The WHAT Before The WHO

This is the second (2nd) of the ELECTION SERIES – articles published by White Butterfly in anticipation of the forthcoming elections in May 2022.

TERESITA TANSECO-CRUZ

We are urgently called upon to support the upcoming elections with our prayers and capabilities – full throttle, as they say.

Without focusing on any particular person or group, I thought perhaps there is at least a reasonable guidepost we can use to determine what kind of individual can lead our country forward.

Many might think that guidepost is a “been there done that” deal. Just the same – after a recent talk with Celia, White Butterfly (what else, right) came fluttering through my mind, and just like that, I saw exciting representations across the categories in the White Butterfly website.

We start with God at the essence, center, or base of any search or guideline. Then we consider this website’s categories and see what kind of person we “find” there…

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE
a person of
-proven integrity
– moral courage
– genuine empathy and, therefore, compassion
– kindness
a person who respects the intrinsic, God-given worth of every human being

PANANAGUTAN
a person who
– creates, encourages, promotes, participates in programs or endeavors that concretize the message of looking out for one another, serving and sharing resources with one another
– holds sacred the “pananagutan,” the accountability and responsibility of a “trustable society” *to uphold justice and equality and human dignity for every single citizen

DISCOVER
a person who
– is a humble vessel of grace for others; a transmitter of goodness, an example to be followed
⁃ brings a sensible, well-ordered mind, a generous heart, and diligent feet to the TRENCHES where the business of “looking out for one another” is most alive.

It is not difficult to believe that people “Who Inspire” would likewise inhabit “Discover” or “Pananagutan,” for the traits personified by them are closely related.

So for the coming elections, we ask God to help us find the Filipino who embodies the authentic, basic, non-negotiable qualities of a true leader ready to be at the disposal of God and country.  That person will not be perfect, as no one of us is perfect. But God knows what we need.  We trust him fearlessly.

May the Lord help us to stay zealously involved in putting our talents and resources at the service of a public servant who, in turn, will lay one’s own talent and resources at the service of the people for the restoration and eventual flourishing of our nation.

For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3)

*I heard the powerful phrase “trustable society” used by a member of The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in a short inspiring video on her experience in community building, leadership, and skills training towards the forming of a better world.

PRAYER FOR THE 2022 PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

We implore you, Lord Jesus, to give our Filipino nation a chance to rise up from our misery and suffering and to cope with the pandemic crisis.  Give us, through the coming election, a leader who will take care not of one’s self but of the poor and the needy, one who is God-fearing, who cannot be undermined by greedy, corrupt, and hypocritical politicians. 

Save our nation, which is thirsty for your love and justice.  Through the help of Mother Mary, our mother, and yours.  Amen.