Birthday song at a funeral celebrates life in the midst of sorrow

By  LPJ

Birthday singing and celebration during a funeral service? That’s unheard of, you might agree. But that’s exactly what happened at my nephew’s funeral/memorial service this week. Joyous and melancholy at the same time. Strangely fitting at the memorial and celebration of life of Bryant Jacob Bulao (son of Bert and Letty Bulao), a young man who turned 48 that day of his funeral. Smiles and soft laughter mingled with tears.

Bryant defied all odds brought by his ailment, mirrored vibrancy and maintained a positive outlook and disposition through his lifetime. Pastor Jason West’s message at the funeral service clinched it all. Addressing the attendees in the chapel, he said, “Because Bryant lived, life became better for each of you. He loved life … he loved deeply, in his relationships and friendships.”

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Wisdom in whispers

By  LPJ

When something goes wrong, or chaos and trouble set in, my first thought is, there’s no wisdom. Be it in me or someone else. I equate wisdom with good, sound judgment, peace, contentment and joy. But that’s not always so, for there can be times when we follow the voice of wisdom, and obstacles arise to deter the goal aimed for. In such situation, it takes a steadfast resolve to stay on the right path. And somehow, with wisdom, we overcome, for wisdom will always be there. Unwavering, like a guiding light, a most desirable nag.

My daughter Joy used to tell me that wisdom comes in whispers. Intrigued by her comment at first but now convinced, I, too, believe that wisdom dawns in the quiet of the heart. It is in the quiet of the heart that one listens best. It is in the quiet of the heart that one speaks the loudest. And the quiet gives the whisper full volume sacred and pure. My daughter calls it “Whisdom”.

It is often said that gratitude is the beginning of wisdom.

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