| December is a beautiful month because many people all over the world celebrate religious, cultural, and other holidays that reunite families, relatives, and friends. More than the glitter of lights and colorful festivities, holidays are a chance for us to reflect upon our spiritual health, to assess whether or not we need either divine intervention or a self-healing regimen to invigorate or cleanse our souls. |
| We should ask ourselves, "What have I done the past year for others?" For Christians, we have been taught that we should love our "neighbors" and even our enemies. "Love" -- spoken repeatedly even by those whose hearts do not really feel it -- can only be proven by the way we treat others. For instance, a White person who loves only White people to the exclusion of others who "look different" doesn't really know the true meaning of love. A Christian who loves only Christians to the exclusion of others who belong to other beliefs doesn't really know the true meaning of love. A "religious" person who gives tons of money to his/her church but who does not care for the poor on the street doesn't really know what love is. I believe that love means a sincere caring for others -- regardless of their being different -- especially those in need. Love comes in the form of sharing one's "wealth" with others, so that they may benefit from it. The most precious wealth is simply a part of your heart that you freely give away. In many instances, however, your dollars can go a long ways to alleviate pain and suffering. The Philippine-American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas (PAMANA) and Combat Blindness Foundation are local groups whose concern for others was the reason they were organized. Since its inception, PAMANA has embarked on activities that give back to communities in the Philippines. Every so often, PAMANA leads a group of Filipino American doctors to "go home" and conduct free medical services to the poor in the Philippines. It conducts fund-raisers when disasters hit the Philippines; sends donations to charitable institutions; and continuously considers other ways to help. Locally, it assists projects like Project Home's "Hammer with a Heart" and paint-a-thon to help the poor and the elderly build or repair their homes. Combat Blindness Foundation is a global version of charity-giving. Its work of providing free cataract surgeries (hence, a free gift of sight) has branched out to many countries outside India, where its founder, Dr. Suresh Chandra, was born. Carlos and Myrna Capati are Fil-Am doctors whose hearts are in the right place. They are major actors in the Gawad Kalinga movement that provides shelter for the poor in the Philippines and social services that assist to empower them. They are role models in the Asian American community. While they belong to different religions and cultures, their hearts, through the work that they do for others, are full of love. To them, every day of the year is a "holy" day. How about you? |
| Editor's Corner: Over a cup of tea When love is truly felt |
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| Heidi M. Pascual Publisher and Editor |
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