Earlier this year, my article on Filipino Christianity and our colonial history was published by Christianity Today in their special The Globe Issue. This week, I received my physical copy of the new issue in the mail, wrapped in a paper package that I quickly unraveled.
Holding the book in my hands and flipping through the glossy, cream pages, I couldn’t hold in my excitement! It was quite surreal to see my words printed on paper in a book like The Globe Issue, and in many ways, I am led to thankfulness and gratitude for unique opportunities such as these to share my writing with all of you.
I am convinced that writing is more than just a fun hobby or a career, but is itself an artform — a gift of beauty from God that we ought to steward well. I am reminded of Dr. José Rizal, who is recognized by Filipinos as our national hero for writing novels that inspired the Filipino people to struggle against our former Spanish colonizers. As a result of his profound storytelling, we won and declared our national independence on June 12, 1898. And it all began with his words.
In many ways, my writing takes significant inspiration from Dr. Rizal, whose words continue to shape the spirit and end of my writing: “The person who does not know how to look back at where they came from will never get to their destination.” This is why I won’t stop writing, and this is also why I decided to launch Sacred Sonder as a creative outlet. It is to reflect on where I came from, and how my past has led me to my present and continues to shape my future. It is to share stories that I pray enliven and edify those who read my work and engage with my stories.
I am thankful for the opportunity to write, and I want to cultivate this gift well. I am excited to continue sharing my stories with you all, so thank you for subscribing and following my work.
Reading:
God in Chinatown: Religion and Survival in New York's Evolving Immigrant Community by Kennet Guest (NYU Press)
groaning for restoration by Amar Peterman (This Common Life)
Watching:
Rings of Power, episode 6 (Prime Video)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Listening:
Entergalactic by Kid Cudi
Urduja by Han Han