“Para kanino ka bumabangon?” (Whom do you get up for in the morning?) – Rea Santos opened with this line for the third talk of the SFC ICON.  After listening to what draws us to Mary, Rea said that to become like Mary is to choose God, completely trusting Him.

This trust that Mary had comes from a deep relationship with God. Eventually, this is what will keep us holding on. 

Rea explained, “In every problem or difficulty, we have a choice. We just have to find Him.”  Rea  Rea called on several sharers throughout the session to show how each one is called to be like Mary despite many struggles:

striving to be like Mary despite sickness in the family. Pat, an SFC from West A, shared about serving the community in Papua New Guinea for many years. He sees God's goodness and faithfulness despite his father's kidney problems. Today, his father's health has improved. Pat explained, “Mas masarap na kasama si God dun sa pinakapangit, pinakamahirap na panahon kaysa sa napakasayang panahon na 'di kasama si God.” (It's better to be with God even during the ugliest, most difficult time than to have the most enjoyable time without God.) 

striving to be like Mary despite being sexually abused. Julius Comia, a YFC Full-time worker, shared about how he was sexually abused for years as part of a “scholarship”. Years later, he would struggle with fears to be in  relationship. Now, he opens himself up to love, telling God, “Allow me to experience Your love by falling in love.”

mastering the art of letting go. Jojit Villar from West A suffers a heartbreak when a special relationship ends. Despite so much hurt, he pushes on to be active in SFC. He tells God, “God whatever Your plan for me, then so be it. Just give me Your plan.” Jojit explained, “I'm proud na 'di ako naglie low, 'Di ako nag-emote lang sa bahay.” (I'm proud that I didn't become inactive or just mope at home.)  

mastered the art of walang iwanan (No one gets left behind). Mike Santos, CFC from West A, shared about his doubts before: Why did I get married to my wife? Why do I need to serve? He realized that years ago, he prayed to God for someone to love, then he met his wife. Mike realized this is God's plan despite the challenges of married life. “Para matulungan siya, matulungan ako (To help me, to help myself), I needed to hold on to God.” Mike also realized that their service changed a lot of lives.

Sharing her own struggles about being sexually abused for years, Rea talked about making Mary her journey companion. “It was not me going to Mama Mary, it was Mama Mary coming to me,” Rea shared. The session ended with delegates writing personal prayers.

[Nirva'ana Delacruz, SFC ICON Interactive Team] 

Photos on SFC Global Facebook