In Our Own Little Ways

With all that has happened in our country recently, now is not the time to be insensitive. 

Enough with all the hatred going on, enough with all the political issues, there's no point in pointing fingers because now, it's not about you. It's all about those people who have lost homes, families, and lives. Instead, let's make ourselves their source of strength & hope in this time of great tragedy and loss. And if there are two things that we could give them now, those would be HOPE and WILL - a hope for a better tomorrow and a will to continue to live after THAT traumatic experience.

It's overwhelming how everyone's doing their own little ways to help. In tagalog, "Nakakataba ng puso". With all the help that's coming from different countries all over the world, how could one just sit and do nothing?

A lot of people want to help but they think that they should need a lot of finances to do so. But really now, there's no such thing as big or small help, any kind of help as long as you give it with all your heart, could make such a big difference in someone else's lives.

I, myself, don't have the finances. I am not rich but all I know is that God has provided me with so much, even more than what I need. And maybe He gave me more so that I could give them to those who greatly need it.

So what am I doing to help?

I've come up with a list of simple things that I did/will do which I believe could be of great help to our fellow brothers and sisters in Visayas.

1. This time, every year, I've already started stickers for the planner (I guess you all know what I'm talking about), but this year instead of spending my money in overpriced coffee, I will just donate them. A thousand bucks may not be that big but it can surely help, and I think that is what's more important.

2. I'm currently organizing a garage sale which will benefit the victims of the Typhoon Yolanda. It's actually same concept with the #baHAIYANihan, only that it would be held here in Batangas. I've already started collecting donations from my friends which they voluntarily gave. It's amazing how everyone's so game when they found out about this project. We're still looking for a venue and hopefully, we could push through with it this coming 30th of November. *fingers crossed*

3. Being the creative person that I am, I've always had this passion for design. And I think, now is the perfect time to create something for a good cause. I'm currently working on a Shirt and Tote Bag Design and planning to sell it once the design's done. Proceeds will go to the victims of the typhoon. My kind-hearted mom agreed to give me funds on this one because she believes that it would be for a good cause. Thanks mom for always being so supportive! 

4. I am always online on social media, may it be on Facebook or Twitter. We all know how influential social media is nowadays, and I take advantage of that to inspire others (hopefully). I believe that it's human nature to help others, it's our instinct. We have to ignite the fire in other's hearts, that's the fire to help, to extend a helping hand.

5. Last but certainly not the least, I pray for them. I believe that God is bigger than any storm and that He loves us. Though there are things which are hard for us to understand right now, I have faith that everything happens for a reason. We may not know them now, but someday God will reveal them, in His perfect time. I always ask God to make me an instrument to help others, to use me and I've never prayed this hard to be honest. Now I know why God gave me this talent, this heart full of passion for arts, and that is to use them as tools to help others.

Those were just some of the things that I could do as of now. 

To end this post,  I'm gonna be leaving you with a letter:

Dear You, (yes you who are reading this right now.)

First, I just want to congratulate you for being alive today. Not everyone is fortunate enough to wake up this morning, so you're one of the lucky ones who survived. 

Maybe you're going through something or even having a rough day, but still I hope you realize how blessed you are to be able to live, to have a comfortable home,  to have an internet access and to have the time to read my blog.

I know that you are aware of everything that's happening in our country right now. I may not know you personally but I just want you to know that I have faith in you. I believe in you and in your capabilities to help. I don't know how you'd do it, but I'm sure you have your own little ways.

You are naturally a loving and compassionate person. I believe that you came across my blog for a reason. You don't need to be a celebrity, to be rich and to be famous to help. 

You and I, together we could make a difference. We could touch other people's lives or more so we could help rebuild lives. We could help, in whatever way we can, however way we can, in our own little ways. 

In behalf of every Filipino, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart

"Kahit gaano man kalaki o kaliit na tulong, basta galing sa puso, panigurado malayo ang mararating nyan. At huwag kang mag-alala, si God na ang bahalang magsukli sa lahat ng kabutihan mo, siksik liglig at umaapaw pa!"

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

- Iris