New Year, Stronger Me

I have gained many learning this year. But for me, the greatest learning that I have learned is to trust myself more. Sometimes, even when I know that I can do it, I won't do it. It feels like there is something that's stopping me from doing it. Just like in making my blogs, web page and other requirements. I can do it, but sometimes I am afraid that I might not satisfy my teachers. There's this point when I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that I must trust myself. I must, because in the end, I'll only have myself. And that's when I overcome those challenges that came in my way. 2019 was a challenging year for me. I faced many challenges where I get to know myself more. Moving on I will never forget that I have myself and God whenever I have a problem. I will do everything to reach my goals and will always be humble. I will face 2020 with a wide smile and a strong personality. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, earthlings!

reference:

https://giphy.com/gifs/thetherapist-viceland-the-therapist-xUA7aMk0sps9bZdvOw

HO-HO-HOLIDAYS

              a Child
                 Has been
             boRn for us,
  a son is gIven
           to uS;
     authoriTy rests
    upon hiM; and
       he is nAmed
               JeSus.

So in the place where the animals slept, Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from. When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in the sky. The Three Wise Men knew that a new star would appear when a great king was born. And so they set out to find the true king and bring him gifts. They bowed down and worshiped him. The gifts were gold (kingship on earth), frankincense (deity), and myrrh (death).  And that was the story of Christmas. 

It's the time of year again. December has come with the cold breeze and all the joys of Christmas. But still, some of us aren't aware of the true meaning of this season. Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mails, dinner with family and friends, Christmas lights everywhere, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those we know? Is this really Christmas? Some people are sad about Christmas because they don't have enough money to buy gifts for their children or even to cook food for their 'munting salo-salo'. Yet, Christmas is a season of great joy. It is a season of hope, healing, love and renewed strength. In this time, we thank God for all the blessings he gave and will give to us. Christmas also gives us hope that someday somewhat, we will reach our dreams with the help of Jesus. It is the time when we forgive and be forgiven. It is the time when all our wound will be healed. It is the time when we show our love and affection to our loved ones, family, and friends. Materials gifts are not the important ones. The best gift that we can give to someone is our presence, love, and care. 

We can truly be happy on Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we know that God is with us. Heaven will be our home someday. Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus and accept him in your life. Jesus is the reason for this season. You will then have a Merry Christmas. HO-HO-HO!

references:
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/301319031293889456/?lp=true
https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/christmas-gif

PULL THE PLUG

"They are supposed to be enforcers of this law and yet many policemen are violators themselves."

"In order to appear strong and show force, men inflict violence."

"I'm afraid to go out at night because men are becoming more and more violent."

"No matter what your age is, if they want to harass you, they will."

Those are only some of the statements of victims of violence. Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), and we are no stranger to these four words. It is real. It is happening. It is claiming lives. And it is becoming worse. Men are called leaders and providers, while women are the supporters and nurturers. But as time passes by, men seek for more power to the point that they violate their wives or worst, their children. Many Filipino women and children continue to experience different forms of abuse everyday. Some experience physical violence such as punching, kicking, or hitting. Another form is sexual violence which is the most disturbing form. Rape, sexual harassment, forced engagement in sexual activities, sexually suggestive remarks, and incest are some examples of sexual violence. Intimidation, stalking, harassment, humiliation and verbal abuse are examples of psychological violence. And lastly is the economic abuse or violence which include destroying property, making women financially dependent, banning work opportunities and deprivation of resources. According to the DSWD in the year 2014, 3,168 girls experienced abuse and 131 of them were babies under 12 months. Age is not a problem when a man wants to harass. Even if you're a baby or an old woman, you can be a victim of violence. After harassing and abusing them, 1,149 girls were being abandoned and neglected. And most of the women, especially children are being sexually abused. The painful thing is that, most of the cases of sexually abused children are by incest. Which means, they aren't even safe inside their homes, with their family. And yes, policemen and other politicians are the enforcers of the law against violence. But, they committed most of the cases about violence. Policemen, soldiers, retired personnel, and even priests. Imagine, they should be the one helping us in preventing and stopping violence against women and children but they are the suspects. What is happening to us?

I hope this served as an eye-opening to everybody to stop violence against women and children. And for those who turns a blind eye whenever they witness these things, wake up people! Remember every victim that has died because of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse. Think of every baby, who never got the chance to grow up and see the beauty of the world because of violence. Think of every old woman, who can't fight back and got nothing to do but cried and asked for help. Think of every teenager and kid, who lost their right and dignity at a very young age. Think of every mother and wife, who tried their best to love and stay beside their husbands. When a victim comes to you, help them. If you are a victim, tell it to someone. We should help each other. Are you still gonna let these things happen? How many more lives are we gonna lost just to satisfy these people? Let us pull the plug on the violence against women and children.

references:

https://giphy.com/gifs/mic-rape-sexual-assault-culture-lanXabtiOAAF2

https://giphy.com/gifs/mic-tw-sexual-assault-harassment-8d7Itj5eRd9wQ