The Waiting Grief

 

Image credit: sun_art

The truth may take time, but it will eventually come, as long as you keep your heart open to it.

There is a grief that never quiets,

not with time, not with tears.

It sits like stone within the heart,

waiting patiently for years.

A life left empty, words unspoken,

truths that hide behind the dark.

I carry memories, frayed and broken,

and bear this hollow, aching mark.

They call it “moving on”—but I remain

rooted in moments left unclear.

Though I’ve forgiven, though I’ve grown,

the echo of injustice lingers here.

I wait for answers, watch and listen,

as shadows shift, as truths arise.

For what goes around returns again,

and all that’s hidden meets the light.

There’s no revenge in this quiet strength,

no joy in watching others fall.

Only a hope that peace will come,

and lay its hands upon us all.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

In Remembrance of James Yap

In a world that failed to see the truth, you were taken from us too soon. Today, I remember you 👼 not only with love but with a promise—that your story will not be silenced, and your memory will live on in our hearts. May you find peace in a place where justice is no longer a battle, and know that we carry your light forward, honoring every part of you they tried to overlook. 

Rest knowing that we hold you close, and your story still matters to those who loved you. 🙏🕊️✨

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Related post:

In God’s Perfect Time, Everything is Beautiful

Life may not always go according to our plans,

but that doesn’t mean things are not happening as they should.

Patience has always been a challenge for me. Like many, I’ve often found myself wanting things to happen on my schedule, whether it’s reaching career milestones, personal goals, or even seeing loved ones succeed. The waiting period can be frustrating, full of uncertainty and doubt. Yet, over time, I’ve learned a humbling and liberating truth: in God’s perfect time, everything is beautiful.

One of the earliest lessons I received in waiting on divine timing came during a difficult period in my life. I was in a season of uncertainty, juggling personal responsibilities, professional demands, and the weight of unanswered prayers. Every day felt like a test of endurance, and I found myself constantly questioning why things weren’t falling into place as I had hoped. The longer I waited for clarity and resolution, the more impatient I became. It felt as though my life was stuck in a standstill.

During this time, I began to lean more into faith, finding solace in the belief that perhaps there was a bigger picture I wasn’t seeing yet. A particular moment that stands out to me is a conversation I had with someone who simply said, “In God’s perfect time, everything is beautiful.” It wasn’t just the words, but the calm assurance with which they were spoken, that struck me. Those words became a lifeline during a period of struggle, reminding me to trust the process instead of rushing it.

One of the most powerful things I’ve come to understand about God’s timing is that it is not meant to frustrate us, but to shape us. There have been moments in my life where, looking back, I can see why certain doors didn’t open when I thought they should. At the time, the delay felt like a roadblock, but now I see it was protection, preparation, or simply a lesson I needed to learn before moving forward. Those moments of delay weren’t wasted—they were times of growth. God was teaching me patience, humility, and, most importantly, trust.

Looking back now, I realize that every delay, every period of waiting, has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m more patient than I once was, more willing to surrender control to the hands of something greater than myself. I’ve come to understand that when we force things to happen on our terms, we often miss out on the fullness of what was meant to be. But when we allow life to unfold in God’s perfect time, everything falls into place in ways more beautiful than we could have ever orchestrated ourselves.

In moments of reflection, I now see that the journey itself, with all its detours and delays, holds its own kind of beauty. It’s not always about the destination or the outcome, but the person we become while we wait. The growth, the learning, and the deeper trust in God’s plan all add layers of meaning to our lives.

As I continue navigating the different seasons of life, especially in my role at work and as a parent, I’m reminded daily that not everything will go according to my plan. But that’s okay. I’ve learned to trust the timing of things more, and to appreciate the beauty that comes with letting go and allowing God’s perfect time to reveal itself.

In the end, I’ve realized that the beauty in God’s timing is not just in what we receive, but in how we are transformed while we wait. And that, I believe, is one of the greatest gifts life can offer.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Chasing Justice: A Dream That Stands the Test of Time

For some, justice is swift. For others, it is a pursuit that stretches over years, even decades—a distant horizon that seems to retreat the closer one gets. The dream of finding elusive justice can haunt a person for over 20 years or more, becoming a defining part of their identity and life’s journey. In my profession as a prosecutor, I’ve witnessed both the relief of swift justice and the agony of its delay. Yet, what is most remarkable are those who continue to fight, even after the world has turned its attention elsewhere. Their persistence speaks to a deeper truth: the belief that justice, no matter how delayed, is worth pursuing. 

The Emotional Toll of Waiting 

 For those seeking justice, especially after two decades or more, the emotional toll is immense. Hope is a double-edged sword—keeping you going but often cutting deep as the years drag on without resolution. Anger, frustration, and weariness all begin to settle in like unwelcome companions. The injustice begins to feel like a shadow, following you in every aspect of life. Yet, there’s a spark that keeps burning—a dream that remains, even in the darkest moments. It’s not just about the wrong that needs to be corrected; it’s about the principle. It’s about ensuring that the truth matters, and that those who were wronged can one day stand in the light of what is right. 

  The Systemic Challenges 

Often, those in pursuit of long-delayed justice face more than just emotional hurdles. Legal systems can be slow-moving, complicated by bureaucracy, and, in some cases, designed to discourage reopening old wounds. Evidence can degrade, memories can fade, and witnesses may move on. It’s a challenging reality that many face in these prolonged battles for accountability. However, history has shown us that justice isn’t always bound by time. Cases that seemed cold for decades can suddenly break wide open thanks to new technologies, fresh evidence, or even public attention. DNA testing, for example, has exonerated people decades after wrongful convictions, and digital forensics are constantly evolving. 

The Power of Perseverance 

 Those who continue to chase justice for 20 years or more are often driven by a deep sense of purpose. Whether they’re fighting for a loved one, a cause, or their own vindication, their perseverance becomes a testament to the enduring nature of the human spirit. It’s about refusing to let injustice have the final word. We’ve seen cases where families relentlessly pursue the truth, even after law enforcement has closed the book. We’ve seen communities rally to demand answers, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The dream of justice, though elusive, remains a guiding star for these individuals—a promise that one day, truth will prevail. 

Why the Dream Matters 

 Even after 20 years, the dream of justice is more than just a personal battle; it’s a fight for the very foundations of society. Justice delayed may feel like justice denied, but it is still a reminder that our legal and moral systems are works in progress, and that the fight is ongoing. The pursuit of justice, no matter how elusive, ensures that future generations inherit a world where truth is valued and accountability is demanded. The dream of justice might take a lifetime to realize, but its impact, once found, echoes for generations. So, for anyone still searching, still fighting, after 20 years or more: your journey matters. The pursuit is worth it. Keep dreaming, keep pushing. Justice may be elusive, but it is never beyond reach.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Related post:

Dona Nobis Pacem - A Reflection

peace

where does it begin...

justice

does it justify the means?

violence

when will it end?

victory

but in war no one ever wins...

© Bing (PinkLady) 2011

Posted for BlogBlast for Peace

His Bike Is His Passion

When my son first asked my permission to join the Bike for Peace, I said NO. He did mention that it was going to cover the distance of 30 kilometers and that immediately sent my heart racing. My only question was, "are you going to use the highway?" He answered "yes" so I said "no!"

When I asked that question, his initial reaction was something like "duh!" Lol! It was a stupid question after all and he knew where it was leading to. He eventually shrugged his shoulder and retreated to his room.

Feeling guilty about it, I summoned him back and asked realistic (albeit more appropriate) questions like who he was biking with, what time would he leave and what time would I expect him back. His answers didn't make sense to me but at that point, I only needed a basis to reconsider my first decision. I knew how important his biking is to him and this was his first time to join a group of serious bikers.

So on November 30 (Monday, a holiday here), he left our house at 6:00 a.m. which is his usual time to go biking on weekends and holidays. As the hours passed, I had to fight the urge to send him sms asking where he was. Do you have any idea how hard it was to stop myself from worrying that morning?

I was so relieved to see him home before noon.

Before I could speak though, he proudly showed me his certificate. As I read it, I couldn't help but beam with pride.

"The bearer has proven endurance for the cause of harmony, peace and progress in our country."

It finally made sense to me. He did mention "Bike for Peace" when he asked permission but I guess I wasn't really listening. Neither did I equate or associate it with the cause that everyone here is clamoring and fighting for now. After all, he is just a 15-year-old kid.

But even 15 year olds have their own opinion. The children have seen on the news how almost 60 people have been brutally killed. My own son believes that justice has been denied to us when his father met his untimely end almost 5 years ago. This has got to stop, he said. What better way to express it than joining an activity closest to his heart! I guess this is his own little way of helping, not us, but those whose lives (and families) stand to be spared if the injustice around us finally stops.