Where is that faith?

Power Of Faith, originally uploaded by anselmo B. malugao.

I have just finished the above painting. Looking at it, I was suddenly reminded of the nature of faith. Philippines being a christian country, it is a common occurrence to hear the citing of the famous bible verse about faith and the mustard seed.

The reason why a genuine faith as tiny as that of a mustard seed is nearly impossible to acquire, it's mainly because the mind is actively reasoning. Put out the reasoning power of the mind, it is only then that you can believe what you want to believe without objection from your mind -- and that is faith. Think about it.

Have you been scared?

nightmare, originally uploaded by anselmo B. malugao.

Like other emotions, Fear is concealed by nature deep in our being. Though it is buried within us, it is not difficult to find it, because even a mere prospect of an unwelcome encounter can surely bring it jumping out of its hiding place.

Some people are afraid of the dark. However, to those who are accustomed to living with it, interestingly, they have developed harmonious attitude towards it.

Well, When was the last time you are pretty scared? And do you think you will be as frightened the next time you will experience the same thing?

Looking Up the Heavens

Looking Up the Heavens Originally uploaded by anselmo B. malugao

In the Province, I usually got the chance to see and observe the skies. In those times, nature was close to me all the time wherever I would go. The sight would always remind me about the creator of this world, and the mysteries surrounding his creation. Then, I was just too naive about a lot of things, for I was just moving around within that tiny spot of the globe. Well, after all, there was nothing much to envy for my knowledge of worldly affairs was too limited. Now that I am out here, flanked with vast information and things to long for, things have changed; my little world has now expanded far and wide reaching different horizons. Though I seldom see that mysteriously grandiose vastness above me, but, nowadays, I begin to see the mysteriousness inherent in life itself through people and circumstances. The man in the above photo seemed to be intently scanning the horizon. Has he been searching for something or just leisurely looking at the wonderful sight above him? Well, nobody knows for sure, but whatever the reason of his action, like you and I, he must have been curious of what's out there.

Which way!

Which Way! Originally uploaded by anselmo B. malugao

Let us say you are journeying in an unfamiliar part of town. As you keep walking, you are suddenly confronted with a situation where you have to decide of which road you are finally going to follow. At first, perhaps you will be perplexed as to what option you will take. The normal reflex, based from your sensations, is directly related to the way you feel and see about the road that will serve as guide to your decision. So, automatically you will be looking for telltales of goodness on the way. A beautiful and attractive sight will surely be your choice. But, I just can't understand why this is not so all the time. The world has been inhabited with people whose inclinations where not on the certainties of things. The daredevils, for example, have proven that danger and uncertainties can make life interesting and rewarding to some. Another example is the controversial heroine of France, Joan of Ark. In her time, she dared to defy the norms in the name of faith and conviction of the truthfulness of the voices she heard, as she claimed. When questioned, during her trial, why she left their home without asking permission from her parents, thus committing a sin in doing so; to this, she responded brilliantly and confidently: "Even if I had a hundred mothers and a hundred fathers, and even if I had been a daughter of a king, I would still have gone."