As I’m about to enter a new phase in my life: finishing university and transitioning out of the youth ministry, throughout the 9 years in this community and my 21 years on this earth, it made me realize that there is something about faith after all.
As a guy who’s very self-critical, I can’t help but look at my flaws, and let my weaknesses define the person that I am.
I can’t speak Tagalog, I even have a hard time trying to understand it. I’m not great at playing instruments, nor pitch-perfect in singing or have the energy in dancing. That being said, because I felt like the brothers and sisters around me were so good at everything, I thought I wasn’t good at anything.
From this, I found solace in writing. By expressing and sharing about the current season that I’m going through even if it’s just in size 12 letters in Times New Roman. It helped me reflect and understand the person I am- to the point where throughout this journaling journey, the man I have become is all thanks to the Creator that created me.
In the moments I wrote about hating myself like disliking my introvertedness, my awkward character- basically, the person that I think I am, I turn the next page and catch myself sharing to God of the joy I felt from participating in an activity, joining a household, and the new bonds I’ve forged in fellowships.
On this path, I’ve stumbled along the way: I went inactive for 5 years right after my youth camp, using that period to settle for the short-term pleasures in life, skipping Mass, not going to confession regularly, even being on the verge of leaving the faith, but Love found me, forgiven me, and told me that I have a purpose.
No one deserves to be alone, that’s why there is a community.
No one deserves to be lonely, that’s why there is a family.
Christ granted me both. And although I feel unworthy of His love and the countless chances He gives me to begin again and again, I am reminded that throughout this journey to holiness, this life like no other, no one can take that Love that I felt here.
But it isn’t just for me, it’s for you too.
Kuya Alec Lastimosa is the former Area Servant of MFC Youth Hongkong.
Praise God for community and the grace to accept the unique gifts given to each individual. Stay LIT!