THE conversation.

This was only the second time talking to the same person about the same thing.

And again, the same thoughts came to my mind the way they did one semester ago.

Why do we try?

Why?

"Where does 'trying hard' get you?"

-Hiruma, Eyeshield 21-

"In light of all this, what will Chinese New Year be like for you?"

I added an extra question to the conversation this time.

I knew what I'd hear in reply. But I also knew that you've got to say these things out loud, or they'll eat you up inside.

Jubili's sharing was so awesome yesterday. He shared about his work with PERMIUM, the society in 7th College that works with the disabled in UM. 

You know the questions he asked in the previous post?

Shortly after, he read from John 9:2-3:

His disciples asked him, 

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus,  

“but this happened so that the works of God 

might be displayed in him."

I've had so many people tell me that religion is a crutch for the weak, for those who need an excuse not to be strong.

What we believe in is foolishness to many, because today's world says you are the god of your own world. Love yourself first, and then others. Go the extra mile... if you receive in return. Me first, God later. If He exists. You are strong. You can do this. If you want it, go for it. If you think you can, you can.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. 

- 2 Corinthians 12:9.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

- 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Honor one another above yourselves. 

- Romans 12:10.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 

- Matthew 22:37.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

- Matthew 22:39. 

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

- Philippians 3:7.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, 

and He will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6.

And perhaps, the greatest foolishness of all:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

- Philippians 1:21-

Children are the easiest to reach out to.

Because they understand and accept that they need help.

The disabled are also easy to reach out to.

Because they also understand and accept that they need help.

They don't want your pity.

They want your support.

-Jubili-

We try because others need our help.

We try because there are others who need us to try.

We try because things don't just go away just because we shut our eyes to them.

After saying this, He spit on the ground, 

made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.  

“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”. 

So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

-John 9:6-7-

Most importantly,
we try because He tells us to.

No matter how stupid and incurable things seem,

He tells us to try.

And that's about the only thing that keeps us going,
especially when we find that we don't have enough.
When we don't have enough love for others to keep trying.


While I'm busy receiving ang pow packets,
And stuffing myself with food,
There is a brother who will go home to a completely different world,
And who will be trying still.