Coup Day

Warning: Some spiritual content

Thirty five years ago (January 27, 1987) there was a coup attempt in the Philippines. In the early morning, a rogue Colonel Oscar Canlas led his loyal hundred men to take control of a TV station and an Air Force base … a first phase in an elaborate strategy to derail the newly-seated President Cory Aquino.  That same day, a man and a woman were getting ready for their 6pm wedding day.

The streets were cordoned off, the country was in full alert, business shut down, phone lines were jammed.  The wedding planners, the flower shop, the caterer, the church, the choir, the bridesmaids and the bridegrooms, the godparents, the family and friends — all had the same burning question: “Is the wedding going to push through?”

“It’s too late for any changes. There is no backup plan. Let’s just pray that the crisis will end before 6 o’clock. If you can make it, I’ll see you at the church,” said the troubled groom.

Fortunately, by noon, the governing  army had overpowered the rebels. One soldier was killed and 35 people were injured. The punishment? A proverbial slap on the wrist (more specifically:  several push ups). No surprise for the leniency. These were military friends who had fought together against the Marcos dictatorship during the relatively peaceful “People Power revolution” about 4 months earlier. By noon the city began to buzz into its normal rhythm.

The groom arrived early to make sure the church was open. He greeted the early stragglers who had managed to go around the street barricades.  God had given favor to this couple. Everything was back in place. The church was packed. The wedding proceeded as scheduled.

No amount of insurance can prepare  us for the uncertainties of life. Security of a job, of a home, of a future … we all want that but I believe the little bumps in life (the spice of life) are part of God’s design. Just when we are about to retire, our savings are wiped out.  Just when you open up your business, the pandemic collapses the economy. You may be of the top 1% but you are not immune to the financial curb ball thrown at you. I believe these surprises are necessary to pull those (who declare their independence from God) back to His fold. Which one are you? Compliant or defiant?  Some are more stubborn than others but all will eventually realize their dependence on God.

“Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” — Philippians 2:10

Most of the Christians I know are in church because they have survived an emptiness or some other terrible ordeal. At the end of their ropes, they found God … just as I found God.

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night nor coup d’ etat could have prevented my wedding day … my special surprise from God. Yup! Thirty five years ago my most cherished possession marched into my arms. I’d be lying if I said it was 35 years of eternal bliss but with God’s kindness there is joy when I look at the family pictures that adorn the walls. I remember blessings I do not deserve.

Happy Anniversary my “langga” (my loved one). Click on the picture below for a song to commemorate our 35 years.

TGIF people! May God bless your family beyond your imagination.

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for this silly riddle.

This is so silly, I smile whenever I think of this.

Videos of the week

Ever hear a chicken sing “AFRICA?” Thanks to Efren of Caloocan City, Philippines for this weird Asian comedian named Big Marvel. Apparently, he has a huge following. Silly but funny.

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood for this video of KLM’s best diplomat. They should have someone like him in every airport.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

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