Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”
He listened. And he also went on to wash his hands off of Jesus’ sentence. And, as if for his own benefit, he put the sign over Jesus’ head to proclaim that Jesus is the King of the Jews.
Truth-seeker, as you listen, remember that your silence or passivity puts you in the crowd who picked to free Barrabas over Jesus and sentenced Jesus shouting “Crucify him!”
Let this be a gentle reminder that you are a sinner, too, and Jesus died for you. Yes, even you. And that you who know the Truth have a moral obligation to tell people…
…that Truth isn’t a What but a Who.
Who is Jesus to you?
Tag Archives: godly wisdom
Open Letter for Momsie
Momsieeeee ❤️🩹
Every soul needs nurturing, not only by loving ourselves but by loving one another. I learned this through you.
When I needed a lift, you were there. When my heart needed rebuke, you gave it. And when my ‘ancoreny’ jokes needed someone to laugh with, you were there, too.
I am still in disbelief, grieving your passing. If love was about keeping score, I’d like to think that I was there for you as much as you were for me. I loved you deeply, even when I failed to show up in many occasions. Praise God, ours was a relationship built on grace and mutual support but Momsie, you win.
I remember that morning you called me to ask about our wedding cake. In your signature gentle voice, you asked, “Kumusta ka?” “Okay naman Momsie, why?” was my reply.
You didn’t know what I had gone through the previous night—how I tried several times to place an order online but went to bed tired and frustrated. So when you said, “I want to give you a cake,” my heart literally leapt for joy. That call was an unexpected blessing, a reflection of the selfless love you always showed, a tangible proof of God’s providence.
I remember tagging along in one of your visits to the grocery. I was amazed that you didn’t have a list but you didn’t go beyond the budget. You were Holy Spirit-led even in the grocery store.
You showed me a love that never judged nor condemned, a love that gently corrected me and embraced me unconditionally.
Remember our time together at the Araneta Coliseum for the “Just Give Me Jesus” event? We were seated near the bleachers and there you joyfully shared that you no longer practiced your old religion. Your courage inspired me, big time.
Our conversations often centered on how we could further God’s kingdom with the resources He has already given, trusting that He would multiply our efforts.
I also remember the first time I saw tears in your eyes as you lamented the selfishness of this world. It was a powerful, tenderhearted moment that showed how deeply you cared for others.
You patiently guided and coached me to tread gracefully, to let go of my fears, and to learn to trust.
Listening to you courageously and honestly share your life has been a source of deep learning for me. Application is always the difficult part, yet as we have learned and experienced in uniquely personal ways, God never abandons us to figure things out on our own. He graciously walks alongside us, pouring out His love and embracing us in His truth and presence day by day, moment by moment.
Momsie, if life was a computer game, I lost a huge percentage of my life bars now that you’re fully asleep. I am power-less without you. I know you’ll rebuke me for that and point me back to who our Source is.
“Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died.” 1 Thessalonians (1 Th) 4:13-14 CJB
“Mga kapatid, nais naming malaman ninyo ang katotohanan tungkol sa mga namatay na upang hindi kayo magdalamhati tulad ng mga taong walang pag-asa. Dahil naniniwala tayong si Jesus ay namatay at muling nabuhay, naniniwala din tayong bubuhayin ng Diyos upang isama kay Jesus ang lahat ng mga namatay na sumasampalataya sa kanya.” 1 Mga Taga-Tesalonica 4:13-14 MBBTAG12
In the movie Gladiator, Maximus is speaking to a fellow prisoner who asks him about his family.
Fellow Prisoner: What will you do?
Maximus: I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.
Fellow Prisoner: You have a family?
Maximus: I had a family.
Fellow Prisoner: Do you think you’ll see them again?
Maximus: Not yet.
Maximus expresses his longing for his wife and son, who were killed. The fellow prisoner urges him to let go of his grief, but Maximus, reflecting on his loved ones, firmly replies:
“I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”
As he grapples with his grief and the purpose behind his fight, he envisions his family and reaffirms his commitment to live and seek vengeance for them. The emotional weight of his memories leads him to remind himself, “Not yet,” signifying that he still has work to do before he can be with them again.
Such moment captures the deep sense of loss Maximus feels and his determination to honor his loved ones by continuing to fight.
Momsie, though your death calls for no vengeance, Maximus’ grief resounds deeply in me. Wala na ang nag-iisa kong Momsie whom I loved and trusted dearly. God, our Heavenly King, has taken you back Home. Grief is hard but I will choose to press on, keeping my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. I believe this is what you would have me do.
Sabi ni little Kuya Hope, “Don’t worry about your best girl, when your mission is done you will hug her again in Heaven.”
Momsie, I will never forget you. I will miss you. Thank you for all the warm hugs and all the prayers you uttered on our behalf. Thank you soooo much for being the mom our souls needed. We’ll see each other in the next, but Lord-willing, not yet.
What to Talk About: Polite Conversation Starters and the model of Jesus
Ever wish you could easily spark a fun conversation? I do! With a few simple starters, we can turn any gathering into a joyful connection!
Here are safe topics in any environment:
1. Hobbies and Interests – Ask about books, movies, gardening, crafts, or other leisure activities. “What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?” “Which good book or great movie do you recommend?”
2. Travel – Share experiences or ask about favorite destinations, travel tips, or future plans. “What’s the best vacation you’ve ever had?” “What’s the top destination in your travel bucket list?”
3. Food – Discuss favorite recipes, local restaurants, or culinary adventures. “What’s your favorite dish to cook or eat?” “Have you discovered any new restaurants or recipes recently? What’s a recipe you’d like to try?”
4. Family Activities – Talk about fun activities you do with your family or ask about theirs. “What’s a fun activity your family likes to do together?” “Do you have any family traditions that you cherish? Which one would you like to start?”
5. Current Events – Discuss non-controversial news stories or events, like community happenings or cultural events.“Which community event have you joined recently?” “What’s a positive or funny news story you’ve come across lately?”
6. Pets and Animals – Share stories about pets or ask about their experiences with animals. “Do you have any pets? What are their names? What kind of pet would you like to have?” “What’s the funniest thing your pet has ever done?”
7. Home Improvement – Exchange tips on home projects, gardening, or DIY ideas. “Are you working on any home improvement projects right now? Which project are you considering to start?” “What’s your favorite home improvement hack?”
8. Local Attractions – Discuss interesting places to visit in the area, such as parks, museums, or festivals. “Have you visited any new places in the area recently? Where would you like to visit?” “What’s your favorite local spot to relax or have fun?”
These topics are generally more enjoyable and can help foster connections without the risk of discomfort.
On the flip side – unless you’re with close friends or people in your circle of trust – avoid these like the plague:
1. Politics – Opinions can clash quickly, leading to uncomfortable conversations.
2. Religion – While faith can be a beautiful topic, it can also lead to deep divides if not approached carefully.
3. Personal finances – Questions about income or spending habits can feel intrusive and create discomfort.
4. Personal Relationships – Questions about someone’s marital status, dating life, or family issues can feel invasive. Talking about exes can stir up old emotions or lead to comparisons, making others uneasy.
5. Health Issues – Discussing personal health problems or medical conditions can make others uncomfortable.
6. Controversial Issues – Topics like abortion, gun control, and social justice can spark strong emotions and disagreements. Debates on issues like climate change or social justice can ignite passionate disagreements, making conversations tense.
What would Jesus do?
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Communication is a vital part of our daily interactions, and for those of us who identify as followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and grace in our conversations. Jesus exemplified perfect communication, engaging with people in ways that were both polite and meaningful. He knew how to approach every situation with wisdom and kindness, making those around Him feel valued and understood.
Jesus as Our Model
1. Empathy in Conversation:
Jesus often took the time to listen and understand those He interacted with. Whether it was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) or the blind man (Mark 10:46-52), He engaged them with genuine interest. We can follow His example by asking about others’ interests, sharing thoughts on hobbies, and exploring their experiences.
• Starter: “What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?”
2. Building Relationships:
Jesus built relationships with those around Him, often sharing meals and time together. He demonstrated that conversation can foster connection. We can ask about family activities, traditions, and shared interests to strengthen our relationships.
• Starter: “What’s a fun activity your family likes to do together?”
3. Promoting Positivity:
Jesus spoke words of encouragement and hope. He focused on uplifting those around Him. We can incorporate positive news or light-hearted stories in our conversations to create an uplifting atmosphere.
• Starter: “Have you heard about any interesting events happening in the community?”
4. Celebrating Creation:
Jesus often used nature in His teachings, showing appreciation for God’s creation. We can admire the beauty around us by discussing local attractions or favorite outdoor spots.
• Starter: “What’s your favorite local spot to relax or have fun?”
As we interact with others, we can be intentional about our conversations the way Jesus did. Let’s engage others with humility, genuine curiosity and kindness. Remember LOVE: Listen as you Observe and when you Verbalize, Empathize. We can choose topics that bring joy and connection, helping others feel seen and heard.
Let’s pray.
Father God, thank You for the gift of communication. Help me to reflect Your love in my conversations. Give me the wisdom to choose words that encourage and uplift others. May my interactions be full of grace, just as You have shown me. In Jesus’ sweet name, Amen.
ancore! 