What Is Love?

To love is always a decision. It is when the spark is gone and the excitement faded. It is when you are completely ruined and broken into pieces. It is when you are rejected and disregarded many times. It is when you are pushed to the very edge; and situations tested your limitations. It is when you could have just disappeared because you have all the right to do so; yet, you chose to give a second chance and one more chance when you felt everything failed. It is when you are not yet fully recovered from the pain, but you still chose to care. There is no more argument in this as it is love indeed!

A Princess In Me

Once upon a time, I dreamed to become a princess like what I usually see in Disney movies or watch in television or read in books like Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. These fantasy royalties captured my heart when I was a little girl as I wished in my dreams they could turn into realities.

However, there is a fictional character which made me realized that regardless of my circumstance I can still be a princess if I want to. All it takes is to have a good and persevering heart and a strong faith of who you are and how you are meant to be. This princess character was brought to life by Frances Hodgson Burnett in a novel 'A Little Princess' that was popularized back in the 90's.

‘A Little Princess’ is a story of Sarah Crewe, the young daughter of a wealthy English man from India, who attended the all-girl’s seminary boarding school ran by the cruel head mistress. Sarah who was titled the 'Little Princess' excelled in her studies and loved by many which made her envied by some colleagues including the head mistress. Her father's death left her to bankruptcy and made her a poor orphan. Miss Minchin, the head mistress, took advantage of the situation and made her life as miserable as possible. The persevering Sarah maintained a good heart and strong spirit despite her situation. With the help of her friends, she endured all the hardships until the redemption came at last that made her a real princess.

The story of Princess Sarah was a clear illustration that it is quite easy to become 'a' princess when life flows smoothly for you. Others can put you at the pedestal when abundance and fortune is at your side. You can be nice and kind when you have everything. However, when the world turns you down and leaves you with nothing, you will fathom the real essence of being 'a' princess. This brought to my knowledge the true picture of a princess with a golden heart and persevering spirit just like of Sarah Crewe.

The characteristics of Sarah made me realized that it is possible for every girl to become a princess by attaining the following traits:

• Gentleness of spirit – the ability to stay composed and peaceful at all times no matter what circumstances you are in.

• Perseverance – the power to endure the hardships that life throws at you. It is the ability to continue the work you ought to finish with the strong belief that everything you do will be converted into something good and purposeful.

• Strength – a gift to remain sensible and reasonable in this world that drives you crazy and irrational.

• Kindness of heart – the willingness to stay caring and compassionate to all the people you encounter regardless of how difficult they become to you.

• Unwavering joy – the ability to hope for a brighter tomorrow and to remain optimistic and encouraging in spite of the depressing situation you are currently in.

To become a princess is not an overnight make-over. It is a discipline one must master overtime through persistence and determination. To become a princess is not a status the society granted on you. It is a belief that God created you as unique individual with lots of skills, talents and kindness to offer to the world.

You are a princess. You just need to find it in you.

Ready to Follow

Jesus says, “Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals, and greet no one along the way.”

Thinking literally, if we have received commands like these, what are we going to feel - excitement and happiness or disapproval? What are going to do - will follow with enthusiasm or will say ‘send the other’ and walk away?

Growing up, there were several instructions given to me by my parents that were very difficult to follow such as ‘no boys allowed while you are studying’ and ‘stay away from these circle of friends. They are bad influence to you.’ I could have disobeyed them but I decided to follow. Looking back, I feel thankful that I made the right decisions. If I resisted, I might have gotten pregnant and became a mother early in my teen age. I might became a chain smoker and an alcoholic drinker.

In several companies I have worked for, I always reached to the point of expressing my opinion if there were orders given to me which were opposed to my beliefs and values.

Following commandments is not difficult when we see the reward waiting for us in the end. Sometimes, when we received commands from God, it blinded us with the good it will do for us because the directives are not easy to follow. However, God will not instruct us to do something if He does not know and believe that we can handle them. We just need to have faith that as He instructs us to do something, He will definitely help us to fulfill the task that is given to us. To have finished the task may not provide us with an earthly reward such as a million worth of house and lot or an expensive car and a tour. However, we are sure to be rewarded of something great in the Kingdom of God.

The Psalm says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the Lord are true, all of them just; More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, sweeter also than honey or dripping from the comb.”

The next time God commands us to do something for Him, we should not be saddened; instead, let’s rejoice because the Lord is blessing us!