Her story is a testament of how a daughter loves and care for her mother. The fear of death and loosing someone and most of all how faith can bring miracles.
This is her story:
Dear Bro. Bo,
My story I am going to share is about an answered prayer.
When I was 7 years old, I remember my mom puffing a cigarette. Since that time, we have been telling her to stop smoking. But over the years, she did not quit. Many things happened through the years (my dad passed away, my two older brother got married, I graduated from college and so on). MY family and I often ask her to quit, but there were many attempts but it usually lasts for maximum of two months... at time even just days and mom would promise she would just gradually stop.. gradual quitting leads to over smoking as i noticed. So still she smokes.
Some things happened in life that lead me to God. I joined a Charismatic Community in a church where I usually attend mass. To be honest, my family believes God but we were never really "connected" to him. This is just my opinion. In the community, I learned many things, like reading the Bible, we were also encouraged to confess monthly, attend Sunday masses, pray the rosary everyday, and so on.
I learned to pray the rosary every night. (a habit i need to re start again now) I prayed and asked Mama Mary's Intercession. I offered my prayer that if my mom smokes 1,000,000 sticks more in her life, each rosary bead would minus the sum. I knew I needed to pray more but I just prayed. After 9 months of praying...
In New Year 2009, it was the holiday season. Of course there were many celebrations to attend. I noticed my mom got thinner and she often had headaches, and took pain relievers often. I felt something was wrong she said it's nothing. Until on January 1, since she and I are only at home, we had a simple dinner. We ate the same food from the eve's left over. After eating, we watched Tv and she went to sleep. Since it was holiday, I watched TV for almost overnight. Until past midnight, mom woke up and she vomited and looked so sick.I was so scared.. I prayed to God Not to take my mother yet since I have no more dad. Losing my mom would really devastate me.
I asked mom if she wants to be rushed to the hospital. She nodded. I knew something was serious. I prayed since I thought I could not bear it. My brothers are in their own homes, It was just me. So i grabbed a rosary to keep me company.
In the ER, she complained many things to the doctor. Test were made and x-rays. AFter few hours, the doctor just said she had food poisoning. I could hardly believe that. We ate the same food and I ate more. But then the doctor said, that is all there is that's why she vomited. After the x-ray, the doctor found out a minimal pneumonia. The doctor assured me I have nothing to worry. Its just a "baby" pneumonia and it can be cure easily. True enough, she only had medication for 3 days.
My mom wanted to be admitted since she feels sick. MOre test were made on her. In fact, she had executive check up. months before, I already know that mom has thyroid imbalance. It's hereditary but the doctor gave prescription and it was also "nothing". I was confused why mom got so sick.
Staying in hospital alone was tiresome and depressing. I cling to God. I had to take care of mom for 4 days all by myself. ( I got sick after she was discharged). I just kept on praying and praying.
Finally, the doctor asked my mom if she smokes, my mom said yes. The doctor told her and me... that was the cause of her palpitations, dizziness, severe headaches and it triggered her thyroid imbalance. The doctor gave her a choice - to stop smoking or to prepare a million cos she can develop a heart disease if she doesn;t stop. I told my mom I don't have that amount so I asked her to stop.
Surprisingly, when we discharged. Mom quit. QUIT. totally. I am so happy!!! Now my mom looks younger, gained weight and she has no health problems. except for the thyroid imbalance which is also minor.
I remembered 30 years of smoking is hard to put an end! But yeah with God, indeed nothing is impossible! Praise The Lord! My mom's first grandchild is 7 years old when she quit. I was 7 when I asked her to quit. It took another generation for her to stop. Indeed the rosary is powerful and God is good!
I believe the food poisoning was God's way to call my mom. I am glad my mom got sick. It made her realize the bad smoking is. In addition, my mom joined me in my Charismatic Group. We go to the same group together (too sad. the group is not active now. some member relocated and some lost contact. I am praying I would have another prayer group).
If it weren't for the rosary beads and prayers, my mom could have not been saved!I am so thankful to God for giving me My charismatic group. I learned so much. Now, I am on my own so I purchase "COMPANION " at least to keep me in track daily.
I would like to share this because I want people to know how God answers prayers. I know the decision is always ours but with prayers, we become stronger in deciding. Mom is smoke-free now for 2 years. And she now telling my brother to stop smoking. I know I need to pray for him again.
Thanks Bo for reading. God bless you . :-)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Dianne,
Thank you so much for your story.Your story gives hope to many people who are also praying for their loved ones to change.Sometimes, it will take a painful situation for them to change.So God may answer their prayer in an unexpected way--by allowing a trial to come.Hopefully, there is no need for the trial.Hopefully, we change because we want to--not because we have to!
I pray for you and your mother.
Keep following the Lord,
Bo
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Lolon's Story
Here's the much-awaited Dear Bo story for this week!
Ako si Hilarion T. Salvaña, 70 taong gulang, may asawa, walang anak, at kilala sa tawag na Lolon. Isa akong retiradong school official ng DECS (DepEd ngayon) at retirado ring propesor sa isang malaking unibersidad sa aming lalawigan. Isang kakilala ang nag-suggest” sa akin na mag-“Like” sa iyong page sa facebook kamakalawa lamang na kaagad ko namang ginawa.
Araw-araw akong nagfe-facebook mula noong lumabas ako sa ospital dahil sa isang aksidente at di ko nakakaligtaang buksan ang application na Message from God (bagamat hindi ko tiyak na ang mensahe ay talagang galing nga sa Diyos sapagkat alam kong gawa lamang ito ng mga taong nagpapatakbo ng nasabing application sa facebook). Malimit na tumutugma sa akin ang mga mensaheng nakukuha ko araw-araw. Kaya’t naiisip kong sana nga ay guided by the Holy Spirit ang sumusulat ng mga mensaheng ito upang maraming tao ang mabiyayaan.
Lunes, Hunyo 28, 2010, nang ang makuha kong Message from God para sa akin ay ganito:
“God wants you to know that there are no accidents. What you think of as accidents are simply your conversations with God that you haven’t yet been able to understand. But take heart, all happens in God’s will and every conversation has deep meaning for you.”
Pinilit kong unawain ang mensahe. Sa simula ay nahihirapan akong unawain ang nilalaman nito ngunit nang maalaala ko at paglimi-limiin ang pamamalagi ko sa ospital ng halos dalawang linggo dahil sa aksidenteng nangyari sa akin ay nagkaroon ito ng liwanag ito sa aking pang-unawa. Ganito, humigit-kumulang, ang aksidenteng nangyari sa akin.
Noong Abril 11, 2010, nanood kaming mag-asawa ng sine sa Cinema 2 sa SM City Lucena. Sabi ko noon sa Mrs. ko: “Mag-celebrate naman tayo dahil lahat ay normal ang resulta ng aking blood tests pati ng whole abdomen ultrasound.” Ang palabas noon ay Clash of the Titans. Dakong gitna na ng pelikula ang inabot namin kaya sa dakong gitna rin ng palabas kami tumayo para lumabas ng cinema. Madilim pa sa loob. Walang usher na tumanlaw sa amin kaya pagdating sa hagdang pababa, akala ko’y pantay pa ang tatapakan ng kanan kong paa. Iyon pala’y step na. Kaya nagpagulong-gulong akong nahulog sa hagdan at tumama sa sementong sahig ang aking ulo. Nagkabukol ako ng sinlaki ng pandesal at nagdugo ang aking kaliwang tainga at ilong. Isinugod ako sa Mount Carmel Diocesan General Hospital sa Lucena at nagsuka ako ng dugo pagdating doon. Sa pagsusuri ng mga doctor na gumamot sa akin, napag-alamang may fracture sa dakong kaliwa ng aking skull, may lumalabas na brain fluid mula sa fracture, at may damage sa aking kaliwang ear drum. Dalawang linggong pinigil ako sa ospital upang mabigyan ng heavy dosage ng antibiotic na sa dextrose pinadadaan.
Sa loob ng pananatili ko sa ospital, panay ang aking dasal at paghingi ng panalangin sa lahat ng maaabot ng aking cellular phone, ng land line, at sa iba pang mga paraan. Pito o walong araw, humigit kumulang, mula nang ipasok ako sa ospital, parang may lakas na nagtulak sa akin na gawin na ang matagal ko nang gustong gawin ngunit hindi ko magawa: ang mangumpisal (sapagkat bagaman at nagsisimba ako tuwing araw ng Linggo at nagdadasal bago matulog at pagkagising, maraming taon na akong hindi nakakapangumpisal). Nagawa kong mag-text sa kapatid at pamangkin ng isa kong kakilalang pari na hilingin kay Father na sana’y dalawin ako sa ospital upang makapangumpisal sa kanya.
At nangyari ang matagal ko nang gustong mangyari. Dumating si Father isang hapon at taimtim na pinakinggan ang aking pangungumpisal sa kanya. Pagkatapos noon, halos araw-araw sa ilan pang araw na inilagi ko sa ospital na tumanggap ako ng sakramento ng pakikinabang. Itinuring ko itong isang napakalaking biyaya.
Sa ngayon, mabuti na ang aking kalagayan bagamat kailangan pang obserbahan sa loob ng anim na buwan para ma-monitor kung may iba pang pinsalang maaaring nangyari sa aking utak. Naghilom na ang nasirang left ear drum, subalit naapektuhan ang aking pandinig kaya kinailangan akong gumamit ng hearing aid. Hindi pa ako makalakad na mag-isa sa pangambang baka ako mahilo at muling mapahampas ang ulo sapagkat humina rin ang aking tuhod. Tuwing araw ng Linggo at mga araw ng check-up ko sa mga doktor lamang ako nakakalabas ng bahay kasama ang aking Mrs.
At noon ngang Hunyo 28, 2010, ganoon nga ang mensaheng tinanggap ko mula sa Message from God. At naunawaan ko ang kahulugan nito. Ang “aksidente” ng pagkahulog ko sa hagdan ng cinema ay hindi pala talagang aksidente sapagkat marahil, ito’y inibig ng Diyos na mangyari sa akin upang makinig ako sa Kanya. Marahil, matagal na rin akong kinakausap ng Diyos tungkol dito ngunit hindi ko ito napapansin (o kaya’y talagang hindi ko ito pinapansin). Kinailangan pa ang isang “aksidente” (na ayon sa Message form God na tinanggap ko ay isang paraan ng Diyos upang mapakinggan ko at maunawaan ang gusto niyang sabihin sa akin) upang maging lubos akong mapalapit sa Kanya.
At naisip ko rin: Marami palang paraan at maraming bagay na ginagamit na instumento ang Diyos upang matupad ang kanyang kalooban dito sa lupa para sa bawat isa sa atin, halimbawa’y ang facebook o anumang katulad nito na hindi lamang isang uri ng mapapaglibangan at mapapagpalipasan ng oras kundi maaari ring maging tulay na maghahatid sa atin sa lalong malalim na pagkaunawa sa kalooban ng Diyos para sa bawat isa sa atin upang tayo’y lalong mapalapit sa Kanya.
At sa huli, naisip ko rin na sa bawat aksidenteng maranasan natin, hindi pala dapat isipin na ito’y isang “aksidente” lamang sa pagkakaunawa ng tao kundi isang pangyayaring naayon sa kalooban Niya para sa atin at ginagawa niyang paraan upang magkaroon tayo ng puspusang pakikipag-usap sa Kanya at magawa natin ang Kanyang ninanais para sa ating ikabubuti.
Kahapon, sinimulan ko na ang halos araw-araw na pagtunghay sa iyong page sa facebook upang makibahagi sa mga magaganda at makabuluhang butil ng kabanalan na ipinahahayag mo at ng iba pang mga sumusubaybay sa page page na ito.
Maraming salamat. Purihin ang Diyos!
HILARION “LOLON” T. SALVAÑA "
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Lolon,
I'm inspired by your sharing.You responded to your "accident" with faith.God uses whatever circumstances for our good--and He indeed blessed you so much.
Blessings!
Bo
Ako si Hilarion T. Salvaña, 70 taong gulang, may asawa, walang anak, at kilala sa tawag na Lolon. Isa akong retiradong school official ng DECS (DepEd ngayon) at retirado ring propesor sa isang malaking unibersidad sa aming lalawigan. Isang kakilala ang nag-suggest” sa akin na mag-“Like” sa iyong page sa facebook kamakalawa lamang na kaagad ko namang ginawa.
Araw-araw akong nagfe-facebook mula noong lumabas ako sa ospital dahil sa isang aksidente at di ko nakakaligtaang buksan ang application na Message from God (bagamat hindi ko tiyak na ang mensahe ay talagang galing nga sa Diyos sapagkat alam kong gawa lamang ito ng mga taong nagpapatakbo ng nasabing application sa facebook). Malimit na tumutugma sa akin ang mga mensaheng nakukuha ko araw-araw. Kaya’t naiisip kong sana nga ay guided by the Holy Spirit ang sumusulat ng mga mensaheng ito upang maraming tao ang mabiyayaan.
Lunes, Hunyo 28, 2010, nang ang makuha kong Message from God para sa akin ay ganito:
“God wants you to know that there are no accidents. What you think of as accidents are simply your conversations with God that you haven’t yet been able to understand. But take heart, all happens in God’s will and every conversation has deep meaning for you.”
Pinilit kong unawain ang mensahe. Sa simula ay nahihirapan akong unawain ang nilalaman nito ngunit nang maalaala ko at paglimi-limiin ang pamamalagi ko sa ospital ng halos dalawang linggo dahil sa aksidenteng nangyari sa akin ay nagkaroon ito ng liwanag ito sa aking pang-unawa. Ganito, humigit-kumulang, ang aksidenteng nangyari sa akin.
Noong Abril 11, 2010, nanood kaming mag-asawa ng sine sa Cinema 2 sa SM City Lucena. Sabi ko noon sa Mrs. ko: “Mag-celebrate naman tayo dahil lahat ay normal ang resulta ng aking blood tests pati ng whole abdomen ultrasound.” Ang palabas noon ay Clash of the Titans. Dakong gitna na ng pelikula ang inabot namin kaya sa dakong gitna rin ng palabas kami tumayo para lumabas ng cinema. Madilim pa sa loob. Walang usher na tumanlaw sa amin kaya pagdating sa hagdang pababa, akala ko’y pantay pa ang tatapakan ng kanan kong paa. Iyon pala’y step na. Kaya nagpagulong-gulong akong nahulog sa hagdan at tumama sa sementong sahig ang aking ulo. Nagkabukol ako ng sinlaki ng pandesal at nagdugo ang aking kaliwang tainga at ilong. Isinugod ako sa Mount Carmel Diocesan General Hospital sa Lucena at nagsuka ako ng dugo pagdating doon. Sa pagsusuri ng mga doctor na gumamot sa akin, napag-alamang may fracture sa dakong kaliwa ng aking skull, may lumalabas na brain fluid mula sa fracture, at may damage sa aking kaliwang ear drum. Dalawang linggong pinigil ako sa ospital upang mabigyan ng heavy dosage ng antibiotic na sa dextrose pinadadaan.
Sa loob ng pananatili ko sa ospital, panay ang aking dasal at paghingi ng panalangin sa lahat ng maaabot ng aking cellular phone, ng land line, at sa iba pang mga paraan. Pito o walong araw, humigit kumulang, mula nang ipasok ako sa ospital, parang may lakas na nagtulak sa akin na gawin na ang matagal ko nang gustong gawin ngunit hindi ko magawa: ang mangumpisal (sapagkat bagaman at nagsisimba ako tuwing araw ng Linggo at nagdadasal bago matulog at pagkagising, maraming taon na akong hindi nakakapangumpisal). Nagawa kong mag-text sa kapatid at pamangkin ng isa kong kakilalang pari na hilingin kay Father na sana’y dalawin ako sa ospital upang makapangumpisal sa kanya.
At nangyari ang matagal ko nang gustong mangyari. Dumating si Father isang hapon at taimtim na pinakinggan ang aking pangungumpisal sa kanya. Pagkatapos noon, halos araw-araw sa ilan pang araw na inilagi ko sa ospital na tumanggap ako ng sakramento ng pakikinabang. Itinuring ko itong isang napakalaking biyaya.
Sa ngayon, mabuti na ang aking kalagayan bagamat kailangan pang obserbahan sa loob ng anim na buwan para ma-monitor kung may iba pang pinsalang maaaring nangyari sa aking utak. Naghilom na ang nasirang left ear drum, subalit naapektuhan ang aking pandinig kaya kinailangan akong gumamit ng hearing aid. Hindi pa ako makalakad na mag-isa sa pangambang baka ako mahilo at muling mapahampas ang ulo sapagkat humina rin ang aking tuhod. Tuwing araw ng Linggo at mga araw ng check-up ko sa mga doktor lamang ako nakakalabas ng bahay kasama ang aking Mrs.
At noon ngang Hunyo 28, 2010, ganoon nga ang mensaheng tinanggap ko mula sa Message from God. At naunawaan ko ang kahulugan nito. Ang “aksidente” ng pagkahulog ko sa hagdan ng cinema ay hindi pala talagang aksidente sapagkat marahil, ito’y inibig ng Diyos na mangyari sa akin upang makinig ako sa Kanya. Marahil, matagal na rin akong kinakausap ng Diyos tungkol dito ngunit hindi ko ito napapansin (o kaya’y talagang hindi ko ito pinapansin). Kinailangan pa ang isang “aksidente” (na ayon sa Message form God na tinanggap ko ay isang paraan ng Diyos upang mapakinggan ko at maunawaan ang gusto niyang sabihin sa akin) upang maging lubos akong mapalapit sa Kanya.
At naisip ko rin: Marami palang paraan at maraming bagay na ginagamit na instumento ang Diyos upang matupad ang kanyang kalooban dito sa lupa para sa bawat isa sa atin, halimbawa’y ang facebook o anumang katulad nito na hindi lamang isang uri ng mapapaglibangan at mapapagpalipasan ng oras kundi maaari ring maging tulay na maghahatid sa atin sa lalong malalim na pagkaunawa sa kalooban ng Diyos para sa bawat isa sa atin upang tayo’y lalong mapalapit sa Kanya.
At sa huli, naisip ko rin na sa bawat aksidenteng maranasan natin, hindi pala dapat isipin na ito’y isang “aksidente” lamang sa pagkakaunawa ng tao kundi isang pangyayaring naayon sa kalooban Niya para sa atin at ginagawa niyang paraan upang magkaroon tayo ng puspusang pakikipag-usap sa Kanya at magawa natin ang Kanyang ninanais para sa ating ikabubuti.
Kahapon, sinimulan ko na ang halos araw-araw na pagtunghay sa iyong page sa facebook upang makibahagi sa mga magaganda at makabuluhang butil ng kabanalan na ipinahahayag mo at ng iba pang mga sumusubaybay sa page page na ito.
Maraming salamat. Purihin ang Diyos!
HILARION “LOLON” T. SALVAÑA "
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Lolon,
I'm inspired by your sharing.You responded to your "accident" with faith.God uses whatever circumstances for our good--and He indeed blessed you so much.
Blessings!
Bo
Thursday, September 2, 2010
From An Anonymous Letter Sender
To protect the identity of our letter sender we will call her "Gabrielle". This is her story...
"Dear Brother Bo,
Thank you for asking us to write you an email. I've always wanted to do this, but somehow I felt awkward. Well, actually I once did. But the email was anonymous so I guess that was why I didn't get response.
I want to thank you for the books you've written – ""Your Past Does Not Define Your Future"" and ""7 Secrets to Real Freedom"". Your advices have been helping me out a lot. If I have time, I also read your blogs and listen to your audio teaching.
You see, I am a porn addict woman and for more than 15 years of ignorance about it, it is only now that I finally come to realize and admit to myself how sick I am. Back then, I didn't know that I have this illness, that I only had self-control problem because my addiction was taking too much of my time.
So I started researching cure over the internet. But since most of the advices I get were based on western culture, somehow, I wasn't satisfied. Until this pinay sex psychologist had this articles that what I was doing was normal – that masturbation is good for mind and body, blah, blah, blah. But if so, why do I still feel guilty? Before, during, even after doing it. I have tried procedures hoping I'll get peace of mind. None worked.
There was my denial technique – where I taught myself that this exercise is just normal. That the mere fact that I'm a lonely woman, a certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth), of course I would need an outlet! As far as I know, I'm not hurting anyone and as what experts say, it's good for the body, hence, it's A-OK! So if cravings start, I'll get it done and over with, then move on with life. No big deal. Probably the guilt feeling would stop. I remember making appeals to God, ""Lord, I'm better off this way. I released it, and stopped my thirst. This is normal, right?"" He wouldn't say a word. And the guilt continues as the knowledge of lust is one of the 7deadly sins bugs me. I know have sinned against God. Again.
There was also my drown-yourself-to-faith strategy. I had toxic faith and never realized it until I read your writings. Each night I'd pray the rosary and other prayer chants, but hardly ever tried to talk to God. More often than not, it was like more of reciting the words of the rosary rather than actually praying it. I would wear a scapular, a rosary ring, keep a rosary in my pocket, hoping these would protect me. It did...at times. But there were moments, too, wherein I would struggle in my bed or in front of my pc. My dilemma was just too much to bear that I'll just remove my protections, and then weakly I'd give in. I hated it. I never thought of running out of that temptation room, instead I conversed with it.
And yes, I confess I still fall from time to time. But unlike before, I no longer curl up in a ball and feel shameful and let my insecurities eat me whole. Now, whenever I fall, the more I try to dust myself and run to God. There I would weep. And not having a support group just makes this solitary battle even harder. I've been keeping this to all myself all this time and still mustering enough courage to come out in the open without hurting anyone in the process. I'm far from claiming I am healed-healed. Everyday is still a struggle.
But the difference now is that I started to acknowledge my feelings, my weaknesses, and my anguish. And from these painful experiences, I try to heal my wounds. I'm now learning how to shift my attention. No more pink elephants. You were right – sexual passion is passion; sexual energy is energy. I now try to use them as productive as I can. Recently, I started to learn about photoshop, I started surfing and trying out photsoshop tutorials, and so far I like the progress of my newly discovered talent. I want to live my life to the full. I'm 27 already and growing old alone is a fear I deal with everyday. But I stopped focusing on that. Instead, I now act on overcoming it. And whenever Ms. Lonely goes home, she would pray to God, not in chants, but in an awfully genuine weep. And little by little, between shedding tears, I feel His love is healing me.
Brother Bo, I already have your ""How to be Really, Really, Really Happy!"" Although, I don't have yet the other 3 books of The Boss series. (Ehem. Hint-hint). But seriously, I want to say thank you for your teachings, your brutally blunt lessons about life, and for taking time for reading this.
I'd really, really, really love to be your friend. And have your autograph if ever I get the chance to finally meet you personally. Thank you and more power."
Gabrielle
Dear Gabrielle,
Your letter is very inspiring.God is working in your life in a beautiful way.I praise God for what He is doing in you.I pray that He continues to heal you. Thank you so much for writing your story
Blessings!
Bo
"Dear Brother Bo,
Thank you for asking us to write you an email. I've always wanted to do this, but somehow I felt awkward. Well, actually I once did. But the email was anonymous so I guess that was why I didn't get response.
I want to thank you for the books you've written – ""Your Past Does Not Define Your Future"" and ""7 Secrets to Real Freedom"". Your advices have been helping me out a lot. If I have time, I also read your blogs and listen to your audio teaching.
You see, I am a porn addict woman and for more than 15 years of ignorance about it, it is only now that I finally come to realize and admit to myself how sick I am. Back then, I didn't know that I have this illness, that I only had self-control problem because my addiction was taking too much of my time.
So I started researching cure over the internet. But since most of the advices I get were based on western culture, somehow, I wasn't satisfied. Until this pinay sex psychologist had this articles that what I was doing was normal – that masturbation is good for mind and body, blah, blah, blah. But if so, why do I still feel guilty? Before, during, even after doing it. I have tried procedures hoping I'll get peace of mind. None worked.
There was my denial technique – where I taught myself that this exercise is just normal. That the mere fact that I'm a lonely woman, a certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth), of course I would need an outlet! As far as I know, I'm not hurting anyone and as what experts say, it's good for the body, hence, it's A-OK! So if cravings start, I'll get it done and over with, then move on with life. No big deal. Probably the guilt feeling would stop. I remember making appeals to God, ""Lord, I'm better off this way. I released it, and stopped my thirst. This is normal, right?"" He wouldn't say a word. And the guilt continues as the knowledge of lust is one of the 7deadly sins bugs me. I know have sinned against God. Again.
There was also my drown-yourself-to-faith strategy. I had toxic faith and never realized it until I read your writings. Each night I'd pray the rosary and other prayer chants, but hardly ever tried to talk to God. More often than not, it was like more of reciting the words of the rosary rather than actually praying it. I would wear a scapular, a rosary ring, keep a rosary in my pocket, hoping these would protect me. It did...at times. But there were moments, too, wherein I would struggle in my bed or in front of my pc. My dilemma was just too much to bear that I'll just remove my protections, and then weakly I'd give in. I hated it. I never thought of running out of that temptation room, instead I conversed with it.
And yes, I confess I still fall from time to time. But unlike before, I no longer curl up in a ball and feel shameful and let my insecurities eat me whole. Now, whenever I fall, the more I try to dust myself and run to God. There I would weep. And not having a support group just makes this solitary battle even harder. I've been keeping this to all myself all this time and still mustering enough courage to come out in the open without hurting anyone in the process. I'm far from claiming I am healed-healed. Everyday is still a struggle.
But the difference now is that I started to acknowledge my feelings, my weaknesses, and my anguish. And from these painful experiences, I try to heal my wounds. I'm now learning how to shift my attention. No more pink elephants. You were right – sexual passion is passion; sexual energy is energy. I now try to use them as productive as I can. Recently, I started to learn about photoshop, I started surfing and trying out photsoshop tutorials, and so far I like the progress of my newly discovered talent. I want to live my life to the full. I'm 27 already and growing old alone is a fear I deal with everyday. But I stopped focusing on that. Instead, I now act on overcoming it. And whenever Ms. Lonely goes home, she would pray to God, not in chants, but in an awfully genuine weep. And little by little, between shedding tears, I feel His love is healing me.
Brother Bo, I already have your ""How to be Really, Really, Really Happy!"" Although, I don't have yet the other 3 books of The Boss series. (Ehem. Hint-hint). But seriously, I want to say thank you for your teachings, your brutally blunt lessons about life, and for taking time for reading this.
I'd really, really, really love to be your friend. And have your autograph if ever I get the chance to finally meet you personally. Thank you and more power."
Gabrielle
Dear Gabrielle,
Your letter is very inspiring.God is working in your life in a beautiful way.I praise God for what He is doing in you.I pray that He continues to heal you. Thank you so much for writing your story
Blessings!
Bo
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Carrie's Story
Our letter for this week is from another anonymous letter sender. We hope that a lot of you will be touched by her story... Lets just call her Carrie...
Dear Bo,
I want to thank you for inspiring a lot of people. You are God's instrument in making His people feel that life is beautiful.
I want to share with you a story about my struggles as the eldest daughter in my family. At an early age, I had to work to support my studies. I stopped after 1st year college and I worked as a call center agent to save money for my education. My brother also stopped for two years after High School because we didn't have the means to support him. Now, he is currently in 3rd year college and 1 more year to go before his graduation. Now, the bunso of the family, my sister, is out of school. I had to apply for a job abroad so I can earn the money needed for her education. I am very happy whenever I am helping my family. I would love to see my siblings finish their studies and have a good future of their own. It's sad that I have to leave my family but I know that this is for the good of the family.
Sometimes I cry and I feel that I've missed some good opportunities because I sacrificed a lot for my family. I know that love should be unconditional but human as I am, I also want to be happy. My personal life is far from being a happy one. My boyfriend cheated on me when I thought that he was faithful and sincere. It's still good that before leaving the country God showed me his real colors. God hurts us so we would learn. He gives us pain so we can see the truth. I am thankful that although my heart was broken, he saved me from a relationship that would hurt me more; he saved me from a relationship that would not make me happy.
I never thought that God really answers prayers quickly. After this, a new person came along. He made me see myself again. He brought out the best in me. He showed me how beautiful my heart is and that I also deserve to be happy. We went on a date and we became close. We talked about anything under the sun and I got to know him and he got to know me but just last week, he changed. He didn't communicate with me anymore. I am leaving soon and I don't know if I should tell him how I feel. Maybe he thinks I am not interested because I'm always not available since I am the breadwinner of the family. i work even on weekends.
Bo, I want to be happy too. I love my family and I would do everything for them but there are times when I feel alone. There are times when I feel emptiness in my heart. There are times when I had to let go of love so I can give them the best future I can. Now, I've met the man I really love, but I am leaving soon. We are not talking now because he thought that his love was not reciprocated. What should I do? Should I tell him my feelings? I don't want to regret this. I am sure he loves me too.
I love my family but I also need someone who will love me aside from them. I'm not getting any younger too. I've been working since I was 19 and now I feel tired and lonely. I just keep on thinking about making my family's dreams come true and now I realized that I also have my own dreams.
Thank you for your time and more power.
"Carrie"
Dear Carrie,
I admire you so much.And I'm sure God is pleased with what you're doing for your family.He honors your generosity.And God will reward you!No good deed will be left unrewarded.Earth isn't our final destination.Heaven is our final reward.But even in this world, I know you'll have a foretaste of these rewards.
I encourage you to start saving, start investing--no matter how small--for your own dreams.This requires discipline, but it can be done.Follow the advice I give in my financial books, 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich and Choose To Be Wealthy.
I believe you can do both: Helping your family and building your own dreams.It's not impossible.
About your love life: You can give "signals" to the man that you'll be open to him should he pursue you.Sometimes, men are afraid of rejection. Giving these "signals" will give him courage.If he really wants you, he'll pursue you, wherever you go.
Praying for you,
Bo
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Send in your "Dear Bo" entries here at FB or via email at bosanchezfacebook@gmail.com. Chosen letter senders will be given a copy of one of my free ebooks. Can't wait to hear your stories!
Dear Bo,
I want to thank you for inspiring a lot of people. You are God's instrument in making His people feel that life is beautiful.
I want to share with you a story about my struggles as the eldest daughter in my family. At an early age, I had to work to support my studies. I stopped after 1st year college and I worked as a call center agent to save money for my education. My brother also stopped for two years after High School because we didn't have the means to support him. Now, he is currently in 3rd year college and 1 more year to go before his graduation. Now, the bunso of the family, my sister, is out of school. I had to apply for a job abroad so I can earn the money needed for her education. I am very happy whenever I am helping my family. I would love to see my siblings finish their studies and have a good future of their own. It's sad that I have to leave my family but I know that this is for the good of the family.
Sometimes I cry and I feel that I've missed some good opportunities because I sacrificed a lot for my family. I know that love should be unconditional but human as I am, I also want to be happy. My personal life is far from being a happy one. My boyfriend cheated on me when I thought that he was faithful and sincere. It's still good that before leaving the country God showed me his real colors. God hurts us so we would learn. He gives us pain so we can see the truth. I am thankful that although my heart was broken, he saved me from a relationship that would hurt me more; he saved me from a relationship that would not make me happy.
I never thought that God really answers prayers quickly. After this, a new person came along. He made me see myself again. He brought out the best in me. He showed me how beautiful my heart is and that I also deserve to be happy. We went on a date and we became close. We talked about anything under the sun and I got to know him and he got to know me but just last week, he changed. He didn't communicate with me anymore. I am leaving soon and I don't know if I should tell him how I feel. Maybe he thinks I am not interested because I'm always not available since I am the breadwinner of the family. i work even on weekends.
Bo, I want to be happy too. I love my family and I would do everything for them but there are times when I feel alone. There are times when I feel emptiness in my heart. There are times when I had to let go of love so I can give them the best future I can. Now, I've met the man I really love, but I am leaving soon. We are not talking now because he thought that his love was not reciprocated. What should I do? Should I tell him my feelings? I don't want to regret this. I am sure he loves me too.
I love my family but I also need someone who will love me aside from them. I'm not getting any younger too. I've been working since I was 19 and now I feel tired and lonely. I just keep on thinking about making my family's dreams come true and now I realized that I also have my own dreams.
Thank you for your time and more power.
"Carrie"
Dear Carrie,
I admire you so much.And I'm sure God is pleased with what you're doing for your family.He honors your generosity.And God will reward you!No good deed will be left unrewarded.Earth isn't our final destination.Heaven is our final reward.But even in this world, I know you'll have a foretaste of these rewards.
I encourage you to start saving, start investing--no matter how small--for your own dreams.This requires discipline, but it can be done.Follow the advice I give in my financial books, 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich and Choose To Be Wealthy.
I believe you can do both: Helping your family and building your own dreams.It's not impossible.
About your love life: You can give "signals" to the man that you'll be open to him should he pursue you.Sometimes, men are afraid of rejection. Giving these "signals" will give him courage.If he really wants you, he'll pursue you, wherever you go.
Praying for you,
Bo
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Send in your "Dear Bo" entries here at FB or via email at bosanchezfacebook@gmail.com. Chosen letter senders will be given a copy of one of my free ebooks. Can't wait to hear your stories!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
From An Anonymous Letter Sender
Dear Bo,
Right now I am more drawn to God because I am going through a depression, which I have dealt with as privately as Icould. Here's my story:
I am someone who has a preference on western guys, and I dream of getting married with one someday. Because Idon't and never had a boyfriend, and because I already have a degree, the desire of getting married is consuming me. SoI tried an online dating site, not knowing how damaged emotionally i would come out of it.
I met a british guy, 35 y o,who represented himself as a decent, very sweet, loyal and a one-woman guy. 2 months of talking every single day, I wasdrawn to him. probably because I found our differences exciting, he claimed to be frugal, and someone who didn't like to party,somewhat reserved and conservative. I thought I needed a man like that. Then he decided to come here, but days before his arrival, I received a warning that he was just playing around and all over Asia. I went ahead and met him. Ofcourse doubts were surfacing in my head, but like any other girl, I did'nt know any better.
I spent 3 days with him, just exploring some good places, but I have already sensed that something was wrong. That he wasntMr. right as I so expected him to be. I sensed that although he did not maltreat me, he just didn't have respect for women ingeneral. While with him, I see him talking to other girls online, sometimes seeing a nude picture. I wanted to bolt out of the dooraway from him. But I let it be. When he left me, there was the usual promises, and I felt wounded. he never contacted me since.I didn't love him, but he hurt me more than I could let him. What hurt me the most was the pain of being left or abandoned.and all the while fully aware of the insincerity and infidelity.. and that made it more painful.
while with him and being intimate with him, I knew just what I was to him-- nothing.
I was nothing, just one of his exploits. Filipinas are being unfairly treated to be scammers or looking for money.I am not like that, all I hoped for was for love to be universal. In my innocence I do not know yet the feeling of loving and being loved back, and yet here i was learning that the world can be cruel.
For many nights that followed i would cry. I did not know what for, because as I said I did not love him. But i just did... I cried and cried and cried.
Crying was comforting.
And I prayed more frequently, sometimes desperately, telling God to fill this void and pain that has left a scar in my soul.
I know that i should hang on and be patient for the right love to come in my life. But i know I will be hearing your words of wisdom,and you never fail to deliver, Bo.
May God bless all of us
Keep me as,Anonymous"
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Friend,
God will heal the wound in your heart.
I'm so sorry for your pain.But I believe that you will come out stronger and wiser.Thank you so much for sharing your story.Thank you for your honesty.I pray other Filipinas will learn from it and avoid your pain.
I will also pray for God's best for you.More importantly, may you find in God your ultimate joy.
Blessings,
Bo
Right now I am more drawn to God because I am going through a depression, which I have dealt with as privately as Icould. Here's my story:
I am someone who has a preference on western guys, and I dream of getting married with one someday. Because Idon't and never had a boyfriend, and because I already have a degree, the desire of getting married is consuming me. SoI tried an online dating site, not knowing how damaged emotionally i would come out of it.
I met a british guy, 35 y o,who represented himself as a decent, very sweet, loyal and a one-woman guy. 2 months of talking every single day, I wasdrawn to him. probably because I found our differences exciting, he claimed to be frugal, and someone who didn't like to party,somewhat reserved and conservative. I thought I needed a man like that. Then he decided to come here, but days before his arrival, I received a warning that he was just playing around and all over Asia. I went ahead and met him. Ofcourse doubts were surfacing in my head, but like any other girl, I did'nt know any better.
I spent 3 days with him, just exploring some good places, but I have already sensed that something was wrong. That he wasntMr. right as I so expected him to be. I sensed that although he did not maltreat me, he just didn't have respect for women ingeneral. While with him, I see him talking to other girls online, sometimes seeing a nude picture. I wanted to bolt out of the dooraway from him. But I let it be. When he left me, there was the usual promises, and I felt wounded. he never contacted me since.I didn't love him, but he hurt me more than I could let him. What hurt me the most was the pain of being left or abandoned.and all the while fully aware of the insincerity and infidelity.. and that made it more painful.
while with him and being intimate with him, I knew just what I was to him-- nothing.
I was nothing, just one of his exploits. Filipinas are being unfairly treated to be scammers or looking for money.I am not like that, all I hoped for was for love to be universal. In my innocence I do not know yet the feeling of loving and being loved back, and yet here i was learning that the world can be cruel.
For many nights that followed i would cry. I did not know what for, because as I said I did not love him. But i just did... I cried and cried and cried.
Crying was comforting.
And I prayed more frequently, sometimes desperately, telling God to fill this void and pain that has left a scar in my soul.
I know that i should hang on and be patient for the right love to come in my life. But i know I will be hearing your words of wisdom,and you never fail to deliver, Bo.
May God bless all of us
Keep me as,Anonymous"
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Friend,
God will heal the wound in your heart.
I'm so sorry for your pain.But I believe that you will come out stronger and wiser.Thank you so much for sharing your story.Thank you for your honesty.I pray other Filipinas will learn from it and avoid your pain.
I will also pray for God's best for you.More importantly, may you find in God your ultimate joy.
Blessings,
Bo
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