Just stand up

I was severely broken by the break up of a seven-year relationship where I was at the edge of my self-destruction. During those times, I felt that only alcohol can relieve my pain. My family was extremely worried as I went on partying almost every day. I resigned from my work as I felt hopeless.

There were moments when I felt alone and found comfort in prayer and the song “Just Stand Up!” with lyrics reminding me that my heart is stronger than I think and everything will be alright.

There were even moments when I questioned him, “Why do I have to undergo this kind of pain?” Days, months and years had passed, still I wasn’t able to get a definite answer from God.

It was only in 2014 when I had the full courage to forgive. Little by little, I was able to cope up. I seek employment from other institutions although, my colleagues from my previous company asked me to return. But I thought I needed a fresh start. I submitted applications to different companies. And after days of waiting, I was able to receive a message from an employer scheduling me for an interview. During the first interview, I was offered to pioneer a unit. I gladly said yes. But then, after a few minutes, a friend of mine messaged me that if I wanted to get back to my previous employer, a doctor would gladly make my recommendation letter. And so, I was torn between the two good chances. I prayed and asked the Lord for a sign.

Jesus said, ‘What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later’ (John 13:7). Thus, a series of events happened in my life telling me that God answers prayers.

While I was walking towards my previous company to visit my colleagues, I saw an acquaintance and greeted him. But, while I was waving, I suddenly lost my balance and fell on my knees. My slack pants were torn and my knees were bleeding from scratches. Obviously, I wasn’t able to go on the last interview as I was a mess. To cut it short, I went back to my previous employer.

Months have passed, I was able to get used to my single life. But then a friend introduced me to a website where you can make friends from all around the world. She suggested we should try it. That is when, I met Rick. He is charming, handsome and nice. We became friends at first. He was wary enough to remind me of scammers in the site and that I should not fall for their games. I remembered our first voice call during which he talked too fast with his British accent that I had to keep telling him that the line was breaking up. Our friendship blossomed and that was when we finally decided to deactivate our accounts in the site and focused on each other. Rick and I finally tied the knot on 17 January 2017 and held our Catholic wedding here in the Philippines.

After sometime, there were conflicts at the workplace that we went on mass resignation. But, God was so good that, during those times, another opportunity came for me to enter a government hospital where up until now, I am employed.

Jesus said, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later” (John 13:7). Thus, a series of events happened in my life telling me that God answers prayers.

First lesson, forgive and forget. Second, love yourself first, and everything else will follow. Lastly, challenges, trials — whatever you call it— God knows you are strong enough to withstand. That is why trust yourself and trust him. His plan is always better than yours.