Be still and know

“Be still and know that I am God,” the first half of Psalms 46:10, is a popular verse used to encourage believers to be still and silent before the Lord. This interpretation promotes a healthy rest in the presence of the Lord.

This command—“Be still…”—is written in a time of trouble and war; therefore, we should consider the verse with that context in mind. The phrase “Be still and know that I am God” calls us to pause and reflect. It reminds us that God is still in control no matter what happens in our lives.

Like many Bible verses, this one  is often ripped from its context to declare something not intended in the passage itself. Well-meaning Christians may use this as a consolation in times of worry and frustration – as if God is saying, “relax, I got this.”

In other words: Be still and stop your running to and fro. Slow down. Slow down long enough!

We have been conditioned to feel guilty whenever we are not “productive.” Stillness, even for the purpose of rest or prayer, can feel like wasted time to someone who lives in a world that values wealth, competition, high productivity, full schedules, and general self-importance.

Why is it important to be still? Being still is like replenishing the stores. It allows us time and space. It gives us time and space to self-reflect and actually hear our thoughts.

Yes, we are living in a noisy and hectic world. We also become noisy and hectic, many times. No time for rewinding and turning off the daily din and racket. We all become noisy people and troublemakers. Have you noticed it already?

Making time for moments of stillness can have powerful mental health benefits. 

Today, stillness can be hard to come by. There’s just so much going on. So much noise both inside and outside our brains, so many tasks on our to-do lists, and at least several screens within reach.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, stillness is “the quality of being quiet and not moving.”

Moments of stillness are possible even on the busiest of days. They are within our reach whenever we need them.

So many times, our relationships with partners, friends, relatives, work mates and neighbors get cracked.

Be still and know. Slow down long enough to hear God's voice too. There is indeed so much God if we only would slow down long enough to hear His voice. We are so overwhelmed with our earthly desires that all we think of is. Yes, God, I want You to do this for me, and I want it now!

What a fatal attraction! Learn to wait quietly on Him. When you begin to grasp something of our Lord's true greatness, you will be truly amazed.

Be still and know.

Addressing poverty is a collective responsibility

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 11, 2024 07:18 AM

  

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The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed a concerning picture of poverty in the country. As of the third quarter of 2024, the survey found out that Filipino families who consider themselves poor increased to 59 percent, or 16.3 million families; 13 percent rate themselves as “borderline” (placing themselves between poor and not poor); and 28 percent as “hindi mahirap” or not poor.

The increase in the number of families who consider themselves poor underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts from all sectors of society to address the poverty problem. What is bothersome is that in the survey period, there were 2.5 million new families who now rate themselves as poor.

This is why a collective effort is necessary to address the problem.

The government has a pivotal role in addressing poverty through policy and program implementation. Key initiatives include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provides conditional cash transfers to impoverished families; “Walang Gutom 2027 (No Hunger in 2027): Food Stamp Program (FSP)”, which aims to fight involuntary hunger by providing food augmentation to the bottom one million households who belong to the food-poor criteria; Lingkod Agapay Maralita (LAM), which aims to address the economic needs of urban poor families by stimulating savings mobilization that would be implemented in partnership with the private sector; and the Universal Healthcare Act, aimed at improving access to health services. Additionally, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 focuses on job creation and poverty reduction to build a prosperous and inclusive society. However, these efforts must be continuously evaluated and expanded to ensure they reach the most vulnerable populations.

On the other hand, the private sector is crucial in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. Initiatives like the Zero Extreme Poverty Philippines 2030 (ZEP2030) coalition, which was launched in 2015, demonstrate how businesses can collaborate to uplift communities. By investing in sustainable business practices, providing fair wages, and supporting local enterprises, the private sector can significantly reduce poverty levels. Moreover, corporate social responsibility programs can address specific needs such as education, healthcare, and housing.

But poverty alleviation should not be left alone with the government and the private sector. Every Filipino has a role to play in combating poverty. This includes supporting local businesses, participating in community development projects, and advocating for policies that promote social equity. Education and awareness are also vital; individuals can volunteer their time and resources to support educational programs and skills training for underprivileged communities. By fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity, each person can contribute to a more equitable society. 

With 43,033 politicians filing their certificates of candidacy just recently, there is a renewed focus on how elected officials can address poverty. They must prioritize poverty reduction in their platforms and ensure that their policies are inclusive and sustainable. This may include advocating for better education, healthcare, and social protection programs.

 Transparency and accountability are essential; politicians must be held responsible for delivering on their promises and effectively utilizing public funds to benefit the poor.

Addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach involving the government, elected officials included; private sector; and every citizen. By working together, we can foster a society where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive. The upcoming elections present a critical opportunity for voters to choose leaders committed to genuine and lasting poverty alleviation programs and economic growth. Let us all play our part in building a better future.

Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo to bring rosary and lucky shoes to Mexico

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation.

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Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo

When she leaves the Philippines to begin her journey for Miss Universe 2024, which will be held in Mexico City, Chelsea Anne Manalo will be bringing with her two things that she considers her lucky charms: a rosary and her first high-heeled shoes, which were given to her by her mom.

Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation. "I took good care of it —minahal ko siya. Sabi ko, I know that it will take me along the way because ito na yung umpisa ng buhay ko. So, entering Miss Universe Philippines, those were my first ever heels. I would say that the shoes were a lucky charm for me." 

On the other hand, the rosary was given to her by MUPH executive vice-president Voltaire Tayag after he finished a pilgrimage. 

"I have a rosary from Sir V (Voltaire)  because he just had his mission to walk, and he gave me that rosary. It's very important to me to take that with me to Mexico because I know he didn't just walk there for himself, but he indulged or took me to his prayers simultaneously," the beauty queen from Bulacan commented.

Chelsea was honored by friends, family, fellow queens, her creative team and MUPH officials led by Jonas Gaffud during her official send-off ceremony held at Hilton Hotel Manila on Oct. 9.

"I love you so much. I know you will win in Mexico!," Chelsea's tearful mom, Contessa, declared.

Chelsea Manalo with Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida

Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Ariella Arida, who placed 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2011 and 2013, respectively,  praised Chelsea's professionalism and "authentic" charm.  

Shamcey intoned that Chelsea's positive attitude is an asset for the crown, which has to deal with brands a lot. She recalled when they had a shoot for a sponsor. "She (Chelsea) was sick and had a fever, but not one complaint from her for the whole day of shooting."

Miss Bingo Plus Universe of MUPH 2024,  Maica Martinez of Nueva Ecija, declared herself proud of her batchmate. "Of course, we're manifesting and claiming Manalo to Mexico! I'm just so proud of you, Chelsea. We've spent so much time together, many months, as queen sisters."

On a scale of 1 to 10, Chelsea indicated and rated how prepared she was to compete in Mexico for Miss Universe.

"Can I just say nine? Meron pang isang naiwan kasi I don't want to always put myself naman na I'm 100 percent ready. I think yung 1 percent na naiwan is the whole Filipinos. Konting push pa for the support of all the Filipinos and I know I get na magiging 100 or more than 10 pa na ready ako. If I can get that support from all the other Filipinos who are here right now, beyond your lenses, beyond the media, then we're ready to get that crown," Chelsea stressed.

BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, delivered a fun-filled and truly entertaining year for the pageant scene in the country as the brand successfully presented Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024.

MUPH 2024 Chelsea Manalo with her mom Contessa and stepfather Randy

This year, BingoPlus stands as the MUPH lead presenter, allowing the brand to bring in significant events for the pageant throughout the competition, making it enjoyable for the queens and the organizations and for all supporters across Filipino communities.

Among these activities were the press conference held at LimaPark Hotel Batangas City, the MUPH house visit to BingoPlus at Bonifacio Global City and BingoPlus Studio in Quezon City, Sponsors Night and the Preliminary Night at the Manila Hotel, and the Grand Coronation Night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

For BingoPlus, the partnership with Empireph Holdings Inc. has been monumental in promoting its advocacies in nurturing culture and communities, expanding efforts to protect rich biodiversity, and creating safe spaces and opportunities for wellness. 

The brand also ensured that its programs empowered women by launching its #GandaPlus campaign, which aimed to provide a platform for queens and fans to express their definition of beauty and purpose, ensuring a diverse and limitless meaning of beauty.