fighting slavery that he can put his Christian faith into practice in public life.  With other abolitionists, he worked to raise awareness and interest in Britain about the realities of the slave trade and fiercely debated in the parliament for its complete abolishment.

 

Unfortunately, despite of Wilberforce’s efforts, abolishment of the slave trade was an unpopular view.  The British Empire’s economy heavily relied on slave labor in the colonies.  Wilberforce’s opponents argued that abolishment would be economic and political suicide for the British Empire, since if Britain abolishes slavery, other European nations’ economies and power would increase exponentially since they would be still free to sustain their economies with slave labor.  Even those that agree with Wilberforce of the fact of slavery’s immorality had to side against him for they think that abolishment was impractical and bad for the Empire. 

His opponents slandered Wilberforce of being a spy or a traitor.  They accused him of working for Britain’s enemies, that his purpose of calling for abolishment of the slave trade was for inciting a feeling of rebellion among the people and for the destruction of the economy.  Wilberforce had to endure all of these hurtful words.  In fact, Wilberforce really loved his country.  That’s why he wants to end slavery since he can’t bear his country conducting such heinous thing.      

Year-in and year-out, Wilberforce continued to fight – and lose – in the parliament for the abolishment of slavery.  Of course there were definitely times when Wilberforce was discouraged and was exhausted.  Who wouldn’t be?  But he didn’t surrender.  He didn’t quit.  For him, giving up was not really an option.  He knew what the right thing to do was.  And if doing it is the right thing to do, then there’s actually no choice at all but to do it.  Even if it’s difficult and draining.  Wilberforce understood all of that. 

At last, after years of fighting and employing shrewd politics, Wilberforce and co. enjoyed their first victory with the passing of the Foreign Slave Trade Bill in 1806.  Then in 1807, the Slave Trade Act – which completely banned the slave trade in the British Empire – was finally passed.  After 20 years of fighting – experiencing many crushing defeats all the way – Wilberforce was finally victorious.  Understandably, tears flowed freely on Wilberforce’s face during the parliament passing of the bill. 

But Wilberforce’s battle wasn’t over yet.  As a Christian and a conservative, Wilberforce political views and objectives were grounded in his faith and love for God.  Aside from fighting slavery, he was also involved in pushing for moral revival and social reforms.   Moreover, though the slave trade was abolished in 1807, slavery itself was still practiced.  For many more years, Wilberforce worked with abolitionists to completely eradicate the practicing of slavery in the British Empire, and in 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed.  Three days after knowing the passage of the Act through the parliament was guaranteed, William Wilberforce died.              

To fight for the right thing despite of how hard the consequences to oneself are and how gloomily insurmountable the challenges are – such awe-inspiring display is constantly demonstrated by superheroes like Captain America and Spider-Man.  Much more awesome with William Wilberforce since he’s a real-life person.          

It’s really difficult to do the right thing and completely invest one’s life for its cause.  More so if it’s unrewarding and the results are constant defeats.  As if fighting for it isn’t worth it.  But through the life of William Wilberforce (as well as through the lives of other great Christian figures of history), we learn that whatever we are called to do, no matter how tough it can get for us, we can trust God that he’ll see us through until we accomplish it.  We will never burn out as long as what we do is for God’s glory.  No matter how impossible it might seem at the present, God assures us that our faithfulness will always result to victory in the end.  As what Romans 8:31b famously says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

      

What I have written about William Wilberforce is nothing but a small piece of his rich life.  It would be better if you proceed to personally be acquainted with his life story yourself.  My suggested readings are “Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery” by Eric Metaxas and “Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce” by John Piper.  There’s also this great William Wilberforce biopic titled “Amazing Grace.”  It’s a wonderful film; it has great acting and beautiful production value.  It stars Ioan Gruffudd – who played Mr. Fantastic in the Fantastic Four movies – as William Wilberforce and the charismatic Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock Holmes himself! – as William Pitt.  Most importantly, the movie’s essentially faithful to Wilberforce’s actual biography.  It’s a real must-watch.  

So read the books or watch the movie, or, better, do both.  I recommend that you thoroughly learn more about this great man and hopefully be encouraged by his life and faith.  A man like William Wilberforce is worth celebrating and emulating.  

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'Hakuna Matata' is Indeed A Wonderful Phrase, But It isn't A Problem-Free Philosophy

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase

Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!

* * *

Hakuna Matata has been my life’s motto as far as I can remember.  It was what I would always write on the “motto” entry back when friendship autograph books were a thing during my late elementary years. 

The philosophy mightily appealed to me.  I wanted to be happy always.  For me, happiness is the greatest end.  And happiness was something that could be consciously chosen, and something you can “force” on yourself even when circumstances are hindering you to be such.  Worrying won’t help you, hence, better to live Hakuna Matata.  Don’t worry, be happy! 

I wrote something about thisduring the first year of this blog.  My argument for the merits of Hakuna Matata was like this:

Our life is short, but beautiful. And we need to get the best out of it. God wants us to enjoy the Life. And God knows what is the best for us. That's why we must surrender all to Him - our lives, our plans, our anxieties, worries, problems, fears - all of it. He promised to take care of those things. He promised to take care of us and never forsake us. "If God is with us, who can be against us?"
I fully trust the Man Upstairs. He has never let me down. For years, the motto Hakuna Matata really worked for me. I let God take care of my worries, since I surrendered my life to Him. Yes, sometimes the problems do not really disappear but God gives me strength and comfort. "No worries…"
I truly believe that I cannot get on with life without the Man Upstairs helping me. I trust him to take care of my life, my future, and me.

Reconciling Hakuna Matata with my Christian faith.  Clever eh?  But, now, I’ve realized that, even though, in a sense, what I had written (and believed) had truth, a part of my perspective was still flawed. 

* * *

With Hakuna Matata as my motto, I got to have a cheerful, happy-go-lucky disposition.  I proceeded to treat problems with apathy.  I “trained” myself to be happy no matter what.  “Happiness” was the ultimate thing to have.  As I now look back, I probably had the right idea then but I definitely mistook “happiness” with getting through life by having a good time and being unbothered by troubles, hassles, inconveniences, and antagonisms.       

Hakuna Matata’s “no worries for the rest of your days” clause is attainable and even reconcilable to my Christian faith, but it is, however, not at all due to Hakuna Matata’s “problem-free philosophy” clause.  In fact, the use of Hakuna Matata as a “problem-free philosophy” is inappropriate and quite fallacious.  Timon and Pumba got that one wrong.       

As I grow older in age and with my Christian faith, I realized that life is not meant to be “problem-free” at all.  And it’s not God’s will for us to be free from difficulties.  God promised to give us peace and strength, but there’s no promise that we will have no hard times while living in this world.  

Christ promised he will provide rest to those who come to him and surrender their heavy burdens… but he didn’t say there will be no more burdens to carry.  In fact, those that surrender their heavy burdens to Christ would have to take Christ’s yoke.  Still, he assured as that his burden is light and we will find rest, but we still have to carry a burden nonetheless (Matt. 11:28-30).  Moreover, Christ also asked us to carry his cross daily (Luke 9:23). 

Besides, God never wastes pain.  It means that every form of pain we encounter has a purpose.  It could eventually result to something good.  And even if the rationale for that pain we experience is not revealed to us in this lifetime, the heavenly reward for any suffering we endured as God’s children is a guarantee (Matt. 5:10).   Furthermore, just like pleasure, the purpose of pain is to lead us to God and reflect on His glory.             

* * * 

However, in living out Hakuna Matata’s “problem-free philosophy”, I was “avoiding” problems.  My apathy for problems would often become aversion for every form of difficulties – minor or major – and I would choose to dismiss them.  Hence, I failed to embrace and face the challenges thrown at me, and rise up from those occasions. 

I kind of missed the whole point of Lion King in the first place.  It didn’t really revolve around and end with Hakuna Matata. 

At first, Simba was already completely sold on to Hakuna Matata.   The philosophy mightily appealed to him for he can choose to avoid the burden of his past – something which he found extremely unpleasant and difficult to face.  When Nala attempted to convince him to return to Pride Rock and take the throne that is rightfully his, he balked for he was unwilling and afraid to face his past.  Even Timon and Pumba, his Hakuna Matata mentors, tried to persuade him since the circumstance calls for an exception to their philosophy.  But the confused Simba fled.  It took an encounter with Rafiki and the spirit of his father that reminded Simba of his identity and compelled him to face the challenge ahead of him.  He fought, embraced his responsibilities, and emerged stronger and victorious.

* * *

I’m turning 25 on the 23^rd.  But I guess Hakuna Matata is still retained as my motto until I find something catchier.  Lol. 

However, I like to think, that I’m no longer good with just settling for the “slimy, yet satisfying”… that at 25, after years of having my goofing-off-with-Timon-and Pumba phase, I’ve already matured enough to be ready for my Simba-going-back-to-Pride-Rock-to-face-Scar moment.   

May God help me have the readiness and willingness to embrace challenges, get out of them stronger, and glorify God during the processes and results.    And that my living of Hakuna Matata – in accordance to its core meaning of “don’t worry, be happy” – is successful, not because I am “problem-free,” but because my happiness and freedom from worries are completely, unshakably anchored in God.   

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One Day at a Time

“You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the “present”.’”

- Master Oogway (Kung Fu Panda)

“He therefore, I believe, wants them to attend chiefly to two things, to Eternity itself, and to that point of time which they call the Present.  For the Present is the point at which time touches Eternity.”

- from C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters

Press on one day at a time.

That’s how to live life.

The past is done. 

It can’t be changed.

 Hence, being concerned of it is a waste of time and energy. 

But the present is the perfect time to amend the mistakes of the past.

And there is no better time to start anew than the present.

True, the future is somewhat affected by the present.

But the future is not something that is in our power.

Thus, investing our hope on the future is a waste.

Rather, we just have to do our best in the present.

And invest our hope on Someone that does hold the future.

(That “Someone” is God, if it’s not obvious.)

One day at a time.

Just survive the day.

Do our best to accomplish the day’s goals and entrusted tasks.

Ask for the daily bread.

Be still.

Live on prayer.

And trust God

The past can hurt me. 

The future can worry me. 

So why dwell on them?

They are out of my hands.

But the present is something certain.

It’s a moment in time I’ve been given the opportunity to touch.

So it’s where I need to focus.

And with the gift of present, also comes the grace of living under God’s supremacy.

This truth, I embrace happily.

That should be enough to give me peace.

For if God bothered to assure the happiness of my Eternity,

Surely, he also have my day-by-day journey towards it taken care of.

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"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Spider-Man's Most Inspiring Lesson

You can get tons of inspirational lessons from Spider-Man.   But every lesson you can learn from Spider-Man can be ultimately traced originating from one basic principle, Spider-Man’s trademark mantra: “With great power comes great responsibility.”  It simply means that responsibility always accompanies power, and the amount of responsibility is directly proportional to the amount of power; hence, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility.  And what is this responsibility?  To do the right thing, of course!  If you found yourself possessing the capability or are in the position to do the right thing, then you should do it.  Or as Martin Sheen (as Uncle Ben in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man) put it, “…if you could do good things for other people, you had a moral obligation to do those things.  That's what at stake here.  Not a choice, responsibility.”

  

You should always do what is right – it’s a responsibility!  That is some heavy stuff.  That’s what “with great power comes great responsibility” is all about.  And a fifteen-year old Spider-Man had to learn it the hard way. 

But because of that fateful event, it made Spider-Man one of the most morally steadfast superhero ever.  Doing good is paramount to him.   No matter what the cost will be, he will pursue the right thing.  Indeed, Spidey sometimes find himself confused in determining or defining the “right thing to do.”  But his sincerity of doing the right thing can never be doubted.   

As long as it’s the right thing to do, Spidey will stubbornly press on.

Nothing will prevent him from doing what is right.  Even if bad stuff and misfortune consistently happen to his life (due to the notorious “Parker luck”); even if his heroics and selfless deeds go unappreciated and unrewarded; even if, in return of saving and protecting the populace, he instead receives ungratefulness and prejudice from them; even if his personal life and relationships suffer whenever he prioritizes his moral responsibilities; even when he’s already exhausted and injured; even if he is facing tremendous hazards, and defeat or death is likely; even if the odds are greatly stacked up against him; and even if doing the right thing is unpopular to the majority, Spider-Man will always be resolute, courageous, positive, and jolly in doing good.

Of course, he snaps sometimes -- gets discouraged, impatient, and bitter. He’s human after all. But he always reverts back to his usual cool.

He puts doing the right thing above anything else.  Even above his self-interests and personal happiness.  In Spider-Man 2 (one of the greatest movies ever), Peter Parker spoke of this (originally from his Aunt May): “Sometimes, to do what's right, we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams.”  It’s very moving.  This added another stirring layer to Spider-Man’s already inspiring character.   

“With great power comes great responsibility.”  To fight for the right thing always.  This is what really puts the amazing on the Amazing Spider-Man.   

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Even at the Face of Probable Defeat, Don't Be Afraid But Just Give It Your Best Shot: A Spider-Man Lesson

One of the greatest things about Spider-Man is the rich amount of inspiration and moral you can gain from him (which is nowadays absent, with the whole SpOck-thing happening now).   And Amazing Spider-Man #475 (published back in 2001) is one of the most powerful Spidey inspirational moments ever. 

It’s pretty moving.

Spidey finds himself at the ropes.  He knows that winning and surviving this battle is unlikely.  Nonetheless, he doesn’t back down.  Even with probable death looming, Spidey makes his stand with unwavering courage.  For that is the right thing to do – conforming to his “With great power comes great responsibility” motto.   Even if the odds are greatly against him, even if he loses, what is important to him is he tried and did his best.  The outcome – victory or defeat – doesn’t bother him.

That simply illustrates why Spidey is a true hero and role model.

From this, we learn a very valuable Spider-Man lesson:

Life is not all wins.  There will surely be losses as well.  But what is important is how we will conduct ourselves when facing our upcoming battles, especially when there is a very slim chance of victory; defeat almost a guarantee. Should we allow ourselves to be affected and scared, compelling us to fold, or be depressed, embracing defeat even when the battle is not even starting yet?  No, we should definitely not!  Rather, from start to finish, we should be courageous and give it our all.  And even if we lose, we should go down fighting. 

Especially if we are fighting for what is right.

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An Inspirational Food for Thought from Captain America

A bit of a background:

This happened during the “Civil War” event back in ’06 (if I recall the year right).  After leaving the Pro-Registration side because his conscience couldn’t stomach their methods (like imprisoning non-registered heroes in the Negative Zone), Spider-Man wrestled with a moral dilemma.  He knew that the Iron Man and the Pro-Registration side were wrong, but they were the ones on the side of the government, enforcing the Superhuman Registration Act; he was uncomfortable of switching sides, considering the fact that those in the Anti-Registration side are the ones breaking the Law.

Captain America, the leader of the Anti-Registration side, gave Spidey a very thought-provoking speech that finally put him at ease.  When I read that, it felt to me that Captain America was really delivering this speech in person in front of me.  It gave me goosebumps ; its powerful truth echoed through my bones.    

Beautiful.  /slowclap /tears 

Captain America, from time and time again, has proven that he’s loyalty doesn’t lie with the US government.  His allegiance has always been for the values and principles that America is founded upon; he believes that these are the essence of America, thus, by extension, the essence of his being Captain America.  (Now I like to think that, even as American values and morality gradually deteriorates due to the ongoing poisoning of liberal philosophy on American society, the American nation has been solidly founded on wonderful values of freedom and morality.   I like to think that this perception is a historical fact, and not a mere product of romantic thought.  And these American values are represented and personified by Captain America.)        

Anyway, the point of Captain America’s speech was this:

Doing what is right is never dependent on what the majority or what authority says is right.  In fact, time and time again, you will find that the objective right thing is actually at odds with the world’s definition of “the right thing.”  It takes true courage and guts to make a stand, to do the right thing, to never give in to pressure, to never compromise, when everything – everyone or every power – around you is against you. 

I coin Captain America’s philosophy as “moral badassery” (you heard this from me first. lol) – the best kind of badassery that could possibly be.  And I really want to emulate this.  I want to have the courage of doing the right thing no matter what the circumstance and cost to me are – to steadfastly hold my ground, stare down the incoming charge of the world’s fallacious principles, and say, “No, you move.”    

I want to be a moral badass like Captain America.        

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Chain of Thoughts on the Book of Job

Starting this month of October, our daily devotions (in church and in my family) are derived from the Book of Job.    Job is one of the most notable and iconic characters in the Bible (though he wasn’t able to make my top ten favorites), and his story is definitely compelling and lesson-filled.  Here are some thoughts, in bullets:

• There is something about how the Book of Job is written that puzzles me, and even makes me think that the Book of Job could be a fictional story (even if it is, it won’t undermine the Bible being the Word of God.  If – hypothetically speaking – the Book of Job is indeed fiction, it still carries a lot of important spiritual truths.  It could be an Old Testament parable.  Thus, if we use the same context of the Gospels’ parables’ intent – which is being God-inspired fictional stories that allegorizes important spiritual truths – on the Book of Job, then even if it’s fiction, it doesn’t mean it destroys the Bible’s legitimacy as the Word of God).  What do I mean?  Well, the conversations here between the characters are almost all in poetry form, as if they are in a Shakespearean play!  Now, if the events in the Book of Job actually happened in history, there are only two possible reasons for this: a) the Book of Job is merely a poetical paraphrase of the actual story of what happened to Job and it was the writer who restated the actual conversations by the involved people into poem form; or b) the poetical structure was the actual delivery of the conversations because people of that time are like characters of a musical who can and will spontaneously sing an appropriate song in a given situation.
• In the story, it was as if Satan gate-crashed himself into the throne room of God to discuss about Job with Him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6).  Now, why wasn’t Satan completely obliterated in the presence of such extreme holiness?   We know for a fact that actual, face-to-face conversation between God and Satan is impossible.  In the midst of God’s full glory and holiness, Satan would be annihilated!  Thus, the only seemingly logical conclusion is this proves the theory that the Book of Job is, if not a work of fiction, then at least a poetical, creative rendition – but divinely inspired nonetheless – of the story of Job than an actual, direct biography.  The spiritual realm and how things work there – the form of communication between God and the Devil, battles between angels, etc. – is an absolute mystery to us.  Our human, physical minds have no capability of comprehending the mechanics of events in the spiritual realm.  We are limited by the physics, logic, and concepts of the physical realm. Thus, the writer re-interpreted the truth of “God is sovereign; Satan can’t do anything unless God allows it” into a prose form where the happening in the spiritual realm (of how Satan asks permission from God) was re-enacted as if it’s in a physical setting (thus, the whole “Satan gate-crashing into the throne room of God to discuss about Job with Him” sequence).      
• The “how” (the means of communication between God and the Devil) is actually unimportant.  What really matters here is the fact of God’s total sovereignty.  God’s will will always reign supreme, it will always come through.  If something is going to happen contrary to His will, then He will successfully intervene because of His omnipotence.  What God wills is always for good.  He doesn’t will evil, but he does allow it to happen.  Why?  Because of His omniscient wisdom, He knows that there’s something good that will come out of that evil happening.  Because if not, then He will intervene to prevent that evil to happen.  Evil can’t ever happen if God doesn’t allow it.  And any evil that happens – no matter how terrible it is in our eyes – mean that there is something good that will come out of it.  At that moment that evil is happening or being experienced – and it’s impossible for us to see that good will come out of it – we should just trust God.  In His perfect time, the good result will be revealed to us.   
• Satan has been given a lot of dastardly nicknames like “The Dragon”, “The Father of Lies”, “The Ancient Serpent”, and “The Evil One.”  But by reading Job, we can see that he is not only those things but he’s also the Master of Douchebaggery.  Daring God to allow him to do those terrible things to Job as a test for his faithfulness?!  That’s first-class unparalleled douchebaggery.   It’s even quite probable that Satan’s still doing this these days – daring God to test us by allowing him to do terrible things to us.  If so, we can rightfully blame the Devil for all the misfortunes we are experiencing right now.  What a jerk.    
• It’s always a comfort that God is in control, and that any suffering that is inflicted upon us by the Devil won’t go way past the extent of what God allows, just as how God limited the amount of suffering the Devil can inflict on Job (In the first test, the Devil can take away or destroy everything Job has, but wasn’t allowed to physically harm Job.  In the second, he is now allowed to physically harm Job, but was not allowed to kill him).  Moreover, as already mentioned earlier, there is good that will result from any evil that God allows to happen.  Thus, we have the hope that God will see to it that something good will come out of our sufferings.
• Indeed, God punishes us – His children – by letting us suffer the consequences of our sins.  This is not to destroy us, but, rather, to indicate that we have sinned, to humble us to repent, and to ultimately restore us.  But suffering isn’t always due to sin.  Job was a blameless and faithful man, but God still allowed him to suffer.  The other reason for God allowing us to suffer is to test us, and through the experience, we will have a deeper faith and understanding of God.  Just as what happened with Job.    
• At the start, Job’s friends behaved as what true and noble friends should, they went to Job’s side during his darkest hour.  They intended to give him comfort but they only added to Job’s suffering when they opened their mouths (after being silent for seven days) since all that came out were assumptions and accusations that Job must have sinned to receive such awful series of misfortunes.   Actually, the words of Job’s friends taken per se were full of wisdom.  However, they were missing the point and context on what’s happening to Job.  Job’s suffering wasn’t a punishment from God for his sins, but was rather a test from God.  Job’s friends didn’t realize this.  Instead, because of their false conclusions, they were being foolish, insensitive, unhelpful, hurtful, and borderline self-righteous.  The lesson here is, as godly friends, we should be ready to seek God’s wisdom in helping or comforting our hurting and suffering friends.  Only God knows the exact reason why someone is suffering, therefore we mustn’t err in quickly identifying the suffering as a punishment from God.  And, sometimes, being silent and just being by a suffering friend’s side – a shoulder to cry on, an ear that is ready to listen, a strong hand to comfort the trembling – is the best approach; by opening our mouths – like what Job’s friends did – we may add to the suffering than give comfort.  Even if it’s clear that the suffering was a result of his sin, criticizing and speaking “I told you so”-kind of words during this time is not what real friends do, but rather, real friends give gentle and encouraging reminders that God will forgive and restore when someone sincerely repents.
• God won’t allow any suffering or trial to happen to His children that they won’t be able to handle.  This is indeed a clichéd truth, but nonetheless comforting to be reminded of it. 
• We can see how great Job’s faith is from the extent of the suffering God allowed him to experience.  Again, God won’t allow any suffering to happen that a child of His won’t be able to endure through.  Therefore, since God allowed such sheer devastation on Job’s life, it means that’s the immense extent of Job’s endurance!  Indeed, Job was a great man of God. 
• I believe that how fast we arrive at that point we finally grumble (and, by extent, how frequent we grumble) at God is inversely proportional to the amount of trust we have in God.  Thus, the quicker we whine to God, the less our belief in God’s promises is.  And the deeper our faith in God is, the more endurance and patience we have in bearing our sufferings. 
• Chances are, any suffering we have experienced or are experiencing isn’t even comparable to what Job had experienced.  But in the mildest of inconveniences, we are so quick to complain to God!  Well, this is true of me sometimesoften… please forgive me, Lord. 
• Indeed, God is God.  He can’t be questioned.  He is the omnipotent Creator and he reigns supreme over all Creation.  Nothing can frustrate or overcome His will.  We are merely His creatures and it is greatly foolish and arrogant of us if we challenge God.  However, after we became children of God, He becomes our Father.  And as a good, loving Father, he is willing to be patient and kind when we, His children, are having tantrums.  He allows himself to become our emotional punching bag.  He is willing to listen to our complaints and naggings.  To help us avoid releasing negative emotions we are feeling inside to others and risk sinning, we can present it to God instead.  He is ready to be the receiving end of our catharsis when we are releasing the pain, disappointment, anger, frustration, weariness, and doubts in our hearts.  And once we exhausted out all our grievances, God is sure to comfort us, and touch us to give up our stubbornness but surrender instead to His perfect will.  He will remind us to “be still and know that He is God!” (Psalm 46:10a)  I greatly appreciate this privilege so much.  Thank you, Lord. 
• I mentioned earlier the fact that the more frequent and how quick we complain means the less we have faith with God.  The immature Christians (mostly, those new in the faith) or “spiritual babies” are like actual physical babies.  Babies have short patience and weak tolerance for pain.  Just as babies throw tantrums with the smallest of hassles, “baby” Christians would complain to God with the smallest of trials.  But, as I’ve mentioned in the last paragraph, God, being a good Father, will be tolerant of the tantrums of His “spiritual babies.”  However, this does not mean we are given the right to throw tantrums forever.  A person matures from a baby to an adult; he outgrows throwing tantrums as his patience improves.  Thus, a Christian should also mature in spirit from being a “baby” to an “adult.”  Spiritual growth should be present in the life of a true Christian.  As we mature in our faith, the less we would succumb to complaining to God.  As we mature, we will have more patience and endurance in dealing with our sufferings. 
• When God finally answered Job’s cries, God made it clear to Job the fact that He is God!  He reminded Job how greatly vast and powerful he is and that the human mind can never comprehend his fullness.  Thus, Job realized how small he is compared to God.  Job realized that he has no right to question what God is doing in his life; since he can’t even understand the things God does with Creation, how more will he understand how God is working with his life?
• All’s well that ends well.  In the end, it was a happy ending for Job.  After the agonizing trial that Job undergone came great blessing.  God healed Job; made him wealthy again, giving him twice as much as he had before; gave him another set of children; and gave him a long life.  This is another lesson from the life of Job: God never wastes pain.  Any pain or suffering we experience is going to be rewarded by God once we get through it.  Thus, if we desire blessings, then we must be willing to embrace suffering.  Beside, whether it’s blessing or suffering, as long as it comes from God, then we can be sure that it’s meant for our good.  As what is mentioned in Job 2:10, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”  Indeed, we should embrace, not only the blessings, but the suffering as well.      
• The most powerful line in Job is arguably 1:21b: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”  Indeed, the glorifying of God is not dependent on the conditions we are in.  Whether in good times or bad times, God is worthy of our praise. 
• The Book of Job mentions of the Leviathan and the Behemoth.  They definitely mean dinosaurs!  No, I won’t allow you to dissuade me.  

So, this is all for now.  I MIGHT write of more thoughts as we go on in with our daily devotions on the Book of Job.  For the time being, I encourage you to have your own meditations on the Book of Job.

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Maintaining Equilibrium

If IQ tests are to be trusted (I have my doubts), I at least have an IQ of 127.  But I am more proud of my EQ, which is 116 (again, if that online EQ test I took is legit).  I am a balanced guy.  LOL.  Anyway, I really think that it is more important for someone to have a strong emotional equilibrium to survive in life than raw intelligence.     

The past days had been an emotional roller coaster ride for me and people around me.  So, I have to remind myself of the principles I live by that helped me maintain my equilibrium.  That’s why I decided to write this.  (And also so that you can pick up some pointers or encouragement). 

Taking deep breathes

I always find taking short deep breathes helpful when dealing with heavy emotional situations.  It does steady your nerves to help you think for the better.

Think logically and practically

There is a danger in becoming more attached to emotion than logic.  Emotion clouds sound judgment.  Thus, in critical evaluation, emotions should be ignored.  Especially in bad situations, since bad situations bring bad emotions.  And in these bad situations that we need our decision-making to be in its most effective.  Therefore, we should be able to train ourselves to discard the emotions that the situation can bring.  Logic and practicality should reign supreme to get us through that bad situation.

If we see the situation through a practical eye, we would easily see that feeling that particular emotion would not help us at all.  Thus, that emotion is illogical.  Example, a friend asked me once, “Are you miserable?”  I replied, “I don't know... But my feelings are irrelevant. Emotions per se can't change reality. Thus, to feel miserable is illogical.”

Indeed, what you feel won’t change the situation you’re in.  When you hit rock bottom, how can the feeling of self-pity or depression help you get up?  You might say that what I’m talking about is difficult or impossible because emotions are outcomes of situations.  Indeed they are, but I refuse to let them stay like that.  Again, emotions can’t change the reality you’re in.  What emotions can do, though, is to fuel you to a goal… or hold you back from a goal.   Therefore, if a particular emotion will hinder you instead of driving you to a goal, then it is definitely necessary to remove it.   Again, if you hit rock bottom, how will self-pity and depression help you get up?  Isn’t optimism a better assisting emotion to help your climb back to the top than self-pity?  “Since you’re now in the bottom, then the only way left is up.”  Thus, FORCING yourself to be happy and optimistic will help you recover than sulking in depression.  Laugh to pull yourself together.      

It’s hard to do, I admit.  But, really, the logic of this argument works, right?  Thus we should practice putting logic above emotion even in small things, so that it would be easier to do this method in bigger and more stressful scenarios.  

“Divide your life”… Retreat to other activities and interests…

There is a problem with revolving our whole life around something.  People tend to make school, or a relationship, or a career as the center of their lives, that when this fails or crashes, their lives crash with it.  Because they made THAT as their whole life.

There is a merit if, at the start, you had “divided” your life – or you had realized that your life is actually “divided” – into different aspects.  Then if you fail in one aspect of your life, you would take comfort that you are doing well in the other aspects.  Or if one aspect disappoints you, you can retreat to pour your energy to the other aspects to get rid of the frustration.  By this, at least, you release your frustration by doing something worthwhile or productive in your life.

That’s why it is necessary for someone to have a wide area of interests and plenty of activities to keep him or her active.  Activity is good therapy.   

“Don’t take life too seriously, we’ll all end up dead anyway…”

I encountered that quote from a college professor (one of the best teachers I ever encountered in my schooling life).  Indeed, it doesn’t matter how we lived this life, or what we obtained in this life, we will all end up as bacteria food in the end.   Bottomline: life is short and everything is just temporary.  Therefore, we should get the best out of our lives.  To live life to the fullest.  To be worthwhile and productive.   To seize the moment.  Thus, it’s a waste of life when you feel bad about living. 

See things as they are… be at peace with the facts that can’t be changed…

Again, think logically.  See things as they are.  As the definition (by Wikipedia) of reality goes: “[it] is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or may be thought to be.”   And reality is something you can’t directly change.  There’s no use being bothered with things that you can’t have some sort of control or influence over. 

And also, don’t raise your hopes on what can become.  Rather, just objectively see the situation as it is in the present.  Sounds like the cynical mentality of Thomas Covenant (don’t know him? read the books by Stephen Donaldson) to you?  Well, it does have some sense in it.  The lesser the expectations, the lesser the disappointments.   

Just be at peace with reality.  Be at peace with facts that you can’t change.

And the first (and most important) fact you should be at peace with is…

The Universe does not revolve around you.

In life, you will not get all of what you want.  Things will not always go your way.  Creation is not here to please you.  Murphy’s Law (if something can go wrong, it will) will always apply.  And, yes, life is indeed not fair.       

The sooner you become at peace with this fact, the sooner you’ll feel better and be less prone to disappointment.   As soon as you accept the fact that the universe does not revolve around you, then you will be ready to accept that…

The Universe revolves around God!

Everything is created through Him and for Him.  That everything that happens within Creation is by His sovereign will and for his glory.  And since the Universe revolves around God, then we should definitely put Him in the center of our lives.  It is only right to do so. 

Consider:

a.) God’s wisdom is perfect.

b.) Whatever God wills is always for good, even if it doesn’t look good through our own eyes (which are limited by time and un-omniscience.  God, however, transcends time and is all-knowing).

c.) Nothing happens by accident because God is always in control and nothing frustrates God’s plan.

d.) Everything He does for His children is for their ultimate good.
If we do believe in all these facts, we can see that God will not disappoint or frustrate those who put their trust, hope, joy, and love in Him (Those, however, who put their full trust, hope, joy, and love on things of this World will surely be disappointed and frustrated, since the World and everything in it are temporary and imperfect).   Then, if so, isn’t this enough to strengthen us emotionally and mentally?    Isn’t this enough to go “Hakuna Matata” with our lives?                

To be able to have a good equilibrium, there must be a strong foundation that would help us avoid getting emotionally off-balanced.  And that foundation is in God and in God alone. 

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Bring It On, Miami. We Are Not Afraid.

Part 1: Reaction to LeBron’s decision

It cannot be denied that LeBron James’ basketball talent is out of this world.   He is fun to watch.  He has a lot of potential.   I always think that if LeBron adds Kobe Bryant’s intelligence, arsenal, and attitude to his God-given physical gift and already marvelous raw skills, I would yield of LeBron as being the best, maybe even the G.O.A.T. 

However, whatever achievements he has, for me, he’s incomplete and definitely below Kobe Bryant.  Sure, LeBron statistically dominates Kobe, but we all know that stats are unfair and not compatible with Kobe’s game.  Statistics can’t measure Kobe’s greatness.  What makes Kobe better is not only because of his deadlier (deadliest in the NBA) wide-range of offensive weapons and smarter defensive mentality than LeBron, but the attitude that led Kobe to have those.

And why does Kobe have such versatile game?  Again we come back to the attitude Kobe has and LeBron lacks.  The awesome focus that even Chris Rock can’t crack… the fiery competitive “take-no-prisoners” gunslinger spirit… the mindset that ignores the box score and treat wins as the most important statistic… all these things drove him on continually improving his skills and knowledge.  LeBron does not have Kobe’s attitude of continually adding something to his arsenal.  Probably because since his powers are already enough to dominate almost everyone in the league, he probably did not see any reason or need to develop them further.  Which is a pity, such a waste of potential. 

I’m not saying LeBron is lazy.  Kobe himself respects LeBron and commends his work ethic.  Definitely, it took a lot of work for LeBron to get what he has now.  However, Kobe’s attitude is the kind of attitude champions have.  Magic, Bird, and MJ have it.  Always being up to the challenge.  And this kind of attitude is what sets Kobe apart from LeBron.  LeBron does not have this “champion’s attitude.”  And LeBron’s decision to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a “Three Kings” in Miami, seems to me, proves the point. 

Plenty of people had already addressed LeBron’s ego going on an overdrive, his douchebaggery for screwing Cleveland, “If he wanted to raise money for the Boys/Girls Clubs, he could have donated the dollars and saved Cleveland the embarrassment”, and all that.  So, I will not go there.  Probably, they are right.  But what I would talk of is what is more important to me.  LeBron James being a rightful rival for Kobe Bryant.  The Bird to Kobe’s Magic.  Which would not really happen anymore.  Sure, the Lakers and the Heat would probably have a rivalry, LeBron would probably win a championship or two in Miami, but it’s not going to be the same.

Personally, I wanted LeBron to leave Cleveland (though not in the classless manner he did).  For the sake of an epic rivalry with Kobe.  LeBron should have a class city and fanbase.  And that is New York.   I was rooting for the Knicks to get LeBron.  Kobe vs. LeBron.  LA vs. NY.  That would be a classy rivalry for years.  It will make history.       

Or if not NY, I might settle with the second best.  Maybe Chicago.  Chicago would do.  Or the Nets.  Heck, I would even prefer the Clippers over the Heat.  As long as LeBron be the main man and would have a supporting cast that could rival Kobe’s.  NY could build that (probably) in a year or two.  Chicago already has such cast with Boozer, Noah, and Rose.  Clippers will never do, so forget what I said about preferring the Clippers over the Heat.        

The main point is LeBron would be the Man on that team.  The General.  That would mean that LeBron is up for the challenge to take Kobe on.  I would root for Kobe and the Lakers, but would respect LeBron and his team and would even congratulate them if they win over Kobe and the Lakers.  Thus, LeBron would show me that he has the “champion's attitude”, a worthy rival for Kobe Bryant, and has the right to join Kobe’s page in history. 

Unfortunately, he is not up for that challenge of taking on Kobe “The Greatest Player in the Planet” Bryant.  "We don't have the pressure of going out and scoring 30 every night or shooting a high percentage."  The way LeBron said it shows this.  No “champion's attitude” at all.  Creating a powerhouse (or potential powerhouse as we still don’t know who are the guys that would fill the rest of the Heat’s lineup) with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh tells us that LeBron believes that he can’t beat Kobe without riding on with two other superstars.     

I am disappointed.  No, not disappointed, I am frustrated.  I am mad, I am rapid, I am foaming in the mouth (not really, just an exaggeration.  I borrowed  that line from a senator's outburst here in the Philippines).  LeBron’s decision destroyed my fantasy.  And for that, I am almost as angry as a Cavs fan right now.

In my attempt on trying to make sense of it all, I can only think of two probable reasons why LeBron chose Miami.  First, which I already mentioned, he does not have the “champion’s attitude” and is desperate on winning a title since he believes it is impossible to beat Kobe on his own.   

Or, maybe this decision is another attempt to feed his ego and desire to be more popular than Kobe.  Wondahbap wrote: "Staying on LeBron, I'm finding him increasingly more annoying everyday to the point of dislike. I try to like him. I watch him often. I admire his game, and don't want to make this seem like a Kobe over Lebron hatefest, but he's just so corny sometimes. And arrogant. Probably insecure. At times phony. Defintely a frontrunner. Some people accuse Kobe of all of these things, and they probably have valid points. It just proves how corny LeBron can be, because he straight-up copycats everything Kobe does. Kobe takes a book from MJ's page and relishes games in Madison Square Garden? Here comes LeBron tagging along. It's so special to him all of a sudden. Kobe changes his number? LeBron wants to change his. Kobe has a penchant for sometimes taking ill advised three-point shots? LeBron takes stupid threes more and more. Kobe puts on the serious face and steely demeanor during the playoffs? Now dancing, air camera, picture taking LeBron decides it's time to play no games and get all stone faced. Now the elbow? Seriously, I don't believe his elbow hurts for a minute. He watches Kobe get this praise for being a tough-as-nails warrior, so he has to overdramatize an elbow injury enough to make Paul Pierce want to sue for infringement. So LeBron's elbow hurts so bad, he has to shoot a free throw left handed. Right. Pun intended. He sure seemed like he was having a hard time keeping a straight face filling us with his crap. Boo frickety hoo."

If Wondahbap is right in this assessment, then LeBron’s decision on joining the Miami Heat is another attempt of his to steal Kobe’s thunder.  We all know that though Kobe is much loved by many, there are also those who hate him deeply.  This level of animosity Kobe receives from his haters is probably unrivaled in the history of the NBA.  Thus, LeBron wants to steal that from Kobe, too.  He wants to have the same level of animosity – maybe even to surpass it – which Kobe gets from haters.  And LeBron probably succeeded since most of the hate on Kobe shifted to him.  

If it’s true, then it’s disappointing that LeBron wants to surpass Kobe’s popularity rather than his greatness.               

Part 2: The Threat of the Miami Heat

I read somewhere that Miami has a terrible fanbase and does not deserve a championship.  But they would probably win at least one (maybe two or three) in the next six years with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh – the so-called “Three Kings” – with them.  Just give them a good supporting cast, some luck that would give them good health throughout the season, and a system that would give the perfect chemistry and, voila, instant championship.      

Oh, the Miami Heat is now a threat to my beloved Lakers’ goal of multi-championships in the next years all right.  Some fans are much worried.  And I can’t blame them.  Heat has the potential to overthrow the Lakers.  But I think as real Laker fans, we have a responsibility to not worry.  To not doubt.  Phil Jackson might now be already thinking of ways on how to defeat them.  Kobe is probably smiling in delight on having the chance to destroy them with one blow.  Steve Blake is impatiently waiting for that time he can prove his worth to the Lakers.  Pau Gasol is itching on proving that he’s the best big man right now.  Sasha Vujacic is raring for the chance on redeeming himself by reviving the Machine.  Andrew Bynum is counting the ways he would embarrass the Heat’s center whoever he is.  Ron Artest is reminiscing every day the high he got when he won his first championship and that he is hungry for more.  Heck, even Derek Fisher, already planning ahead, might have just pretended he was interested on playing for the Heat to obtain an invitation to visit them, but was actually doing reconnaissance for the Lakers. 

Dexter Fishmore made a poll in Silver Screen and Roll on how worried we are about the Miami Heat.  It is heartening to know that the majority (me included) voted “not worried” though there are still some who said that that they are very nervous about it.  Well, let me encourage you brothers and sisters of Lakerdom.  We should have faith on our beloved Los Angeles Lakers.  They are the best.  They are champions.  And they will fight as champions. 

Also take note that LeBron, D-Wade, and Bosh had been able to play together already in the past (in the international tournaments) and they did not win any gold at all until Kobe came along.  And in the previous World Championship where the “Three Kings” were playing together, without Kobe, they only ended up bronze.  Remember who won the gold?  Yup.  Espanya!  And we got the MVP of the tournament, Pau Gasol, on our team.  So, please don’t be frightened of these “Three Kings” and the Miami Heat.

Even when the time comes that the Lakers will become the underdogs and the Heat would ultimately win it all, don’t expect the Lakers to quit at all.  Kobe Bryant, leading his Lakers, will go down with guns blazing.  Lakers will take a last stand a la Alamo.  And when defeated, they would be focused and ready to take back the championship the next season.  And that is if the Heat can beat the Lakers at all.  As fans, we should have the mentality to presume that the Heat can’t beat the Lakers.

Again, as fans, we have the responsibility to show no fear.  No panic.  No worry.  And to maintain faith on this team that we love.  And love comes with trust.  Thus, we should trust the Lakers to the fullest.  We should have the attitude the crowd in Staple showed in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.  I love that attitude.  Down by 13 and never giving up, thus energizing the Lakers.  Well, not all of us can cheer for the Lakers in Staples, but we should nonetheless have that kind of attitude of support for the Lakers.  Worrying or being pessimistic will never help, thus we should be always positive on our attitude.  Sure, we may point out the flaws that we see them make, but we should not doubt that they can’t make the adjustment to fix it.  


Not all of us will have the chance to watch and support the Lakers in Staples (me included) but our attitude and support still matters and may affect the Lakers, as much as the cheers (or jeers) of the home crowd, in a butterfly-effect kind of way.  So, if my attitude can affect the Lakers in a butterfly-effect kind of way, I will not take any chances. I would be optimistic and cheer and encourage, that maybe in a butterfly-effect kind of way, it would contribute to the Lakers’ success.  Therefore, I write this to maybe start a small ripple of optimistic feeling for all Laker fans. 

As for the Miami Heat and their fans and the so-called “fans” that jumped into the Miami Heat bandwagon, in behalf of all Lakerdom, I would like to convey the message that we are not afraid of you.  As a dare to you, let me borrow the catchphrase of a once Miami resident, who is now a Hollywood actor and, I think, is a Laker fan: 

JUST BRING IT!!!

The Lakers’ll bring the whuppin’ to your candy asses!

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