The Art of Staying Positive is not Hard to Master

Br. Ferdinand Tomo, SSS

I am speaking to you now, not as somebody who was born with a silver spoon in my mouth but someone who knew what it means to live in the “forsaken portion" of the earth. An ordinary person from a very ordinary place in Negros. A place which is synonymous to human struggle, rampant exploitation and disturbing slavery.

You might ask, what would be the future of “sacada children in Negros?" Upon seeing and knowing the people's situation, it is easy to say that a dim future awaits them. Being born deprived of so many things especially the basic needs of human existence like food, goods, shelter, decent clothing, proper education and the freedom to enjoy life as a toddler, suffering has always been my daily bread. . Being forced to work as a child laborer in order to augment family income for survival has painted a bleak picture in the cinema of my imagination. I may have never been a Bona Kid as my relatives called me: Am Boy, I may have a poor brain development, but one thing is certain, I have the heart nourished by love and fear of God by my family. My parents used to tell me to pursue my dreams no matter what. They promised to support me along the way.

I began to dream big dreams…I strongly feel that I am destined to reach them. At present, I am still in my inner journey and search for freedom- a freedom that allows my poor spirit to break free from the bondage of painful past. This will surely lead me to transcendence and liberation as my very self becomes whole again.

I have asked myself: " young man, where are you going? The road may be tough, but with the right attitude and positive disposition, I can raise my head high, face the future with great courage and confidence and in the spirit of complete surrender.…Yes I can! Yes we can. Indeed, the art of staying positive is not hard to master. It is the other name of Faith.