2 Gay Guys For More Awesome Gayness! // As Gay As It Gets

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

I was never particularly drawn to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. But now, upon reading about her a couple of days after her feast day this year, this quote caught my eye:

"We all have daily opportunities of grace. Some of them may be too small to see, but the more we love God the more we will see them. If we can't advance to heaven in giant strides, we can do it in tiny little steps. Our weakness is no excuse for mediocrity." - Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (1873 - 1897)

Our weakness is no excuse for mediocrity. Wow. Hebigat. I continued reading on. I found out that even with her physical frailty, she was quite headstrong. Paano kamo? Heto:

At 15, she asked the pope (Leo XIII) herself that she be allowed to enter Carmel.

At 17, Saint Therese confided to a visiting Jesuit of her desire to be a saint of Christ. The Jesuit thought that she was quite proud to say this. Saint Therese replied, "Why Father? Since our Lord has said, "’Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.’" Boom!

Even at such a young age, Saint Therese recognized the importance of being earnest. She was audacious. Strong-willed. Zealous.

She died at 24, and I’m sure she spent every minute of her life doing good and dedicating everything she had to God. Saint Therese didn’t actually go anywhere and everywhere, but she was made co-patron saint of missionaries and the missions with Saint Francis Xavier. She was made Doctor of the Church because of her spiritual maturity and wisdom.

Taray!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

ALL IN THE PAST

"Will pray for him. What is was his name?"

I felt awkward sending that message. I just heard that my friend's father had died. Can you imagine losing an immediate family member? I cannot. I'd probably go hysterical and breakdown. Most likely, people will need to pick me up from the floor.

Gerber is a very close friend--a brother. To think that a loved one of his had gone, it deeply saddens me.

For Mother's Day this year, my brother had the face of our mom tattooed on his chest. His way of showing his love towards her. For Father's Day, he did the same for our dad. I definitely did not expect that. My twin was very vocal that he never really cared so much for our father. He had so many issues with him, I guess the pain and hurt really got to him and carried it all these years.

And then this thing happened. I was so happy and said a silent prayer. I do hope that all is now in the past between them. I am so blessed to have witnessed this, before things got too late.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE STRAIGHT?

"When did you choose to be straight? Oh, you didn't? Do you think it's the same for gay people?"

YOUR ISSUES, NOT MINE, NOT OURS

Earlier this afternoon, I was invited by a friend for a one-on-one session. I was happy to say yes and was quite anxious about the mysterious topic. I thought of lending a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. I kept an open mind all throughout her sharing and felt sorry for her. As I walked home, I started to realize that she tried to 'convert' me. Basically, it boiled down to her issues, not mine. After all, I'm not the one who married a gay guy, who had a brief affair years back, and who now harbours feelings for an eligible guy.

In hindsight, I was inconvenienced, and with hubby's advice, sent her a message inviting her for another round--this time, it's me sharing. I need to tell her my reflections on the sharing that happened and why at certain points I was slighted.

I spent half of my life denying myself of who I really am, and frankly, the moment I accepted my whole being, everything opened up to me. I was able to fully share myself with friends, family and colleagues. I am happy with who I am, who I'm with. I am proud of what I have become and definitely not apologizing for it.

People need to be honest--to other people, but most especially to themselves. Respect. That's all there is to it.