When bad things happen to good people

 “So sorry for the late reply. It’s an exhausting and emotionally draining ordeal. But God is merciful. Though our home is a total loss, we are whole. It is well with our soul…. God has other plans and He is freeing us of any hold material things have over us.”  7:57AM, September 28, 2009 

Ed, Chacha, Jeanine and Carlos lost everything and were literally left with only the shirt on their backs after Ketsana hit our country. Their house was in total ruin, everything they once hold dear now covered by thick mud.

Ed is a peaceful and generous man. He is the simple, humble, quiet type who, from this author’s experience, would patiently guide you through stuff and things and would linger to make sure you understood it. He will always share your excitement with you. Always unassuming, always helpful is Ed Garcia.

He is my dear friend, my prayer partner. He is God send.

This is perhaps why the Almighty blessed him with a special lady in Chacha, whose presence always creates an air of cheer. She is the happy aura, the ever contagious laugh. Together they have surely blessed so many others with their presence. 

So why should something so bad happen to these good people?

I have no answers. I can only weep and pray and hope for a very dear friend and his family.

“….. and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2-4

(Photo courtesy of Roy R. Fabella)