Bend But Don't Break

It's around 6am and your father is getting ready for work on the day that typhoon Haiyan is going to hit Manila.  I'm worried about your Papa because he might encounter heavy rains on his way home later.  We both know that he needs to go and work for an hour or so in order to have some cash.  That is our life anak.  If we don't go to work, we don't get paid.

Every time there is a storm, I remember that Filipino poem about the Philippine bamboo.  I don't think you have seen one before.  There are lots in the streets where your grandfather (my father) grew up (that's in Lingayen). They are really tall trees that is almost all green. They sway with the wind - trunks and all.  They're the most flexible trees I've seen so far.

Your Papa said it was best to plant Bamboos in places which are high risk for landslides because their roots encompasses a big area.  I don't know how true but he knows more about trees than I do so I believe him.  According to him, the roots can hold a significant amount of soil.

Anyway, back to that poem.  Well, the bamboo tree was speaking to God.  And it was kind of boasting to God (but not really) that it can withstand whatever test God throws its way.  It will just bend but not break.  "Break me Oh Lord. Break me if You can".  It will keep it's faith on the Lord in the face of challenges life brings it.

I want you to grow as strong as the Bamboo tree.  Live your name.  Live through great faith in the Lord.  Bend but don't break.  Be strong and try to endure.  People and circumstances may bring you to your knees but don't forget to get back up.  Don't let anything keep you down.

Your mom is not as strong though.  But I survived because of you and your father.  We are trying to build your roots.  We want it to be strong and resilient so that in time that we're not around, you'll be able to hold your ground.