WE AND US

The nation is “we and us”, never “they and them”. It starts with “I and me” and my relations with/beliefs about “we and us”. In Dr. Rizal’s time, our country had worse and bigger problems though with lesser population. Yet despite clear threats to his and his family’s life and limb, he decided to be here after gaining more light, because here is where the battle is. Prior to his return, he wrote the Spanish colonial governor-general of his motivation: his country’s moral and material prosperity.

How about “we and us” –here and now - putting our hearts and heads together, focusing on our current blessings and opportunities in the unified area of moral and material progress, and in peace and joyfulness (in the context of seeking first God’s Kingdom and righteousness within each), working together as a solid team, building each other up, nurturing mutual esteem and mutual respect, and in Dr. Rizal’s words (Hymn to Talisay), resolutely move forward: “Firme y constante, siempre adelante tú marcharás. ¡Tú, victorioso, todo elemento, mar, tierra y viento,  dominarás! Firm and constant, always advancing you shall march. You, triumphant, all element - sea, land and air: you shall master!”