Everyone has a story to tell...
Especially my dear friend, Precious Javier, from bible study. Precious is a sweet spirited Filipina lady who reminds me of my own mother. Last night was the first time I had dinner with her and other friends from bible study. With good food and company, we'd laugh and talk casually about our daily lives. I then asked Precious about her husband. She paused for a moment and then proceeded to tell us the unforgettable story of her husband... the Filipino national martyr, Evelio Javier.
Evelio Javier grew up in the province of Antique, Philippines. Well educated, he studied law at Ateneo de Manila University and at 28, he became the governor of Antique--the youngest governor of the country during the time. Precious told us how he would always talk of hope and democracy for his people and how he was so passionate about serving the public. He became a well known activist who spoke out against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. However his activism led to his assassination on February 11, 1986. He was only 44.
As I sat and I listened to my friend Precious speak of her husband, I was amazed by her great strength as she endured the murder of her husband and the years raising her two sons alone. Despite going through such tragedy, Precious is a woman of undying faith. It is her faith that gets her through life and it is people like her that I find truly inspirational.
Everyone has a story to tell.
All we have to do is listen and learn from their experiences.
Through others we can grow in our faith.
