Winners Have A Bias For Action
Have you noticed?
Bad things happen to good people.
All the time.
Did you get stuck in traffic this week?
Or have you ever lost your cellphone—with all the phone numbers lost forever?
Or have you ever had the terrible experience of your computer crashing—and all your files vanishing to oblivion for all eternity? (I wonder if there’s a data heaven somewhere in this universe?)
Or have you ever experienced your boss shouting at you for something that wasn’t your fault?
Or have you ever experienced the pain of your boyfriend or girlfriend dumping you for another person?
I repeat. Bad things happen to good people all the time.
I can’t answer why they happen.
But here’s my bigger question: What do you do when bad things happen to you?
Do you sulk?
Do you complain?
Do you just stay put and do nothing?
Or do you have a bias for action?
Here’s my simple yet big message for you today: Winners have a bias for action. That’s why they’re winners.
I want you to watch this crazy short video. It’s less than one minute. It’s really funny.
But its lesson is incredibly profound.
watch video (click ‘back’ to return to my blog)
Insane, right?
But you’ll be surprised that a lot of people do the exact same thing when bad things happen to them.
They freeze.
They get stuck.
They just stay there.
They complain.
They complain to the world.
Friend, has a bad thing happened to you?
Don’t get stuck.
Don’t complain. It’s useless.
Stand up.
Instead of complaining, do something.
If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, limp. If you can’t limp, crawl. Stumble your way to greatness.
Why? Because God never said that no bad thing will ever happen to you. But here’s His big promise: That every time a bad thing will happen to you, good things will come out of it. Every time! Because Romans 8:28 says that all things will work for good to those who love Him.
How Do You Respond To Fire?
One day, a young woman came to her grandfather and cried on his shoulder. She told him of her many problems. She felt so overwhelmed by them. It seemed like everything in her life was going wrong.
After she wept many tears, the old man told her, “Let’s go to the kitchen. I have something to show you.”
In the kitchen, the grandfather prepared three pots of water on the cooking range. On the first pot, he placed carrots. On the second pot, he placed eggs. On the third pot, he placed coffee beans. And he lit the fire beneath each of them.
For twenty minutes, they sat in silence as the fire heated the pots. After twenty minutes, the grandfather said, “If you notice, the fire underneath the pots are the same. Same heat. Same temperature. Yet you’ll notice how different things react to the fire.”
He fished out the carrots and placed it in a bowl. He made his granddaughter touch it.
“It’s soft,” she said.
He got an egg, broke it, and gave it to her.
“Hard boiled,” she said.
Finally, he opened the coffee pot—its fragrance filling the room. He poured a cup for her. She took a sip.
“That’s nice,” she said, “thanks, grandpa. But what does this all mean?”
He said, “Child, you’re going through fire. You’re going through trials. Everybody does. But how are you reacting? Are you like the carrot who thought it was hard and strong, but when the fire came, it became weak and lost all its strength? Or are you like the egg that had a malleable spirit and a tender heart, but when trials came, hardened its heart? Or are you like the coffee bean? The fire released its flavor and aroma. Your trials can release your gifts and dreams. Your trials can set you free. So tell me, are you a carrot, an egg, or coffee beans?”
Your Trials Can Set You Free
Did your boyfriend leave you for another girl? You’re now free to find a better man who’ll be faithful to you.
Were you laid off at work? You’re now free to get a better job at a better company or become an entrepreneur.
Are you sick right now? This is a wake up call. Your body is telling you, “It’s high time to care for me.” You’re now free to become the healthiest person you can become.
Eleven years ago, my friend had cancer of the breast. But that cancer set her free. Because of that cancer, she served God more, she loved her family more, and she took care of her health more. She started eating more fruits and vegetables. Eleven years later, she’s a healthier person, she’s a more loving person, and she’s a more spiritual person. Her cancer set her free.
Did your business fail? You’re now free to start all over again and make it better.
That’s what happened to me.
Three Men Went Through The Fire
In the Bible, we read of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
They went through the fire, too. A literal one.
Because these men didn’t want to bow down before a pagan idol, the king was so angry, he threw them into the furnace—and asked his strongest soldiers to tie them up.
But when they were in the fire, God rescued them. They were protected. Even their clothes weren’t burned. They walked out unharmed.
But here’s the amazing part: Nothing was burned except for the ropes that bound them.
The fire made them free men.
From my experience, when I go through fire, my trials remove my chains. My fears. My limited thinking. My small dreams.
Hey, I still don’t like it.
Fire is fire. It hurts. It burns.
But when I go out of the fire, I’m a better person.
Like coffee beans, my aroma and flavor is released.
I’m free to impact the world even more.
Keep Moving Forward!
Psalm 23:4 says, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…
You don’t stay in the valley.
You don’t sulk in the valley.
You walk through the valley.
You keep moving forward. You put one foot in front of the other until you get out of the valley.
1 Peter 1:13 says, Therefore, prepare your minds for action.
Have a bias for action.
From Executive To Farmer
When I think of action, I think of my friend Rudy Mallari.
In the 90’s, Rudy was on top of the world. My friend was one of the key figures in the exports garments industry. He was running a huge company and was very well paid.
But in a blink of an eye, it was like someone pulled the rug from beneath this entire industry. China took over. And the entire export garments industry died (almost).
And overnight, Rudy lost his job and business.
From being on top of the world, he was now at the bottom.
Did Rudy sulk? Did he simply give up and hang up his gloves? Did he get depressed that the hand that fed him suddenly disappeared?
Far from it.
Because Rudy had another love: Farming.
He kept working, kept acting, kept making mistakes.
From being an executive, he’s now a “farmer”.
He doesn’t actually run a farm. But he works with lots of small independent farmers—and he teaches them organic farming. And then helps them sell their products.
For years, he met with guys in suits, ties, and briefcases. Now, he meets guys in torn shirts, straw hats and muddy boots.
And in dealing with small farmers and other poor people, he grew in his passion of helping the poor. Thus, he joined Alay Buhay (If you want to vote for them for your party list organization, they’re #66!) that helps small entrepreneurs across the country.
His tragedy turned into triumph—not only for him but also for many other people.
A True Story That Will Touch You Deeply
I’m going to tell you a true story of a young woman who went through a most gruesome fire. When you read her story, you’ll realize that your trials are absolutely nothing compared to what this young girl went through.
It was September 25, 2000.
Maricel Apatan was an 11-year old girl in Zamboanga.
On that day, this little girl went with her uncle to draw water.
Along the way, four men met them. They were carrying long knives. They told her uncle to face down on the ground. And they hacked him on the neck and killed him.
Maricel was in total shock. Especially that the men were their neighbors. She tried to escape, but the men ran after her.
She cried, “Kuya, ‘wag po, ‘wag n’yo akong tagain! Maawa po kayo sa akin!” (“Don’t kill me! Have mercy on me!”)
But they weren’t listening. With a long knife, a man slashed her on the neck too.
Maricel fell to the ground and lost consciousness.
When she woke up, she saw a lot of blood.
She also saw the feet of the men around her, but she pretended to be dead.
When they walked away, Maricel ran back home.
Her Hands Were Hacked Too
But along the way, she saw that both her hands were falling off. Because the men hacked them too. She cried but she kept running.
Sometimes, she’d faint and fall to the ground. But she’d regain consciousness and run again.
When she was near her home, Maricel called her mother.
Upon seeing her daughter, her mother screamed in terror. She wrapped her bloodied child in a blanket and carried her to the hospital.
Here was the problem: From her house to the highway, it was a 12-kilometer walk.
It took them 4 hours just to reach the highway.
When they arrived in the hospital, the doctors thought Maricel was going to die.
But for 5 hours, they operated on her. It took 25 stitches to stitch together the long knife wound in her neck and back.
Maricel barely survived.
And she lost both of her hands.
Ironically, the next day was Maricel’s birthday.
She was 12 years old.
But alas, tragedy didn’t end there.
Angels To The Rescue
When they went home, they saw their home was gone. It was ransacked and burned down by the goons.
Being very poor, Maricel’s family also didn’t have P50,000 for their hospital bills.
But God sent many angels along the way to help them.
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, a distant relative, paid for hospital bills and helped them bring the criminals to court. They were sentenced to prison.
Tahanan Ng Walang Hagdan helped her finish her studies.
Today, she’s staying with the nuns at Regina Rosarii with Sr. Eppie Brasil, O.P.
But this, I believe, is the incredible miracle.
Instead of staying down, Maricel kept running.
Instead of cursing God why she had no hands, she now uses her wrists in incredible ways that will boggle your mind.
Maricel was cited as the most industrious, best in computer, and most courteous in the School for Crippled Children.
In 2008, she graduated from a course in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She even received a Gold medal for Arts and Crafts.
Today, at 21 years old, Maricel is studying to be a Chef.
Yes, a Chef without hands.
Nothing can stop this young lady from reaching her dream.
Real Winners Don’t Give Up!
Oh, it was a real gift.
Because last Sunday, I invited Maricel to the Feast (Note: This is our weekly prayer gathering. If you want to join us, click here for our schedules or call (02) 725-9999 and ask for the details.)
We saw Maricel in front of us.
And her joy, her smile, her radiance was amazing!
In lovely white Chef’s attire, I asked her to stand in front of the crowd. We cheered wildly.
And then I led her to a table with lots of vegetables on it.
I asked her to make a salad for me.
Using only her wrists, she cut the vegetables and prepared a delicious salad.
I couldn’t help but cry.
I looked around me and saw many crying too.
Because we were in front of an incredible winner.
Maricel Apatan
Don’t Lose Hope
Friend, are you a winner?
Stop focusing on your trial.
Stop focusing on your problems.
Right now, you may be undergoing fire.
Perhaps your marriage is being torn apart.
Perhaps you’re buried in a mountain of debt.
Perhaps the doctor said you’re never going to get well.
Perhaps your child is far from God.
Friend, don’t lose hope.
Don’t give up.
You will win the race.
You will win the prize!
In the fire, don’t be a carrot or an egg. Don’t weaken or harden. Rather, be a coffee bean and let the fire set you free for action!
This fire will make you better.
This fire will make you grow.
This fire will make you succeed even more!
So focus on the finish line.
Focus on your dream.
Focus on the prize before you.
Stand up and keep running!
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Grow closer to God. Receive Bible Reflections emailed directly to your inbox everyday plus a huge treasure trove of material for your spiritual growth. Log on at www.KerygmaFamily.com now!
PS2. Need a Soul Lift? Get special words I call GodWhispers twice a week. It’ll change your day! Sign up at www.GodWhispersClub.com now!
PS3. Join Me For A Fun Run! 
Join our 2010 Kerygma Fun Raiser. It will be on May 29, 5:30am, at the SMX grounds (Mall of Asia). There’ll be a 1K, 3K, and 5K run, plus loads of fun stuff: Early Morning Worship, Entertainment, etc. Join us! The Run is for the benefit of our various ministries for the poor. For more details, log on at www.lightfam.com/kfork or email events@svrtv.com or call Tel. (02) 7259999.
Filed under: Blogs by bosanchez
Thank you very muchu
GOD Bless
and
Carpe Diem
Violet
Yeah! Keep moving forward! Thanks Brother Bo.
Thanks for sharing about Maricel. Very inspiring! I am blessed by her story : ) May God bless you too.
Thanks Bo for another inspiring story! God bless
God is truly good thank you for this wonderful wisdon
Thanks Bo! This story brought tears in my eyes.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Praise the Lord for her strength and the people who helped her!
I lost my things from the snatching incident .I remember the story of footprints in the sand. The man thought God abandoned him but God was carrying him all along the trials. I asked” If you are there with me God , why did you let it happened? I have small bruise on my thigh.” God answered ” I was there carrying you so that you will not be dragged by the motorcycle. You let go of the bag to embrace me. Did you not remember? ” Tears flowed in my eyes. When bad things happened to us we always asked “Why?”. Maricel’s story was very inspiring. God is good all the time. Thanks Bo . God Bless!
Thanks so much for that wonderful article! Maricel’s story is very moving and at the same time inspiring. =D
Thank God..for you and for the message I read today.very inspiring and lift my spirits too,esp now that i feel so down with no one to share my pains at home.thanks for the encouragement..God bless you
keep moving forward =) there’s so many things in life that we should be grateful for..trials are spice of life and way of God to teach us lessons that will aid us to be a better person..it could hurt us sometimes,but just remember one thing, He walks with us in times of trouble and carry us at the end of the road..another inspiring story!
Bo thank you for sending message to each of us..It’s very amazing that I always receive your message when I have these fears&doubts in my heart..You’re message keeps on reminding me that I am not and will never be alone..Continue to bless other people through your words.
Godbless you! More Power! To GOD Be The Glory!
Couldn’t help but cry. This story is really amazing. Thanks Bo for touching many down & lonely souls like me. God Bless!
And to Maricel, you really are amazing and great! Keep up the good work. You’ll make it to the finish line with flying colors. Really, the trials I’ve went through were nothing compared to yours…God Bless you!
This is another proof of God’s unconditional love & grace…Amen:)
thank you very much Bro. Bo, Maricel’s story is really inspiring. Thank you and God bless.
That’s another ‘bestselling’ coming out.
Thanks Bo, thanks for sharing Maricel’s story. It really inspires me to move on and work hard to reach my goals. All for the Glory of God. God bless you Bo.
Thanks for your inspiring message and story…
Bring more encouragements and hope to those who are facing challenges in life…always a winner if you are a child of GOD and the hope and trust always in HIM alone
Another inspiring story!!! You are truly God’s blessings to others.. Mabuhay ka Bro. Bo!!!
Brother Bo, thank you for publishing this touching story. It is not the first time that I got teary- eyed after reading your articles. It inspired me to focus on my dreams, be a better person, and quit complaining. More power to you.
thanks Bro. Bo…
Thanks Bro Bo.
You made me cry
Thanks Bo, for that inspiring message.
I realized how petty my concerns were compared to others but nonetheless, since they bother me, I should do something about it because I have the means to do so.
We are sometimes overwhelmed with the problem, that we forget to focus on the solution which will take us out of our misery.
May you continue to write and bless the lives of people who will read this.
very inspiring….i also experience being on fire and sad to say that i become a “hard boiled egg” but then it was wrong. Thanks for sharing the story of Maricel, she is really great! Nothing can stop her of pursuing her wants. i am also so glad that i have learned something to make a change in my life (i’m talking financially) i am into a passive income, and for those who are interested you can reach me to my mobile no. 09177367094 or email me at carol_flores30@yahoo.com.ph so i can share you on how to make a change. God bless and thank you so much!
Bro. Bo,
This these series of short stories reminds me of my past trials and my present struggles . It keeps me going knowing that there are alot of inspiring stories of different people.
The story of Maricel made me cry. You’re right she’s an incredible winnner..
Thanks for sharing her story..: )
Bro. Bo,
These series of short stories reminds me of my past trials and my present struggles . It keeps me going knowing that there are alot of inspiring stories of different people.
The story of Maricel made me cry. You’re right she’s an incredible winnner..
Thanks for sharing her story..: )
So lovely..
I like this story Bro. Bo. I have heard of Maricel’s story during the Lenten celebration when she took witness on TV during the 7 Last Words.
Her story then really moved me to tears and made me realize just how lucky I am that I have all these things in me. I may not be perfect, as nobody is, but I know I too is loved by God no more, no less.
This really made my day. Thanks a whole lot for giving me a reason to smile inspite my week long toothache.
God bless us all.
Dear Bro. Bo
The story of Maricel Apatan is so heart breaker yet inspiring! I remembered the lowest part of my life when my boyfriend left me and I am 3 months pregnant at that time. I have no work, no money and no savings and the only thing that I have in my mind was FAITH and HOPE that soon everything are going to be alright together with my baby. I believed angels to the rescue maybe we cannot see them but they are people around you. My previous boss hired me again even if I am 4 months pregnant all the way as office staff coz she believed in my abilities and capabilities in handling works and dealing people. I thank GOD that I surpassed all the trials in my life. Now, my daughter is 4 years old and I support her by myself and have a better job here in the Middle East. Since then, if I am down….I always keep the FAITH and HOPE but keep ACTIONS as well.
Thanks Bo…GOD Bless us all! Keep smiling…:)
Dear Brother Bo,
Thanks for this wonderful piece. I can sense another book from you on victories from struggles.
I am sure you have a lot of true stories to write that will make all of us awaken to the power within us. The power to rise when we fall and to keep on going as we put our trust in Jesus and the Blessed Mother (we cannot separate the two, can we?)!
Again, kudos to this sharing! More blessings to you and the whole family, brother Bo.
Thank you once again for inspiring us. I would like to share this story to my friends in the community. God bless you!!!!
I would like to share the story of Maricel to my friends in the community. Like me, Im sure they will be inspired with the story of Marice. Thank you. God bless you!!!!
Hi, Bo!
I was at the feast 2 Sundays ago and I heard “live” your preaching on this topic. It was great! Honestly, I was moved. Although, I’ve heard many times the essence of Action in our lives to be successful and overcome any trials, your teaching inspired me a lot. You presented it very differently and like we say in vernacular “completos recados”.
And then reading it again here , makes me retain it more in my mind and heart.
Praise God and more power to you, brother!
Bong Mallari
going through fire right now..compare to the other problems you mentioned i suddenly realized my problem is really not that big….just have to try to be a coffee bean and keep reminding myself to move forward..thanks for the inspiration
no kuya bo, my boyfriend left me for another boy. i suffered for years now. i’m like a carrot.
Bravo! Maricel! Bravo!!!
Thank you for the inspiration, Bro. Bo. Your blog came at the right moment. God is really amazing. God bless you.
thanks again for this wonderful and inspiring article. after reading this, i have realized that what i am going through is nothing compare to what maricel had gone through. i hope i can be like her to keep on running and focus on the finish line. please bro. bo pray for me and to others who have a hard time focusing to lord and to our dreams.
god bless!
THANKS FOR AN UPLIFTING AND INSPIRING STORY OF MARICEL. THIS ONLY SHOWS HOW STRONG WILLED AND DETERMINED PERSON SHE IS DESPITE OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HER THRU GOD’S OVERFLOWING LOVE.
MAKES ME CRY AND DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE.
wow another inspiring story… tanx a lot bro. Bo
I did not see Maricel in person but I couldn’t help but cry as well…it is so amazing…God’s love is so amazing…
It’s a very nice and inspiring story that is food for the soul. Thank you very much Bro. Bo, many weary and hungry souls that you fed today. Aja!
Dear Bro,
Wow and wow… the story was amazing, thats why sometimes I myself stop for a while. think and asked myself , do i have problems,…. yes, i do.. but.. if you think about it, its nothing to compare with other people predicament. thanks for the inspiring story… really helps a lot to lift up my spirit and mood, moreso, to thank HIM and you for the wisdom. God bless.
bernie
Bro. Bo, thanks for sharing this story to us…it was really an inspiration for all of us…i know that god is really good all the time!!!
this is inspiring and motivating. no person should think his/her own is too much when he still has the ability to think so. the ability should make him/her do something. when one thinks of the destructive effects of fire, one should also remember its great ability to refine.
this is great. keep it up.
Oluwole from Nigeria
I’ve met Maricel Apatan before and she’s adorable, full of life and dreams. That was during our visitation and extension service at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, I had a picture of this beautiful and courageous lady but I can not post her picture here without her permission. If she could remember, I was only known to them as “Ate Vicki”
I happy for her. God bless her and her colleagues in TWH.
Bo, thanks a lot for such a wonderful article. i am encountering some challenges in my work now and your article gave me hope and reminded me that what i am experiencing right now is nothing as compared to the concerns and trials of others and that i have a great God and nothing is impossible for HIM! God bless and more power!
Maricel’s story is just amazing! Praise to God.. As a nurse i can say that it was really impossible to get out alive after the injuries she had on her extremities and more importantly on her neck.. considering the amount of time they took them to bring her on the hospital, it could just have cause her to passed out.. the bleeding could kill her to death..!
But then again, a MIRACLE!! Maricel’s life shows us how God truly works in our lives, making impossible things POSSIBLE..
–
Thanks Bo!!
i
Thanks for the very inspiring story of Maricel. I am really touched. We should always remember that with GOD all things are possible.
I pity my self after reading the story.. My fire’s nothing compare to it.. i just lost my cellphone which i just brought last month a while ago.. *sigh* and more to it was, i lied to my mom, papa and kuya that i was hold-up on the jeepney just to avoid being scolded when in fact i lost it because of stupidity!! i know it was wrong.. I Hope God will forgive me.. :’(
thanks for sharing about maricel, it inspired me more, not to give up. thanks
Hi Bro.Bo. I was at the feast when you shared your story and I was so touched and at the same time humbled by Maricel’s story.You see I’m down and depressed right now because of my broken relationship with my ex bf and Maricel is an inspiration because inspite of her problems she didn’t give up.Truly nothing is impossible with God.
I was sorting through old papers as part of my spring or should I say, summer cleaning when I saw something that reminded me about my husband’s infidelity. That was two years ago. I thought I was over it. I thought I had moved on but when I was reminded about it, it still hurt. So, I was asking, How does one move on? “How does one forget?
When I opened my mail, there was the answer to my questions. I haven’t moved on because I didn’t do anything about it. Maricel’s story touched me deeply. Though it was not the first inspiring story I’ve read, it’s good that I get reminded that mine isn’t the greatest burden.
Here’s what I’ll do. I’m going to throw away those painful reminders and focus on showing my love to my husband.
There are no words to express my gratitude to you, Sir Bo, for being a blessing to thousands, nay, millions (I’m sure you have millions of readers) of people. May you continue to be a blessing to everyone.
hi bo!
ur “winners have a bias for action is rily a wake uo call for me, while reading i rily saw myself, at first i felt dissapoined for myself coz im an active charismatic member and in our music ministry but im still stuggling in my times of problems,but after i had finins reading it i felt good like i just woke up, im full of energy and a mindset telling myself “hey may get up and live the life with our loving GOD!!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!
hello, bro bo,yes we r winners!!
At South Feast yesterday,Maricel was there and we congratulate her personally. My husband was teary-eyed when Bro. Arun tell’s Maricel’s story. It was overwhelming..really God is good all the time!
[…] boss karena turun pencapaianku bulan ini. kesel sih, tapi Tuhan kasih jalan. Dia kirim postingannya Bo Sanchez, winners have a bias for action. ttg menghadapi masa-masa […]
this gave me a BIG push to move forward! thanks Bo! praise GOD!
my thoughts, my life, and my character has greatly improved because of the inspiration i get from reading your blogs every week Brother Bo…so thank you so much … but most of all, thank you God!!!! Amen.
hi bro. bo,
thanks again for the sharing…very touching stories and it helps a lot to enlighten our minds about the trials in our life..God bless and more power..
Thanks Bro. Bo for another inspiring artcile. Maricel’s
story almost made me cry. I have been through a lot of diificulties also and bad things have happened in the past but God see me through. He set me free and help me to start all over again. I feel so blessed and things are working much better now.
God bless you more!
i so love this story. im a doctor…….training for residency, in pediatrics. but here’s a catch.. im also a stutterer. so many people discouraged me from going there, saying ill have few patients.. saying my stuttering will hinder me from being a good one. true eonugh, during my first residency, i quitted. i thought il never be a pediatrician. this article lifted up my spirit.. lifted up my hopes. if maricel, who have no hands, was able to become a good chef… i can be a good pediatrician despite my stuttering. of course it wont be easy. walking through the valley of death. But God is with me. God is good all the time! ^_^ thank you kuya Bo!
Bro. Bo you did it again … made me cry! Thank you so much … this is so timely. I’m going through trials and wanted to just stay in bed and sulk. I’ve been praying though, that I may have the wisdom to know what to do next. You’re such an Angel… you have inspired me again. Thank so, so much … God Bless you Always!
she’s an amazing girl with an amazing faith.thank you kuya Bo for sharing maricel’s story..soooo inspiring!!!
Keep on inspiring people.the Lord be with you always!
thanks for the very touching story Brother Bo, it made me cry…
bro bo! tnx for such an inspiring story u shared with us! i’m experiencing a huge fire right now and i don’t really know where to go ..seeing nothing but the huge smoke around me and things falling down. thank u so much coz u always inspire me with ur writings. keeping my positive thinking and faith alive!
May God Bless us always bro. bo!
Bro Bo! Thanks for the inspring stories… i am under fire right now, and is always is…and i can’t tell if i am being a carrot, an egg or a coffee…but i am still fighting…focusing on my dreams! And if at times, i found myself tired of running..i tried to walk…to limp…or to crawl…but i do not know until when i’ll be able to resist the fire… i will just try to still HOLD ON, to my LORD, who never leaves me alone. Please pray for me…
Thanks so much Bro. Bo. This inspired me a lot! I’m going through fire right now but I know God will never leave me. God bless!
bro.bo slamat s is2ryang na share nyo kc tlagang malaki ang problema ko my husband have other woman alam ko un khit d nya aminin skin dhil cguro dhil malayo kmi s isat isa d2 ako pampanga cya nman s manila buhat ng nag work cya s manila nging malamig n cya s relation nmin ayaw kong mangyari n mcra ang fmily nmin kaya hinahayaan ko nlang nagdadasal nlang ako kaya lang prang lalong lumalala ang s2wassion hirap n ako mahal n mahal ko ang asawa ko sna m2lungan mo ako
hi Bro. Bo!
You are very great!
You have asked me to do what I will do.
Even though I walk into the valleys of the shadows of death. I will fear no evil, for you are with me. . .
I will keep going forward! I will go forward running with my eyes on the prize!
I will not give up! I know there are many trials boggling me up. But they are the fire that will set me free! The fire that will start my new life through the baptusm of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is near, I have conquered the trials of the valley of the shadow of death. Now I’m looking forward to go forward.
Thank you for the inspiration. I see the greatness of the Kingdom of God!
God Bless You Always!
and
Hevenu Shalom Alechem
Macky Casamorin
This is an inspiring story. It opened my eyes to the reality that what I am going through right at this moment is incomparable to what Maricel had experienced. I could’nt go on with my life. I don’t know where to start. In fact, the stories that you published and the manner how you wrote it kept me going and still hope that something good will happen to my life.
bato na lang talaga ang di tablan sa kwento about Maricel. Nakita ko na sya minsan sa tv. I was amazed but I never thought that she had a gruesome horrible experience in life.. akala ko inborn ung kawalan nya ng mga kamay.. i was wrong… ano pa nga ba eh syempre po iyak ako ng iyak… habang binabasa ko kwento nya… syang di me nakapunta sa Feast.. may anointing kasi kami sa community namin.. next time..God bless .. thank you brother Bo.. iba ka talaga!! God bless you Maricel…
It was really inspiring to read Maricel’s story. Thanks for sharing her story here
The photo of Maricel just made me cry…
The smile she wears is inspiring and touching.
you are really an angel bro. bo, God really touched you to be a light to everyone..yeah everyone undergo trials in life and ur stories gives encuragements to us to move forward and overcome these problems. As of marjay, just want to tell you sis, pnagdaanan ko yan, long years of burden and suffering from my husbands unfaithfulness, but I tried to be tough, I love my children very much, I dont want them to suffer. I still continue to be a good wife to him. I always pray to God that I hope one of this days, God will enlighten his path and comeback to us. My children always told my husband, dada, we love you,please love momy as u love us ha.I knew, in their young minds they sense something bad goin thru between us but my husband told me when we overcome this, He really love us, his children, he felt guilt for what he has done specially to our children.Coz everyday our children didnt miss saying this to him.I know I can’t do everything to make my husband change, but God does..he is really good and those who believe, recieves his blessings..You will overcome it I know just belive, and have faith. God bless you..
hi bro.bo,
thank you…and
God bless,
meliza
Thank you very much for this blessings!!!
thanks brother Bo!
im inspired.. thank you po”,
thanks bro. bo for this very inspiring article. this touched my heart and made me cry.
Thanks Bro.Bo,
… im on fire right now but your instead of being a carrot or an egg i rather be a coffee bean and keep moving.
Very inspiring
More power & God Bless you!
Bo,
What an amazing story of Maricel and what an amazing God we have…Thank you Bo for continually touching others lives…God bless you always.
Bo, this is a very inspiring story not only for those who have gazillion of problems but literally…FOR EVERYONE…
I was deeply touched with this article especially I was really struggling to be a coffee bean inspite of many trials I’m going through…
I finished my course,nursing this early april and was promised by my dad that he will attend in my graduation,but sadly, he haven’t called for almost 2 mos…we have no income no support and no communication to him we’re really crazy thinking what happened to him.
Then,my half brother said he has a kidney cancer. it was like my world was crushed into pisces while my mom still doesn’t know this.
I’m currently reviewing for board exam and all of my problems are like a burden…a very heavy baggage…and a glazing FIRE…
But, like what you said, I shouldn’t be a carrot or an egg.I SHOULD BE LIKE A COFFEE BEAN…
two of my bestfriends know what I’m going through and they said “God knows you’re his srtongest link…”…thinking of what they said, I’ve been in a lot of trials that I surpassed luckily without losing my sanity.,.Last time,I witness my bestfriend lost her life in a vehicular accident while waiting for her in the other street…
Bo,thanks for this article.,.I know our trials and sorrows in life will always come…but someday I know that they’ll gonna make sense=’)
gotta be a coffee bean=’)
Thanks Bro. Bo for the wonderful story you shared….i was on fire din ngaun emotionally…and i was inspired to move forward after reading Maricel story….very inspiring talaga…thank you so much…God bless you
Bro.Bo,
I’m really 100% inspired the life of Maricel and she gave me a confidence to stand up despite of her disabilities.I’m bless and happy right now that I learned the importance of a good person…Thank you so much..May God be with Bro.Bo…
Thanks Bro. Bo.
Thank You Lord for giving Bro. Bo to us.
Hi!
Thank you so much for this wonderful article.
I’ve been through a lot last year.
My boyfriend cheated on me and left me.
I lost 2 friends because of an altercation.I was kicked out of our apartment because of this. I was literally homeless and then I lost my job. But along the way, people helped me. And now, I finally got a job and I am moving forward. I am trying to find my way and I have high hopes, through the help of God I will be successful. It’s indeed true- FIRE will keep up strong. I am definitely a living proof. Thanks Bo. =) More success!!!
Hello, Bro. Bo! Thanks for sharing Maricel Apatan’s “incredible” story…indeed it was all in God’s hands…no human being could possibly pull through that kind of trial/s…only by God’s grace & God’s hand…truly, all (bad) things work for good for those who love the Lord…I am touched and inspired by Maricel’s story…I am going through fire this year (2010)…my boyfriend left me for another woman…I am under a mountainful of debt…everything in my life seems to go wrong…having read this article, I am relieved that “help” is on the way…(please pray much for me) by God’s grace, His had is working…making sure that all these (bad) things happening in my life right now will work for my good…thanks! God bless!
Dear Bro. Bo,
Everytime I received an email from you Im so excited to open it becoz I know its full of inspiring words. You really lighten up my heavy load, unuseful worries and began to know more about God’s love not only for me but for all of us. Your words really touched my heart. I began to realized and thinks things in God’s perspectives.
Thank you.
Hello Bro. Bo.
Maricels’ story is so touching. You never fail to inspire us. We miss your Bro. Bo here in iloilo City. It has been a long time that you were present during the Kerygma Feast. Hope to see you soon. God Bless..
I should move forward.. let go of the past. Thanks for this encouraging article.
Just what I needed.. and perhaps what others need to hear…
I posted this link in my facebook.
God bless you Brother BO.
Bro. Bo. Am so sad I wasnt able to attend the feast for two (2) weeks now. I miss Maricel’s story, but I know God has something in store for me. After reading her story, I feel so blessed even thugh I have lots of fire in my life now. Thank you for sharing the story of Maricel. There’s really no impossible with God, we just and must give 100% trust, believe in him and offer our life to Him and let Him take charge our life till the end. thanks God, you’re such a blessing…God Bless you always and the family too.
waaaaaaaaaaa….. my tears just fell… so amazing… redirection is the key….
Thanks Bro. Bo for the wonderful and insightful stories. I am so much inspired.
More power and more blessings!
hi bro. bo,
once again thanks for this very uplifting blog! i can’t help but shed a tear or two ’bout the story of Maricel Apatan. she is indeed an inspiration and worthy of emulation! i salute you girl!!! as i read your book “Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future” last 2006, i get inspired and i’m trying to make my life another inspiring story in the making. thanks bro.bo!!! hope i can share my inspiring story in the making someday. God bless you and your family!!!
Grabeh! kaiyak.. very inspiring blog. Thanks Bro. Bo!
brother bo,
thanks for another inspiring blog.naiyak naman ako. i was so touched the life of Maricel Apatan, so brave & so blessed. God really works in her life for all of us to learn things.
Shes a living saint Bro Bo. Because of her life story i am no longer worried of the fire that will come out into my life because God is there to carry us always.I pary for Maricel Apatan to cotinue sharing her life especially those abandoned children, with her i know God will show His greatness.
Mabukay ka Maricel!
God bless to also Bro Bo & your family.
Another standing ovation and heart warming message. Thanks Bro Bo. When the going gets tough..the tough gets going! God bless.
“Don’t tell God you have big problems. Tell your problems that you have a big God.”
Thanks Bro. Bo for a very inspiring story of Maricel. I hope i can have the same courage to tackle thru the fires im going thru right now.
Thank you for being God’s instrument for hopeless people like me..Please continue to be God’s messenger to us…Hope I can join the Feast in the near future.
I feel blessed.. cos of fire/trials.. i become more stronger…. thanks Bro Bo.. for always an inspiration..God bless ..
Hi Bro Bo,
Thank you so much for the very inspiring article.
God bless you more and your family.
yws Bro. Bo it’s true. all bad things happen in our lives there’s definitely good things that will follow, in every action there’s always an equal and opposite reaction… thanks for the inspiration..
thanks, this article is a real WINNER! God bless u more!
thanx for the coffe beans..i almost cried..Thank’s Friend Bo..
peace! very inspiring story. I was moved and it really hit me. I don’t want to be an egg anymore nor a carrot. i want to be a coffee bean. Maricel is now one of my inspiration. More blessings to your ministry.
This is where I am long time ago. I\’m stuck with my bad relationship with my brother. I thought I don\’t have choice because he is my brother and everytime he made mistakes I am affected. I\’m blaming myself for maybe I am not a good sister or maybe I did something wrong with him. We were throwing words to each other and we have a never ending hurts. Just lately, I shift to a different strategy on how to get out from there. I\’m praying and searching Bible verses that talks about relatinships. One verse I found was \”So watch yourselves. \”If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.\” Luke 17:3. But God never put a period on me, he sent me this article through Big Brother Bo to let me know I am the Winner not the whiner!
God bless you more BB (Big Brother) Bo…
Hi Bro Bo.,
I have this personal experience to tell…
it was March 2009 when I was applying for a job closer to my apartment ( i use to drive 1.5-2 hrs everyday), after the interview, I went out of the building and it was raining, on my way to the parking area there was a like a 5 step wet stair way going down, I slipped, fell and hit the concrete really hard, felt a little pain all over, then when I was about to get up, I cant move my left arm, upon seeing my wrist all I can say was oh my Jesus…my wrist is swelling really big and its paralyzed, with rain pouring down, i carried my left arm with my right arm, stood up and went to my car, called my wife and told her everything and that I have to go to the hospital to have my wrist checked, I placed my gps on the windshield. type in the hospitals name and drive with my right arm, thank God my car is automatic, I found the hospital after driving for like an hour raining, after the xray, my left wrist was seen broken, later I had a surgery and they mounted a metal piece to support my wrist…after several months, everything is back to normal…I continued applying for a job and nov 2009 just before thanksgiving day I was hired and God gave me a new job, one of worlds best on its industry…and its just like a 15-20 minute drive closer to my apartment….
hi bro bo!
truly an inspiring true to life story..
i need to pray hard to be like a coffee bean…
Thanks Bo! Really inspiring! It really touched my heart. I’m going through fire right now with my family. I’m praying & hoping that I would be like a coffee bean in the end. Thank you for a very inspiring, touching & moving story.
Bro. Bo,
Thank you so much for continuously inspiring us. i couldn’t help but cry with the amazing story of maricel…i can’t wait for your next article. God bless Bo!
thank you for including her picture in the article. seeing her with her smile despite her ‘missing’ hands made every trial seem so easy to overcome. i just couldn’t stop crying.
truly inspiring!
I cried when i read Maricel’s story. Very inspiring indeed! It made me realized if she does not have hands yet do great things, I too should do many more great things. I wish her all the best in her studies as a chef, I am absolutely positively sure she will do great! I hope she will have her own restaurant too! Thanks for sharing brother Bo and thanks for continously inspring us with your sharing. God Bless you and you ministry!
These words and stories of yours, no matter when & where you deliver it, will always touch a soul… Don’t get tired of doing it. May God bless you with more of these wisdom to share.
this is really such an inspiring blog. thanks a lot my friend.
regards from Bogor Indonesia
Even I’m a bipolar…I’m no match to Maricel’s devastating experience from the hands of the goons…It’s heartbreaking, that tragedy happened especially when she lost her beloved father before her birthday…I sincerely salute her courage and unwavering faith to GOD that rewards her successful career as becoming a world finest Chef…Truly she’s a gift of GOD to inspire us many who are bowed down…Rest assured, I too, will make the difference… KUDOS Maricel!! m one of your greatest fan….
awesome! very inspiring and very timely.. praise god
Bro Bo hope you can share the feast video where you invited Maricel… thanks for sharing another inspiring story… and thank you always for the guidance and inspiring articles… God Bless!
Bro.Bo,very much inspiring tlga ang pinagdaanan ni Maricel at sobrang saludo ako sa pagiging matapang nya..sana tularan sya ng mga pinoy n walang ginawa kundi mging pbigat s kanilang mga magulang..Chef Maricel,u’r one of the best God’s creation..Godbless u always and ur family..God is really,really good..all the time..
thank you so much for the inspiring story of maricel.. God bless!
Brother Bo, you have always been a medium of God. Thanks for the wonderful articles that always lift our spirits. Please continue as there are so many lost souls wandering around who needs your help very badly. I pray to God to give you more strength so that you could help more people in dire need.
Dear Bro Bo,
Praise the Lord!
I know what I’m gonna do now, amidst all my problems there’s a bigger God ahead that is ready to bless me. Thank you very much Bro Bo. I realized God is sometimes too personal, but I know why He is, He want’s to be the best person I could I ever be. God bless your ministries. God bless your family.
Bro, Bo.
God is good! all the time!
what a very inspiring story.
it made me realize how blessed i am. and it teaches me to be thankful always.
You are truly God’s gift to all of us.. more power. Lord bless you and the ministry.
Hi bro Bo,
As busy as you are, I’m still hoping I could get a response from my request for a short message from you on my book. A message like “Winners have bias for action” to be added in my book is more than enough, after all, it was you who inspired me to write the book.
This blog is very inspiting. It pushes me not to stop writing to you but rather to keep running towards you.
My apologies to everyone if I have to use this medium to contact you.
Thank you and more power!
Allen Espejo
Keep moving forward! Three simple words that will always reminds me of reaching my goal and dreams. God bless you bro Bo. Thank you!
Thank you, you bless the world