Are You A Giver Or A Taker?
She was nuts.
When I was a teenager preaching in small prayer groups all over the country, I’d see this woman sneak into the room—trying hard to conceal her face—carrying a mammoth of a tape recorder inside a white plastic bag over her shoulder.
And like clockwork, before I step down the pulpit, she’d sneak out and leave quietly, vanishing into thin air.
This woman would be present in every single talk.
I can only imagine the lunacy of this woman. If she wasn’t listening to me live, she was listening to me on tape.
So naturally, when I go home, I knock on my mother’s door and say, “Mom, how many times do I have to tell you, stop doing that! You embarrass me!”
My mother would open the door and with an innocent look that could win an Oscar ask, “Huh? What are you talking about?”
But behind her, I could already hear my voice being played from her recorder.
“Mom, you’re getting too proud,” I said, “and that’s pride just the same. Look at your room. It’s a national museum of my talks, my articles, my photos…”
Mom said, “Bo, don’t you know that God has given mothers an exception to that rule? Mothers can be very proud of their children.”
“Where did you read that? Vatican III?”
“Go away now. I’m busy,” she said.
No doubt about it. My Mother is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of Bo’s Fans Club International.
Today, at 84 years old, she hasn’t changed.
Every Sunday, I preach three times at the Feast: 8am, 10:30am, and 1pm.
Would you believe? She attends all three sessions and listens to me preach every single time. Not content with that, before leaving the house on Sunday, she’ll first watch me preach at six in the morning on TV5.
And from Monday to Saturday, she wakes up really early just to listen to me preach through Radio Veritas at five in the morning. And in the middle of the week, she’ll ask my sister to put on the internet so she can watch me at www.PreacherInBlueJeans.com
Mom loves me. No doubt about it.
I also remember one thing about her…
Mothers Are Givers
We were a big family. Six kids.
And whenever there was a birthday or some other special event, we’d always have fried chicken.
Like all kids, we would fight for the “drumstick”. Because chickens—for some reason—only have two legs.
All those years growing up, I always thought that Mom’s favorite part of the chicken was the neck. Because every time we had fried chicken, she chose it.
Later on, I realized she chose that piece because no one wanted it.
Why? Because my mother was a giver.
I guess most mothers are givers. They’d rather starve as long as their kids are able to eat.
I love my Mom. I really do.
But I’ve resigned myself to this undeniable fact—that I’ll never love my mother more then she loves me. It’s impossible. She loves me so much. My heart is filled with love today because Mom and Dad loved me. I am who I am today because of that love.
I repeat: I think most mothers are givers.
My own wife is a giver too.
Yes, she is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of Benedict and Francis Fans Club International—our two boys.
When Bene was a toddler, he drew a line for the first time. She screamed, almost in tears, “Bo, look at your son! He was able to draw a line! A line!”
That’s the role of the mother and the father—to affirm, to inspire, to love.
Today, my wife homeschools our kids.
It’s not easy. I’m so proud of my wife. She gives 100% of herself when she teaches our boys at home. Each morning, she’d wake up early to prepare her lesson plans—for two little boys! She’d choose the activities, prepare test papers, and draw charts for them. She’d spread out the paraphernalia needed—crayons, scissors, clay, blocks, gizmos… Everyday, she’d teach our kids from 8am to 3pm.
No doubt about it. My wife is a giver.
I repeat: I believe most Mothers are givers.
When they’re not, bad things happen.
Why Many People Have Problems
I thought all mothers and fathers are givers. Not true.
How did I find out?
In my 30 years of ministry, I’ve met people who have so much emotional baggage, so much hurt and violence in their hearts, that they’ve made terrible choices in life. Consequently, they have monstrous problems. They have addictions. They have really bad relationships.
And through the years, I’ve found out one common thing among most of them: Their parents weren’t givers. They were takers.
Their mother or their father were selfish people—thinking only of themselves, shouting at their kids, beating them up, verbally abusing them, or abandoning them all together. When these children became adults, they made terrible choices in life, because they were so desperate for love—they had no anchor, no confidence, and no inner peace.
Sometimes, the problem wasn’t selfishness. Just ignorance.
“As a child,” my friend said, “my mother gave me away to her older sister. Like I was a puppy.” Most of these people, now adults, still wonder why they were given away. They have a big hole in their hearts that they desperately want to fill.
My friend, if your parents weren’t givers, go to God.
God is the greatest giver.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.
Yes, God is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of your Fans Club International. He watches every step you make, listens to every word you say. He loves you so much.
And He wants you to be a giver too.
The Lifestyle Of Giving
Do you want to receive anything?
More joy? More wisdom? More friends? More money?
Here’s what you do: Give away that exact same thing that you want to receive.
Because that’s how the universe works.
Whatever you give, you receive.
Take the case of wisdom.
I give wisdom to people. I’ve written 14 books so far. (By the way, I’m now launching my 15th book, entitled, Don’t Worry, Be Happy.)
But between the author and the reader, who gains more wisdom? The reader reads the book once. But the author rewrites his book ten times. Guess who remembers the truths more? Yes, I give wisdom. But I gain ten times the wisdom I give away.
Or how about happiness.
Who are the happiest people in the world? Those who are able to give happiness to others.
That’s just how God made the world. We receive what we give away.
Even money.
When God Blesses Our Tithing
Yesterday at our meeting, I asked Randy Borromeo to share his story with us. Randy is our Feast preacher in Makati and the guy in charge of our media ministry.
Like me, Randy gave his life to God when he was 12 years old.
He shared how as a young kid, he started tithing or giving 10% of his allowance to God.
When he was a teenager, he recalled that life was hard. He had 9 siblings. And one day, his helper Aling Esther said, “Randy, there’s no food in the house.”
Randy told her, “Pray to the Lord. God will provide.
So Aling Esther prayed, “Lord, give us four viands!”
Randy was shocked. “Aling Esther, why did you ask for four viands? One is enough!” He turned around and prayed, “Lord, you better answer her prayer. I don’t want us to lose face.”
A few minutes later, someone rang the doorbell.
Randy opened the gate and saw a woman carrying a tray of food. It was Mrs. Cabigao, their neighbor. “It’s my birthday today! I hope you can use some food…”
Randy quickly counted the viands on the tray. There were four viands!
As the family gathered around the table, still mesmerized by how God blessed them, the doorbell rang again. When they opened the gate, it was Mrs. Cabigao again, this time bringing ice cream for everyone. God gave more than what they asked for.
Randy said, “Even if life was hard, I tithed. Because I saw that God cannot be out-given.” And almost 30 years later, he continues to tithe. Whatever he gave, God gave back to him many times over.
Let me share with you one last story.
Be A Giver Until The End
One day, a woman was dying of cancer.
In a few days, she would celebrate her birthday. And deep in her heart, she knew it was the last birthday she’ll ever have. But there was no bitterness or sadness.
So she called all her closest friends and invited them all to a party. She told them the truth: “You better come,” she said, “because I think this will be my last birthday party.”
Her friends came and they had lots of laughter together.
After the meal, she brought all of them to her living room.
She faced them and said, “For years, I was in the gathering phase of my life. Today, I’m no longer in that phase. I’m in the surrendering phase. As I’m about to depart this earth, I no longer need material things. I have only one need in my life now. I need to love. I need to love you. So before you go home, please allow me to love you…”
She then spread on the table all her most precious belongings—a favorite teacup, a lovely pitcher, a scarf, a warm jacket, a watch, a few pieces of jewelry…
She said to her friends, “Please bring one gift that you need. I don’t need any of them anymore. So that every time you use it, hold it, or look at it, you’ll remember that I love you. It’ll be our connection.”
Many tears were shed in that party. But much laughter as well.
Six weeks later, this woman went to Heaven.
She was a wise woman.
She gave until the last breath of her life.
She knew the language of Heaven.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Do you want to tithe to God’s work? You can give to our ministry of sharing God’s Love through media and our work for the poorest of the poor—elderly, orphans, street-kids, etc. So that you won’t forget, you can set up an automatic monthly donation via www.KerygmaFamily.com. And let God bless you abundantly!
PS2. A Quick Reminder: For those of you who registered to my Trace Trajano Webinar, it’ll be on July 7, Tuesday 8am (Philippine Time) or July 6, Monday 8pm (Eastern US Time).
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Hello Bo..
For the past two Sundays you’ve made me cry..Each time you talk about Tito Gene & Tita Pilar, it touches me in a way that I wished I had parents like yours.. But don’t get me wrong.. it’s just that mine don’t express their love the way your parents do. But i’m thankful to God for them, for giving me a home, for raising me up & for giving me good education..even if I didn’t come from them…they might not be very good in expressing their love, like giving hugs & kisses but i understand…
greeting you in advance: )
Happy Birthday! God bless you more for being our greatest blessing! Gerald & I are very grateful to you! You’ve done so much to improve our relationship…
Happy Birthday on the 11th!
Thanks for this article Bo.
Generosity is an attitude of the heart. It’s not the amount of money that you give away that matters, but the love and generosity that accompany such act.
It’s tough to be generous during hard times. It’s kinda like an instinct to secure first one’s own needs then think of others later.
But I guess the most difficult thing to do is giving of one’s self.
I pray that I’ll be more generous, especially with my time.
God bless.
Thanks Bro Bo for another inspiring article… I’ll be giving more.. =)
You reap what you sow. Givers are happy people because they find joy in giving, in letting go of a piece of themselves to others. They are thankful for each day, for even the smallest of blessings. They are so thankful that almost automatically, they give. While takers will forever be impatient and discontent with their lives as they are always in search for that thing that they have to have. Parents (oftentimes) are the examples of the best givers. Whatever it is they have its always their children’s interest they have in mind. Such are my parents. I am forever thankful that God gave them to me. They are truly blessings and have not thought of anything but be giving to us, their children.
Advance Happy Birthday Bo!
More power to your community!
Thanks, Bro. Bo for your inspiring article. It is indeed true that it is only thru giving that we can experience real happiness.
I am now a mother of a nine-year old boy and I can feel my son’s joy everytime we are together — spending time with your loved one is the most precious thing you can share.
God bless
Hi Bo,
Wow, naiyak ako dun ha..hehe. I want to thank you for inspiring us with your wonderful articles. : )
Regards
Hi Bro. Bo advance happy birthday, personally you are a blessing to me & my husband because you nourish our souls & help us feel the love of God in a very special way.
As of today I’m still in awe about the beautiful lesson of generosity and you made it more emphasized today.
To share…We are handling group of YFC in a far place here in Qatar. First week of June, our car broke down in front of their community gate. Not knowing how to go back to the city we silently prayed for God’s help. Before the activity ends, a parent (not member of the community) offered a car with pure joy on her face. We didn’t expect it from her since we barely knew each other. Then last week, happily she called me to inform that she won car from a raffle draw. She never won from draws in her 10 years abroad except that one. When she asked me why it happened…I said, GOD is the god of all goodness & we can never outdo His generosity. =c)
the share of bro randy made me cry yesterday. it hurts to give but it will became a lifestyle when you continue giving.. truly it encourage me to give not only to my family but also to the needy.. it really inspire me also when you share about mothers.. i miss my mother, it is only now i know that mothers do and knows best for their children. thank you so much… Godbless
Salamat bro sa napakagandang mensahe, you inspired us through your message especially us who work here abroad, totoo yan pag nagbigay ka, it will come back to you 70×7 folds. God Bless Us.
Thanks Bo…
I just realized, di pala favorite ng mom ko ang chicken neck.
Naiyak ako bigla.
I’ll hug my mom when I get home.
Thanks.
a great blog sir. i can really relate to this. Even if i feel i’m alone, i should still remember God, how much He loves me unconditionally. Every time I am always misunderstood, I hear Him telling me that He loves me no matter what people tell me.
Every time people, who should be inspiring, encouraging and loving me, is embarassing me in front of others, I should still keep myself and smile. Because i know whatever they say, God still with me. Stood with me and loving me.
It’s really hard when the burden of responsibility that I should not be shouldering is pressuring me through all the way. But God always tell me to focus on my goal instead of the people who criticize me and see me us uncapable. Though I fail so many times, He is always there. Keeping my spirit up and reminding me that I still have Him, my God.
(n_n)
My friend, if your parents weren’t givers, go to God.
God is the greatest giver.
a great blog sir. i can really relate to this. Even if i feel i’m alone, i should still remember God, how much He loves me unconditionally. Every time I am always misunderstood, I hear Him telling me that He loves me no matter what people tell me.
Every time people, who should be inspiring, encouraging and loving me, is embarassing me in front of others, I should still keep myself and smile. Because i know whatever they say, God still with me. Stood with me and loving me.
It’s really hard when the burden of responsibility that I should not be shouldering is pressuring me through all the way. But God always tell me to focus on my goal instead of the people who criticize me and see me us uncapable. Though I fail so many times, He is always there. Keeping my spirit up and reminding me that I still have Him, my God.
(n_n)
bro.bo.
It is truly true that in giving there is feeling deep in your heart you can’t explained. But please pray for me na sana hindi pa huli ang lahat sa aking pamilya sa king mga nagawa sa kanila i’m not a giver to them naging taker pa nga ako gusto ko sila ang nagsisilbi sa akin pagdating ng bahay lagi kong dahilan pagod ako sa trabaho sa Office hindi na tuloy nila madama ang aking pagiging Ina sa kanila please help me na makabawi ako mapagsilbihan ko sila at maging giver ako specially to my son na 1st year High School now and my 2 daughter na in college na at sa youngest baby ko na 10 month old I can’t take care of her after office hour I rushed to go to our farm yard d kasi kasya yung sweldo naming mag-asawa kaya we need to plant cucumber and other vegetables for extra income to supply our needs. Please help me po to have time for our children. Thank you po sa iyong inspirational messages thanks a lot po.
I love to read your articles. thank you
hello Bro. Bo
happy birthday to you on july 11, and belated happy birthday to ur wife morawe. i wish both of you good health and more happiness in life. God Bless your Family.
everytime i attend the feast im so blessed and i learned alots of things. thank you for giving me a chance to share my life and time to others, for the ministry that i joined. thank you so much.
more power
happy birthday again
I have the most loving, understanding and compassionate parents children would want to have. When I got married, I had a difficulty dealing with my spouse about love. He was raised way to opposite as how I was raised, full of love. Because of this our married life was one i never expected to be, one i never seen from my home. This is the struggle I am trying to cope and understand. May GOD give me the grace that my love will be enough to nurture our married life which is slowly going to shatter.
Hi Bro. Bo,
This is indeed very touching and inspiring as well!
I was really able to relate. I can still remember how my Mom will set aside the bangus belly (best part) for us (her children) and settle for the buntot and matinik na part. I deeply honor all the Moms out there for their unconditional love to their children.
May the Lord continue to guide us all to give more without expecting earthly rewards!
Wishing you happy birthday and morepower!
I’m very proud to say that I have a mother who is a giver too. What kind of love is that that she is able to forget herself just to give all that she has? And what kind of son would be me If I will not be able to return the love I continue to receive in this lifetime? Bless all those mothers around the world…
I had a miscarraige in January 2009… you made me cry when you said mothers are givers… i would have given or done everything to save my child although i trust that it was God’s will, it was the greatest lost i had in my life yet God is indeed sooooo good for it gave way to some of the greatest blessings I have ever recieved, that little life is a miracle, gone so soon yet a blessing nonetheless. Now I’m just praying that God gives me a brand new miracle in His own perfect timing… i look forward to being the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of all the miracles that God will bless me and my husband in the future.
God bless you and your family Kuya Bo!
This is really great, Bro. Bo.
Thank you.
Nino Natividad
i am currently working abroad but no matter what i do, my salary seems not to be enough. I am the breadwinner of the family and i send half of my earning at home. The other i spend for my accomodation and house allowances and for paying my debt. Sad to say, i dont have a saving yet. And sometimes i am questioning God because i think that i have never used my money in bad things but i never have enough. Before the end of the month there is no more money left for me. And i always hear about tithing but i never have done it. And now i am thinking that it might be hard for me to do that when i dont have enough. Probably i dont have enough faith in God also. I hope Bro. Bo, in your next article you try to teach us how to tithe happily and how to manage expenses to be able to tithe. Thank you. Godbless.
Hi Bro. Bo, another truly inspiring article. Mothers are really givers…to the point that they forget their needs just to attend to their children. I have been away from my Mom and Dad for almost two years now. I really missed them so much. I’m gonna give them a really tight hug when I get home this weekend.
PS. Bro Bo, we will be having an outreach activity to the pupils of Cancatac Elementary School in Corella Bohol this coming July 11. It is sponsored by our organization “Association of Young Boholanos in Metro Manila, Inc.” and some successful Boholanos working abroad. This is a way of giving back to the community that molded us to become what we are right now.
Thank you Bro. Bo for inspiring us always..
Hi Bro Bo!
Today is my birthday. And last year, I have promised myself I won’t be celebrating it the way I used to. I started saving for my birthday and give these savings to the home for the aged. Just last week, I’ve talked to a friend who is a single parent to her 3 children and working in the government with only P200/day income. She was almost in tears telling me of her hardships in raising her children. After that, I decided to get some of my savings for the home for the aged and give some to her to help her cope with the situation.
Thanks for all your wonderful article and how you inspire so many people.
God bless you always.
Very inspiring message,Bro. Bo…We give because it causes us something and that is our love to God - the Giver, the Blesser, and the Jehovah Jireh…I want to be an extravagant giver not just to excel in giving…This is what my parents and grandmother taught me since we were kids. The more you give, the more you receive…give with love and with purpose…what you sow, you will reap…Truly indeed, hindi nagkulang si God sa pamilya namin. More than receiving the prize of giving is the joy and happiness you feel when you give most especially to those can not pay you in return… I thank God for all the extravagant giver mothers. Thank God!
hi brother bo!
happy bday! I wish you all the best of health with your wife marowe and may God continously give you more wisdom for us to nourish. pls include me in your prayers for my forthcoming bday on 13th july.
hello bro bo,
I attended the Feast with my gf yesterday. It was her first time and she was touched how the Feast is celebrated. She told me that she will going to invite her friends.
I can relate to bro. randy’s testimony that the mother is a really a giver. I had 7 siblings, two brothers and 5 sisters - that during dinner (esp if fried chicken ang ulam) she make sure that all will have food in our plate before she will get hers that most of time tira tira na lang… i’m grateful for having a mom like her and thanks also to my late father, my mentor, one of the greatest provider of the world.
Advance Happy Birthday bro, btw i’m one of your fan who lined up for your autograph for your newest book. Thank you so much coz i am really blessed.
Godspeed.
advance happy birthday Bro. Bo, Sana po makapagpapicture ulit me with you.
THANKS
Wow bro Bo, you touched my heart again.
This article is fantastic!
James Parmis
http://www.JamesParmis.com
dear bo,
thank you for a wonderful story..it really inspired me, im 23 and a mother of 2 yrs old baby girl. pls send more of your and other people story that gives us reader inspiration strength power to love life and honor god above all else.
bo,
I’m having a difficulty of sending my thithes. What is d easy way to give . I’m living here in Qatar. I need d account name also. Thnx
Hi Bo…. once again u remain me giving is the best….. More i’m giving, more God bless poured down to me…. ^^. I’m so loved it…..
GBU
God bless you Bo Sanchez!
I continously thank God since the first day i registered myself to be a recipient of your always inspiring articles. Despite coming home tired from work, i always find time to check my mails and read whatever i have from you… as i said, it never fails to inspire. And being away from home and country, its the perfect antidote for homesickness. I’m working in UK, but despite the comfort it offers, its not home… ‘coz home is where the heart is.
This article made me cry, i miss my son very,very much. Though, problematic at times, i love him so very,very much. And yes, i love my Mamang very,very much as well,but this article made me realized, that her value had incresed to nth times more.Its an “Eye Opener”, making me realized that’s its my Mother who is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of my son’s Fans Club, much more than me. You see, she gives unconditionally, where my son is concerned, Always praying and hoping for a positive and good result in the end,while me , I always sets a condition and expect good results.when i give. I know many times i hurt both my Mom and my son, both in words and actions , when in my frustrations and desperations, things does not come out right or when things seems to fail… but like all other mothers, i just want the best for him.
But today, I learned something new, i earned great wisdom… i’ll be more of a giver rather than a taker. Dont get me wrong, hindi ako madamot, i’m always ready and willing to help. Despite me having difficult times, when family and relatives and friends comes to me for help, i always help in the level i can. Katwiran ko, if one person whispers my name in thanksgiving for the little help i was able to give masaya na ako… and praying that God will shower me with more blessings that i might be more helpful next time.
Tho i consider myself a giver… with what you thought me today, i’ll strive to be more….
God bless you Bo, and may God will continue to touch your lips and your hands, so you’ll continously inspire others in everything you say and write… Advance Happy Birthday!
As Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said, “When you give yourself, you receive more than you give.”
… it is far more blessed to give than to receive.
hi bro.bo,
Thanks for the sharing, i am happy to read all your articles and inspired me a lot. It is true that if you give something to God or to other persons you must receive more than what you give. I was a member of our community monthly tithings in our church. Yes, it was hard sometimes to give because i’m not a regular tither but if i receive my commission, i’m always think to give my share. And miracles comes because you expect more than what you expect.
Now, i was here in abroad and all my prayers are granted and i can give my tithe every month.
Thank you for the blessings that God gave me and God bless you also and your family.
Good day Bro. Bo!
Thank you much for inspiring a lot of people, not only in words, but most especially in actions.
One of the things that I’ve realized today is that the habit of giving starts at home.
I am so much thankful that God allows me to see things on a larger scale. When I was child until now, my mom used to say that she sacrificed her entire life just to have a good family. Instead of buying new clothes, she will save that money for the needs of our family. Just imagine that her clothes before are the very clothes that she wears up to the present. This only reminds me that my mom is a super duper giver and because of her, it is very easy to understand how God shows His generosity.
Thanks God for giving us a wonderful and generous mom.
Thanks God for giving us Bro. Bo. Dear God, please continue to strengthen him because with the very life of Bro. Bo, we see Christ in him, who is never afraid to give.
A blessed and happy day.
Good day Bro. Bo!
Thank you so much for inspiring a lot of people, not only in words, but most especially in actions.
One of the things that I’ve realized today is that the habit of giving starts at home.
I am so much thankful that God allows me to see things on a larger scale. When I was child until now, my mom used to say that she sacrificed her entire life just to have a good family. Instead of buying new clothes, she will save that money for the needs of our family. Just imagine that her clothes before are the very clothes that she wears up to the present. This only reminds me that my mom is a super duper giver and because of her, it is very easy to understand how God shows His generosity.
Thanks God for giving us a wonderful and generous mom.
Thanks God for giving us Bro. Bo. Dear God, please continue to strengthen him because with the very life of Bro. Bo, we see Christ in him, who is never afraid to give.
A blessed and happy day.
thanks for this enlightening article Bo….truly if you give more, you receive more…. and though that how it goes…we should not give expecting to receive, we should give because we love to give….
Hi bro Bo!
Thanks for another inspiring msg….That’s true it is better to give than to receive….and when it comes from the bottom of your heart and you dont expcet anything in return….happy ka talaga kapag nakakapagbigay ka and from my experienced when ako ang nangangailangan nagkakapagtaka na hindi ako nawawalan ng blessings na dumating may excess pa…
Thanks din sa mga mother na unconditional love at giver sa kanilang mga anak at apos like my Nanay…kahit pagod na pagod na siya, may time pa rin sya para sa mga anak at apo…Hindi mo makikitaan na nag-rereklamo kasi pagod sila…dapat ma-appreciate natin ang mga mothers, kasi mother na rin ako ngayon I know na the feelings of being a mom….
God Bless & more power…
Thank you very much for sending me always a very inspiring artiles. It realy help me to became a better person who gain lots of inspiring christians artiels. Good luck…. and God bless!!!!111
Bother Bo,
Thank you so much for inspiring us always. Looking forward to see you again here in Boracay. God bless!
Im very sorry. I miss to put the letter R in my word brother.
i am a mother of 3 little kids..and I love them so much I already dedicated my whole life to them….When times are rough, my family’s needs always comes first…literally, isusubo ko na lang, ibibigay ko pa sa kanila. Yet it pains me that many times during the day, they are so uncontrollable that I raise my voice at them, I try my best not to even swear to stop doing it when I hug them to sleep, as I kiss their angelic sleeping forms , but end up doing it again and again when my patience run out
I thank you Bo for your words have been my light during these times. Pray for me in this struggle …God bless!!!
Hi Bo, Thanks again for inspiring me.. The stories made me cry… I learned alot again.. More power to God!
Brother, thank you so much for this artcle. THANK YOU. May i learn to give…
life is not about taking .. its giving! thank you so much uncle for reminding me about how the Lord loves me.. i praise and thank the Lord for my parents. though they are not that perfect , i thank Him for everything . for loving me generously .
and for sending people like you in mjylife!
today, even though i feel so sick . i still want to give my all in people even if i cant talk talk that much, in my silence i praise and thank the Lord. ! amen
* the Lord will provide. the Lord is great! He loves us all :)) *
Hi Bo,
You’re really making a difference. God is working powerfully in you. Please pray for me.
Gene
I am super blessed because i was loved by my parents, that i expressively share with others. Thanks you Bro. Bo. i love to hear you preach every feast..God bless You and your family always.Advance Happy Birthday!
Hi Bo!
i will be a first time mom in 2 months. thank you for inspiring me, now i know what to do if i want my child to be happy and contented in life..
Hi Bo,
Thanks for always making me grounded to the reality of my life… thanks for making me inspired everytime I read your article!
Also Happy Birthday! May you be bless always!
Jenny
bro bo… your stories has made me leap up for joy, thanking the LORD for giving me a wonderful parents. though my dad is no longer with us and my mom is weak due to stroke.. i always cherished those days when i felt i am most love by my parents. i thank the Lord for giving this oppurtunity of taking care of my mother. happy bday by the way!!!
almost made me cry… no doubt mothers are givers… thank you for another inspirational stories you’ve shared again to us… God Bless You Bo!
hi Bo!
This article is very touching, it made me cry. How I wish I can give more like the woman in the story. I really hope I can apply this to my life, give more but do not expect anything in return…..
Thanks for a very inspriring article.
bro bo,
Thank you for your inspiring message. Kuya bo, my brother needs kidney transplant as soon as possible. The first time i heard about it, pumasok agad sa isip ko, “kaya ko bang ibigay ung 1 bato ko sa kanya”. Ramdam ko sa puso ko na andun ung desire na tulungan ko siya. Pero hindi ko masabi sa kanya. Gusto ko pag sinabi ko sa kanya un, sigurado na ko. I admit i had second thoughts.. I’m still single and concern ko ung ala pa kong anak.
I consider myself as a giver. Bunso ako samin pero kahit ako pinakabata, lage akong involve sa pagresolve ng issues or problems sa family. All my siblings are married and ako na lang yung naiwan sa bahay kasama parents ko. Eversince nagkawork ako, ako na rin incharge sa meds nila nanay at tatay. Ako na lang din yung consistent na naka2pagbigay sa kanila. Generous ako sa mga kapatid ko at mga pamangkin ko lalo na kung alam kong kailangan nila. Even with advises, ako rin karaniwang nilalapitan nila.
And im happy about it. I really am. I always tell myself, tumanda man ako at balikan ko yung panahon, ala kong regrets. Im being blessed kasi marunong akong magbigay.
Ngayon lang ako nakaramdam na nagdalawang isip akong magbigay. Kasabay ng need ng organ donor, eh yung need na makaipon kami ng malaking pera para sa transplant. We need 700k. And now im trying makapagloan sa bank kahit man lang 500k. Kuya Bo kami lang din ni nanay magshoshoulder nun. And its not the first time na kami ni nanay yung iintindi sa financial problem niya. For the past 2 years, kami din nagsesettle ng housing loan nya. Ang laki kasi ng kinuha niyang lupa na hindi nya na kinaya. Evrytime na maiipunan siya ng amortizations.. kami sumasalo. Kung minsan, naaawa nako kay nanay. Dapat sana sa edad niya ngayon, siya naman binibigyan. Pero di na nga ganun nangyayari.
Pero siyempre iba na nga yung kaso ngaun.. buhay na ni kuya yung at stake. Hindi namin siya pwedeng pabayaan. Alam mo kuya pinagpapasa Diyos ko lahat. Sabi ko kung in the end ala pa rin talaga siyang ibang makamatch.. then maybe sakin nga dapat manggaling yung kidney.
Galing ni God.. kaya niyang bigay Anak niya. Ako kidney lang.. nahi2rapang magdecide.
hi bo,
you made me tearry-eyed again bo!
i remembered my mom kasi whe nyou mentioned that you can never love your mother more than she loves you. my mom passed away on september 11, 2001, a day before the bombing of the 2 towers in new york. i cried every single day of the 7 years since she died. believe me my grief only subsided last december.
but her passing has taught me and my sister a great lesson: to value and love more our dad. let’s not forget that dads are givers too.
thanks again bo and more power!
At this point in my life, I have realized how lucky I am to have great parents who loved us to the fullest. I guess that’s why I’m leading a fulfilling and peaceful life.
When I was in a “complicated” situation, it was my parent’s upbringing on loving God and unconditional love that brought me back. Your sharing just affirmed me on how important it is to be God-loving and responsible parents.
Thanks Bro. Bo for continuing to nourish my prayer life. God bless!
Dear Bro Bo,
You have touched my life and I learned a lot of things from you. this article really made me cry….reminded me of my parents I missed them so much! Now it made sense…I love my parents so very dearly. And I am so very thankful to our God Almighty for my Parents’ unconditional love and being a giver. They sacrifices their entire life just for their children.
Thank you so much Bro Bo. God bless us all.
Advance Happy Birthday. I wish you more blessings in life, good health and Happiness.
Cheers,
Christine _ England
Ang galing mo talaga! The best ka talaga BO Sanchez!
hi bro bo!!! your words are really inspiring… i always watch your sunday tv show together with my 3 month-old daughter… its really true that isusubo na lang ni nanay ibibgay pa sa mga anak….
thanks for inspiring me…..
God Bless and more power…..
Bo, you never fail to make me tear up. And that’s good. Now all I want to do is forward your story to my mom and to tell her she’s the greatest. And that I love her. Thanks for the inspiration, and for the reminder that indeed, it is the giving, it is the loving, that makes life worthwhile.
Bo, You are indeed God’s wonderful & marvelous creation who was, is & will be God’s partner in bringing GLORY to HIM!
Your words of wisdom is definitely inspiring & uplifting. You’ve done your part par excellance, You made every words so simple & yet so sharp that cuts even the hardest heart . May the LORD continue to bless you and your ministry. We always pray for YOU…wonderful GIVER…Wishing you the BEST in LIFE on your BIRTHDAY. GOD BLESS!!!
Talagang nakakapagpabuhay ng loob ang mga laman nang iyong mensahe, mabuhay ka Bo, pagpalain ka pa sana ni LORD GOD…. Maraming salamat bro…
This made me cry at my office …such a heartfelt story.. tanx Bo for inspiring me all the time..none of your articles ever fail to inspire me. God bless!
anne baltazar, Malaysia
you really made me cry but honestly i really learned something from thhis article thank you very much
i really learned something from this article it really made me cry thanks for sharing this to all of us.
THANK U BRO. BO FOR THE THIS INSPIRING WORDS.. HONESTLY, IM NOT ALWAYS GIVING TITHE TO GOD BECOZ IM ALWAYS TOTALLY BROKE TO THE EXTREME THAT I DONT HAVE MONEY TO BUY FOR FOOD AND MY PERSONAL NEEDS..
EVERYTIME I RECEIVED MY SALARY, I AM ALWAYS IN ZERO BALANCE AND MOST OF THE TIME I AM OVERDRAFT OF MY SALARY..
SO, THEREFORE NOW I CONCLUDE THAT MAYBE GOD IM NOT SO BLESS OF MONEY BECOZ IM NOT GIVING TITHE TO GOD, THATS MY PERCEPTION NOW WHEN I READ UR TOPIC. NOW, ITS ENLIGHTEN ME THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD UP I AM, I HAVE TO GIVE TITHE TO GOD SO THAT IT WILL RETURN IT BACK TO ME ONE HUNDRED FOLDS.
ANYWAY, BRO BO.. I THANK U VERY MUCH BECOZ I COULD START NOW IN GIVING TITHE TO GOD EVEN IN A SMALL AMOUNT.
GOD BLESS
LOVE & PRAYER
EMILY
hi bro Bo,
Once again you’ve shared an inspiring and touching message to your million friends. indeed it is great and personally touched me.
you know, everytime my brother asked financial assistance from me, i really can’t say no. although deep inside i feel suffocated and fed up of this situation bec. it is not seldom but frequent asking. Nevertheless i can’t refuse because i love my brother and his family.
it is really true that in giving there is more blessing. i personnaly experienced that. i continuously praying for good health of the whole family especially for my brother. may the Lord blesses his endeavours.
thank you very much for your enlightening message.
God bless you with more wisdom and longer life so that you will be able to continue touching lives and perform you mission in life….GOD speed.
Wow! Very inspiring & touching. I can attest to that. When you give, you’ll receive a hundredfold. That’s how God multiplies His blessings.Thanks Bro. Bo. God bless you & your family!
hi bro. bo…you’ve always been an inspiration to us (my family)…you are like a “virus”…nakakahawa kung baga…your advocacy in sharing God’s word is very outpouring. We thank you coz we’ve blessed others too by sharing them what you’ve shared to us. God bless you and your family always!
hi bo!
the very 1st time that i saw u is when i attended an international conference in manila last November of 2007. and believe it or not meeting you became the highlight. you are a blessing from God to a lot of people, your gift have touched my life and have strengthen my faith.
God bless you and your great works!
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bro.bo,
your truly a heaven sent…very inspiring and touching article again…i’m a giver but i hope i can be more giver..God bless you always and your family….
ADVANCE HAPPY BIRTHDAY…
hi bro!
you’ve made me cry again… your right most parents are givers; and i’m blessed to have them…
i hope i can have all the time to give them what they truly deserve.. it may sound cliche but no words can express how i love them deeply… thanks a lot for inspiring us.
truly God will provide everything….
god bless…
hai bro bo…. evrytime i feel so low, all i have to do is read your articles…you’re really one of the persons who lifts my spirit up… your messages are really inspiring… thanks a lot… really….
continue inspiring people….godbless!
PS.. now i realize the “neck” wasn’t my mom’s favorite part of the chicken at all…
thank you brother Bo for inspiring me again today…
Dear Bo,
It’s true mothers are givers! I’m a mother too! And I will give anything in my power for my son.
Unfortunately my Dad, uhm his a little bit selfish…
Im glad you are a good Daddy for your two sons.
hi bo. . its my first time to read one of your mails. . i know you’ve been sending me many mails before but i keep on neglecting it. . you know what, i’ve been praying to God for the last few weeks that He would offer me and my family some financial help for my father had stroke and we badly needed money to finance his bills and medications. i tried to bet on lotto several times now, hoping that i would win as God’s answer to my prayers, but unfortunately it wasn’t the right time.
i think it was destined to happen this to me. i had no class today until 3:30(its 2:30 now), and so i decided to go to the library to read some manga. i also checked my mails and fortunately bumped into this mail that you’ve sent me.
after reading this message, i came to realize God was listening for my prayers all along but what i had given wasn’t enough. i was also touched with your message about your mother because i dont express much of my feelings to my parents because in my earlier stages of life, they weren’t that expressive of their feelings. i wouldn’t say that they were takers but they are silent givers but shy enough to open up to us.
i greatly appreciate your works, and i hope you will continue your good deeds as a preacher.
MAY GOD BLESS US ALL. .-.-
hi bo,
advance happy birthday. apart from learning a lot from your blogs and almost always making me cry by the honesty of it, i realized as well na what you’re doing beside all your other ministry, could open another ministry…and that is, counselling.
i always read posts/remarks until the last one, and i realize that there are potent questions in some of them, that needs further personal discussion, to be able to guide them, or at least, so that, they could be heard. sometimes, just by listening, they are greatly helped. in the end kasi, i believe we know the right things to do, we just need a little nudge, some encouragement.
my life is not perfect and i’m not about to gain awards/praises from it. i have this growing desire to help others, and i do, in the profession that i am in. i am trying to put more order in my life, and hopefully, as soon as i am more stable and consistent, i could begin to plan how to do this advocacy, or how to meet a social need.
i am thankful for people like you, generous enough to share themselves and secure enough to reveal even some ‘weakness’ in order that others can relate more.
in time i know, i can help in the way that my heart and spirit is called to do. not that my life is grand, but we could always be better, together, right?
god bless bo.
Hello Bo..
I have read your articles online.. i never fails to inspire me.. I have been a “subscriber” of Kyregma mag when in my schooldays in a Catholic school.. now that im in Singapore I am happy to get the same teachings online..
I read on one of the comments that your bday is on July 11th.. you know thats the day my mom passed away last year..
April of last year i came to Singapore to look for a job and luckily I had one May of last year.. I was so happy and my mom was doubly happy.. i promised her half of my salary for her cancer treatment.. but shockingly she died a few months later.. July 11th.. I was boarding a flight to Cebu while she was fighting with her life in the ICU.. that time I asked God for a miracle.. my prayers wavered from asking for her life and surrendering her to God.. but I realized that her life was the miracle which I have shared with her.. she was a great mother.. no words can describe her dedication and love.. maybe my guilt until now is that I was not able to really be with her and talk to her on her last conscious moments.. July 10th I arrived 5am in the airport, fetched by my lola, hugging me so tight and i knew i have to brace for the worst.. Now I am longing to reach out to people who are suffering deep loss and grief.. i feel that in this experiences “there is strength in number”..
I would like to help out Bo.. in memory of my mom.. i want to reach to others..
My mother and I had problems when I was in high school and college, but when I got older I realized she’s the greatest source of wisdom and love. It was through her that I made some decisions that changed my life like quitting my call center job and now working at home as an online English teacher.
She had always told me that whatever I decide on, as long as it’s on the right track, she’ll support me.
She had always taken cared of me when I was young due to my asthma (I swear I am almost always at the hospital) she even resigned her job as a clerk in city hall because of me.
I didn’t realize I was able to give back to her until she was hospitalized for amoebiasis. I watched over her, helped her guide to the CR, stayed over the hospital for four consecutive nights.
And I also realized I won’t mind doing it again.
hello brother bo, you had again left a forceful arrow in my heart.This reminds me of my departed parents few years a back.we became an orphan at a very early age, and being the eldest of three children, i took the responsibility of handling our family.at my very young image and set of mind, i had wondered why such a wonderful parents had been taken away from us so early.we were at the peak of loving,enjoying and so close together until the moment of God had put it into an end.that was my normal feeling and point of view.But as the years gone by, i have then realized that God was not selfish all along bec.this time at present, my siblings and i were gifted with wonderful husbands and children who has continued the life that we had with our parents that was taken away in the past.But I believed God has His tremendous reasons, and he had made us strong and continuously providing everything important that we needed..God is so great!, eventually my family and i will also share this gifts to those He wanted us to share with:)
Good day !
We always give back to God from our source, not from our excess, and God Who sees your heart , will multiply your blessings hunredfolds. TRUST is the key, ” Look at the lillies of the fields, the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ” …” or who among you would give your children a stone if he asks for bread… your Heavenly Father knows what you need… Seek first God’s Kingdom and all these things will be given unto you… ” says our Lord Jesus.
Have a good day everyone !
Thanks for this wonderful space Bro. Bo. God bless you and your family.
Hi Bo,
It is true that mothers are givers. I noticed this with my wife. Often times during meal, she would give her share of the viand if one of our kids ask for it. She would prefer staying at home take care of our kids, help in their school assingments & watch tv together than go out with friends. She is making sure to give quality time for our family after work.
Thanks Bo for this another inspiring piece.
Advance happy birthday and God bless you and your family.
Hi Sir Bo,
thanks for this inspiring piece,you know sapol talaga ako even though I am still a single pero dun sa sinabi mo na “if a mothers is not a giver something bad happen” at nangyari talaga sa akin yun .pero nagbago na po ako at masasabi ko na si lord nasa buhay ko na dahil sa kabila ng lahat umuulan pa din ng blessing sa akin .Thank you vary much
happy birthday po pala thanks ulit
Advance Happy Birthday Bro. Bo!
Thank you for being the best example of a “giver”. Through your articles, blogs and preaches, you are giving a part of yourself to inspire and to touch people’s lives.
More love and luck to your great family and community!
Brod Bo,
Just want to Greet you Happy Birhtday!!
You are a real giver yourself.
Thank God for giving you a heart so BIG so you can it share to everyone.
You give hope, you strengthen faith and above all you give love.
May Our ever Loving God Bless You more….
God Bless
dear bro bo,
i really like your article about the giver & the taker and about tithing. it inspires me a lot. everytime i read your articles, i cried. my loving husband is a giver in many ways, one of which is tithing. he does it in a different way like helping his employees with children who goes to school. my husband is a happy man. and im very happy and proud of what he does to the needy that’s why God gives him blessings a hundred fold. i thank God for giving me a loving husband and an inspiring writer like you. God Bless.
Dear Bo,
I am always touched by your stories. They really fill something big in my heart. As I was reading your story, I remember one person who means so much to me. He’s from a broken home, he has a broken heart and I know how he longs for that empty shell to be filled with love..parent’s love..mother’s love..He made wrong decisions but I am a witness to how he strive hard to stand up every time he fail..I know he wants to be better and it’s not easy for him..I am always praying for him and I hope you will pray for him too that he will find the right way and be where God wants him to be. I don’t know how to do it but I know it will come..soon..and everything will be in the right track..
God bless always Brother Bo!
Thank you for inspiring me to live a wonderful life..
Hi! brother Bo. It is true Moms are great giver. You know even though I’m so hard headed my Mom still patiently provide me and my family wonderful blessings. At times I can’t appreciate it. I think its time for me to change of how I see things.
Thank you for giving me such inspiring message. God bless you and your Mom.
bro. bo:
this past few weeks i am totally lost and i feel so so guilty. i have missed consecutive sunday masses. i have not attended our CLP wherein we were assigned as one of the prayer warriors. so many distractions and harassments that i wasn’t able to overcome. i feel that i am carrying a big weights on my shoulder. i even failed to pray, i got angry so easily, in short i was totally down. But today, i read this article “Are you a Giver or a Taker?” and thank God this serves as my wake up call.
you know why i’m so angry this past few weeks? my daughter who promised to help us in our financial needs failed to do so and i’m angry at her. but now i realized that i should be more logical and whatever her excuses are i should accept it with kindness and understanding. in short i should be a giver not a taker.
thanks so so much for such a timely topic. please pray for me bo that i will be enlightened and will have more more patience.
God is so amazing, He is talking to me through your blog Bo. My parents love me, no doubt but they are more of a taker than giver. They suck my energy out of me.. Home is not sweet home for me. I love them but they are the one who left a big hole in my heart and are continually digging deeper by being the toxic person in my life. I cant avoid them, can I? My father is constantly depressed, possesive, negative and angry but he gives me love too. My mother suck the energy out of me. Sounds like im whining BUT i am doing something about this already.. I am praying harder than ever, getting closer to God than ever and a work in progress to take away my hidden addictions. Please pray for me Bo. And thank you for being such a blessing to millions of your followers.
Thank you for sharing your life to us….thank you for continuously inspiring us….God bless you as God bless us too!
happy birthday bro bo!
i want to be a giver! giving out of love! may god help us all find the right way to happiness! god bless us all!!
while reading your blog, my eyes turned teary. i remember my parents, yes they love all 3 of us but both showed it differently. nevertheless, their love was enough for me to go through all this life’s challenges and it has nourished me all these years.
i just wish and pray that i would become a parent soon- i am 37, for i know and believe that i would be a good mom if not better ; ) for i have a good teacher.
thank you for the inspiration.
i thank god for giving a great and loving mother to us,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,for you mother thanks for everything GBY
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