"YOU DESERVE BETTER"

(because you are destined for greatness - a reflection from my recent conversation with my community friend)

Those were the three words that stuck in my head as Clara and I departed our ways after a full and heartwarming conversation last week. Although we were planning this meetup over a cup of coffee for a few months now, what we didn't expect is how deep our conversation went. I got to know her a little bit more and was surprised to learn that she's not just your typical woman who has this radiant smile ready to share with everyone. She also has her down moments, struggles, and pains that even I can't believe at first. Nevertheless, what was amazing to me is that even though she went through those dark moments (which some happened just recently), her optimism and faith did not waver at all. She held on; she persisted and came out still full of life and positivity.

I still remember the day I went back to Feast Valle Verde for over a year from now. I stepped inside the room, and like my usual self, anxiety and inferiority overshadowed me. Then, out of nowhere, I saw this woman with a welcoming presence say hi to me as she gathered all the single people. She had us form a circle and instructed us to introduce ourselves to each other. After that day, I started to attend our weekly prayer gathering just like what I used to do years before until I became comfortable again. As weeks came by, a special event for singles was announced.

After her sharing, I can't believe that beyond those smiles that I often saw at the Feast hides a person who has been going through internal battles. Since that day, I got interested in getting to know her even more.

We all went as a group, and as the night went by, I was surprised to find out that it was not just a simple gathering but also a mini-celebration for those people who are celebrating their birthdays for the months of August and September. We had cakes, and new friendships were formed. But besides that, what caught my attention is how Clara shared a part of her story in our group discussions based on the prompt written in the card we're all playing.

After her sharing, I can't believe that beyond those smiles that I often saw at the Feast hides a person who has been going through internal battles. Since that day, I got interested in getting to know her even more.

We planned so many times but since our schedule doesn't align most of the time, nothing came into fruition. Until all of a sudden, that moment finally happened last Thursday. We sat down and after some usual "How are you?" and "How's life been?" I just let her talk and allowed her to start our conversation. She told me everything that happened in her work, her service at the Feast, and even some parts of her personal life. There were times when I wanted to give her my opinions and advice, but when I saw how invested she was as she poured her heart out, I decided to pull back and just listen. I allow myself to feel her disappointments, her frustrations, the moments when she felt helpless, and the moments when she got conflicted about whether to honor her emotions or to strictly follow what being a Christian is supposed to be. (even if you're experiencing abuse already)

She deserves to be treated well. She deserves to be heard, understood, and to be listened to. She deserves to find someone who would respect her and honor her.

As she tells her experiences, I noticed that her story doesn't just simply end there, because you'll learn that her stories always ends up with the lessons that she learned along the way. She didn't end up defeated in the process. Through her stories, she bounced back. She fought. She still came out stronger than before. And that, to me, was a clear definition of the word "COURAGE".

With that trait of hers, she indeed "deserves better." She deserves to be treated well. She deserves to be heard, understood, and to be listened to. She deserves to find someone who would respect her and honor her. Lastly, and most importantly, she deserves to find love like the love she is willing to give to others. 💎