Your Story Can Change The World
One evening, I was driving my family in a city with the most circuitous road network in the world.
And I was completely lost.
My passengers were scared. It was late at night, and some roads had no street lamps. One of my passengers was my aging aunt, and she was a pessimistic person. She said, “Isn’t this the place were they salvage people and throw the dead bodies in the cogon grass?”
But everytime I asked for directions, people were very helpful. I think so many people have gotten lost in their streets already, some have made it a hobby to guide the lost.
The first person I asked said, “Keep going straight, and when you see a carabao on your right, turn left, and then…”
I interrupted, “Excuse me, but what if the carabao walks to another spot?”
“The carabao can’t walk. It’s a statue,” she said.
“Oh, I see.” (Malay ko ba?)
She went on, “Keep going straight, until you reach a Sari-Sari store selling Siopao, that’s when you turn left again…”
True enough, I found the carabao.
But the problem was finding the Sari-Sari store. Because there was a Sari-Sari store in every street corner. So I had to stop in every single one of them, asking if they sold Siopao.
But the second person I asked for directions was very different.
I stopped beside a guy sitting on an owner jeep. I opened my window, greeted him, and told him where I wanted to go.
He shook his head, “That’s a very difficult place. A lot of people get lost going there…”
“Reaaaaaaly?”
He then did the unthinkable. He switched on the engine of his jeep and said, “Follow me. I’ll take you there.”
So there I was, following him through so many twists and turns, I stopped counting when I took the 26th turn. My aunt said, “That guy will kidnap us! And then he’ll kill us, steal our car, and throw our bodies in the cogon grass.”
But fifteen minutes later, he stopped the jeep and pointed to a house. It was exactly where I wanted to go. He then waved at us and sped off.
“You see, Auntie?” I told my passenger at the back, “Your kidnapper turned out to be an Angel. He didn’t kidnap us, kill us, and throw our bodies in the cogon grass.”
She said, “Hmph. Perhaps it’s his day off.”
That little incident made me realized there are two types of guides. The first one is a pointer. The second one is a bringer.
Many People Need A Guide
Friend, many people around you are lost.
They’re seeking for happiness but they don’t know how to go there. They’ve got huge problems but they don’t know how to solve them. And they want to grow closer to God but they don’t know what to do.
God calls you to be their guide. But you can do it in two ways. You can be a pointer or you can be a bringer.
Sometimes, because of limited time, you can only point. There are people you can’t communicate often.
But for the people who you see regularly, don’t just become a pointer. Be a bringer. Walk with them. Build a relationship with them. Share your life to them. And guide them towards God.
God is asking you today: Will you be their guide?
We Love Stories
Your story can change the world.
How can you bring a friend closer to God?
Answer: By your life story.
I believe your life story can change the world.
Stories are very powerful.
How powerful?
Around 2500 years ago, Plato said, “Those who tell stories rule society.”
Why?
Because we love stories so much, our hearts open up to the storyteller.
To this day, I read bedtime stories to my kids at night. Almost every night, my 5-year old Francis tells me, “Daddy, read me 3 books tonight!” Little kids love stories. And we never outgrow that love for stories.
You want proof? We paid $4.5 Billion to James Cameron so we could watch Avatar and Titanic—the two top grossing movies in the history of the world. But what are movies? They’re stories set in sights and sounds.
The best songs in the world are stories set in music.
The bestselling book (second to the bible) is Chicken Soup for the Soul. They’ve sold 112 million copies. But what is Chicken Soup for the Soul? A collection of stories.
I reflect on my preaching ministry. The best talks I’ve given in the past 31 years were powerful stories too.
Even Jesus preached by telling stories about a hidden treasure, a great pearl, a mustard seed, a good Samaritan, and a prodigal son.
Why do stories have power over us?
3 Reasons Why Stories Are Powerful
1. Stories mesmerize. They grab our attention. When you hear a good story, all of a sudden, you’re ushered into a different world. You enter a different universe. Why does this happen? Because stories don’t just teach the mind but touch the emotions.
2. Stories materialize. A message can be a nice theory floating in the air with no legs on the ground. But a story will make you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell your message.
3. Stories magnetize. A personal, touching story will bring the hearts of both the storyteller and the story-listener together like no other thing in the world! They say the shortest path between two hearts is a story.
I repeat: Your story can change the world.
Do you have a friend or loved one you’d like to bring closer to God? Here are three steps to take…
3 Steps In Guiding People
Closer To God
Step #1: Know Their Story
Step #2: Share Your Story
Step #3: Merge Your Stories
Step #1: Know Their Story
When you’re trying to guide someone closer to God, you have to hear their story before you share your story.
Why? Because you need to know the person’s felt need.
Perhaps he needs healing. Or perhaps a family problem is the thorn in her flesh. Or perhaps she’s broken hearted. Or perhaps he’s angry with God for taking away his baby.
I remember sitting beside a man on the plane. After introducing ourselves to each other, I asked him, “How is life treating you?”
Instantly, tears welled up in his eyes and he told me that a fire burned down his house. In the fire, he lost his wife and two daughters. I didn’t say much. Because I didn’t know what to say. But I told him, “Can I pray for you?” I put my hand over his shoulder and asked God to comfort and strengthen him. It was a Divine appointment. God wanted me to meet that man.
But what if I didn’t listen first? What if I told him, “Let me tell you my story. When I was a child, my parents and I—including my 5 sisters—were always together. We were one close family. We always did everything together…” Wouldn’t that be rubbing salt on his wound?
It’s always important to know their story.
Step #2: Share Your Story
Share what God has done in your life.
It could be a before-and-after story.
Or it could be an event where you saw the hand of God in your life.
My important suggestion: Expose your weaknesses.
Don’t give the false impression that because of God in your life, your entire life is all sweet and perfect. Share your current struggles. Share your warts.
Everytime I do this, not only do I feel better, I feel that people actually appreciate my authenticity. They believe me more.
Step #3: Merge Your Stories
After sharing your story, invite him to journey together.
Invite him to regular coffee time with you, so you can continue to build the friendship.
You can also invite him to your prayer gathering like the Feast.
Or a small group or caring group.
Or a spiritual retreat or a Kergma conference.
You can give him an inspirational book. Or forward him an article that will help him grow closer to God.
Let me end with the true story of Ryan. This is a perfect example of how life stories are powerful and can bring many people closer to God.
I’m Ryan and I’m 29 years old.I was such a mess a long time ago. I didn’t take school seriously, I lived a very promiscuous lifestyle, I abused substances, had a hateful relationship with my father who at that time was battling depression. I didn’t go to Mass. And when I prayed, I prayed hate prayers to Christ, questioning what it was he was doing to make life better for me.And then my dad died. Life was much more complicated, I continued to live a life of Godlessness, my relationships were poisonous, and at one point, I entertained thoughts of ending my own life, to end my so-called misery.
And then a friend invited me to a small youth prayer meeting. I was at that moment when I completely turned my life around. I got to know Jesus more, and how He was working double time to soften my hardened heart and receive his blessings.
11 years after today, I am a completely changed man. I wake up each day picking up a bible and reading God’s word, I hear Mass every Sunday, I have a loving relationship with my family and my girlfriend. I have a job that doesn’t feel like a job because I’m in love with it, and this coming June, I will send my first of many scholars to school - a dream I’ve had in my heart ever since.
I am work in progress. But I believe I’m blessed now with a better life because a Jesus invited me in His love, and I let Him enter my heart, my life.
I’m blessed with a better life now because a friend invited me to a small youth prayer meeting, where I was reintroduced to Jesus, my best friend.
What’s your story?
What’s your experience of God?
Use it to share God to others.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Don’t Miss Your Easter Blessing! Join me on Easter Grand Feast! No tickets, no cost. Just walk in. And bring your family and friends. April 24, 8am to 12noon, at SMX (near Mall of Asia). For more information, call Tel. 7259999 or email support@kerygmafamily.com.
PS2. Get reconnected to God this Holy Week too. I’m giving a “live out” Retreat this Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday (April 21 to 23), from 8am to 12noon, at Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig. Be very blessed this Holy Week. Retreat investment is only P997 for the entire 3-day Retreat. To sign up, email Beckie at beaconlightevents+seminar@gmail.com now!
Filed under: Blogs by bosanchez
This very much reminded me of two people I’ve decided to love unconditionally. It has been difficult to reach them because they tend to be reserved individuals. Thank you for this article because it has helped me realize that I’m doing this for them and for God. I’ll bravely reach out to them more and make our stories intertwine with our Lord’s.
I heard this somewhere that… “Facts tell, but stories Sell.” Thanks for expounding the message Bro Bo.
More Power,
Red Pinoy Virtual Info-Preneur
I feel so blessed everytime I read your article. Thank you so much for being God’s messenger. God bless us always! Sometime, I will share my story with you. Thank you.
I hope you can listen to my story. My husband of 4 months passed away last April 1 2011. He received 25 gunshots from a thief together with his uncle who received 19 gunshots. We are still not sure about the reason for his killing. There was a news blackout about this. It wasn’t even featured in any tabloid or TV. I need all the help I can get.
Thank you bro bo for reminding us the power of our life stories.
God bless.
I am a sucker for stories…and since I am a communications person, my work revolves around them, too. Thanks for giving affirmation and for inspiring me to keep going. I love your book 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich (but I have copies of majority of your books) and I’ve bought loads and shared with friends abroad. I will soon join your Truly Rich Club (promise to myself!) and will turn my blog site into a hub of people helping people.
As usual, thanks for your weekly inspiration. Your “stories” which I always share with my husband, my two boys and my mom ,have made them “BO converts”. God bless you and your family.
Thank you po.
Thanks bro everytime I read ur message I feel so blessed.
bro bo , tnk you very much for being part of my life yr thoughts always comes to me exactly when i needed it most , make you have more life to touch . . .
Once again, thank you Bro Bo for this amazing article.
This is my nugget for this week.
Know - Share - Merge.
Thanks!
hji bro. bo. another story that inpires me again for today.thank you.God Bless you!
@ Jam Garcia- Tanyag
I read your short painful story and I could not imagine the anguish you are going through right now - (you should have been still on your honeymoon!) I could not reach out to you, but I just want to pause and offer a prayer for your strength and guidance. I pray also that you will find someone whom you could trust and help to bring your case to the right authorities. May you feel Jesus’ embrace and healing touch as you read this……
Dear Bro Bo,
Thank you very much for the timely inspiring message. Know-Share-Merge Stories will always be remembered.
Thank you also for the book “Awaken the Healer in You”. I got it the very day I was diagnosed to have Polycystic Kidney Disease.
It is a kidney disorder passed down through families in which multiple cysts form on the kidneys. So if one parent carries the gene, the children have a 50% chance of developing the disorder. The exact action that triggers cyst formation is unknown. Currently, no treatment can prevent the cysts from forming or enlarging. The goal of treatment right now is to control symptoms and prevent complications. This include low salt/no fat diet….oh, there goes my favorites.
I still don’t know from which side of the family (Santos/Vasquez) has this history. The earlier detected the better.
Science says, it has no treatment. But my God is a loving God. He is indeed a healing God. He is my Jehovah Rapha - He heals all my troubles, all my sickness, and He heals my soul. Isn’t He is an awesome God!
@Jam Garcia-Tanyag
My deep condolences to you and your family. I will not be able to feel the anguish you are gong thru right now, but you and your concerns are in my prayers…
Hi Bo, you nailed the very essence of sharing..sometimes we take for granted in listening to people but true humbleness and happiness is a good path to listening and sharing. May you continue to help more..
P.S. Great Humor on every story especially the side comments after every statement.
wonderful..inspiring stories! thanks bo!
@Jam Garcia-Tanyag
My deep condolences to you and your family. I will not be able to feel the anguish you are going thru right now, but you and your concerns are in my prayers…
once again…thnx much..:) God Bless us ALL!
tnx bro bo for the wonderful article today.you always make me inspired and strengthen me to ur article..
the word “EXPOSE UR WEAKNESSES” really touch my heart
i feel im the one behind that word.coz im not the type of person to show my feelings to the people around me even to my family coz i dont want to know them im weak..help me to pray to overcome all my weaknesses.
you are really the disciple of GOD to spread his gospel.
continue to bless people through ur articles.GOD BLESS you always.tnx again bo.
Hi bro. Bo,
I don’t know if this is coincidence or timely I just read your book “Your Past doesn’t define your Future” which you foretell your inner secrets and sad past but really is worth telling to all people..It is true, when we share our stories we tend to open up ourselves to d listener and there presents the opportunity to be healed, understood, accepted and be loved..Stay strong and I am proud and thankful that there are people like u whose life sentence is to serve d Lord in d truest sense..God Bless..
Dear Bo. Bo,
Another amazing & fruitful article, that’s why i’m always excited to open my you
Dear Bo. Bo,
Another amazing & fruitful article…I really love it..God is really great & wonderful. You know, i do love sharing stories be it happy or sad. but time is not enough for some of my schedules or maybe i think i need to change my scheds.& learn more to budget my time..that’s my weakness actually..Anyway, i’m so happy, you feed my soul again. Thank you so much coz this serves a reminder for me that many people really need a guide. Sometimes, me too, need someone to guide me in other ways esp. when I’m down. I want to share my story too but sometimes, no one yet is available to listen except our dear God..But I hope, this will come in His own beautiful time..What’s important, I learned a lot today…I pray, I could also be a “Bringer” someday, so in my own simple way, I can help change the world with my own true story! All praises be to our GOD!!!
May God be with you always & your loves ones..!
e-mail
bro. bo,
once again, your true, humble and down-to-earth but uplifting stories inspire me. please continue to share you story to others as we also share ours to others as well.
may our collective stories bring more and more people closer to God. amen!
God bless you,
billy
Bo, I just want to share my story.
you can also visit my tumlr account.
http://mondacquel.tumblr.com/
yield your heart to JESUS
The term Yield is a very unpopular word so I never put this in my vocabulary. It sound deep, but it define as SURRENDER, give up, submit and relinquish.
In Filipino language it means Isuko.
Surrendering always used in a negative context and implies failure like forfeiting a game or loosing the battle.
You might be wrong if you think like that.
When you submit your heart to Jesus, you’ll never become a loser but it’s like winning an Olympic gold medal like a Filipino athlete wants to achieve.
While Heart define as the area of human conscience,
inner whole being,
that is the seal of our emotions,
our thought processes,
our values,
and place that we draw our method of operation.
JESUS is son of our heavenly father, son of our creator,
he is our great redeemer,
he is our blessed savior and Divine master.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
Indeed, this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day.-John 6:40
To surrender your heart accepts the Lord Jesus Christ
as your personal savior and Lord.
THIS IS MY STORY
About my dreams;
my life lessons,
my purpose and ;
how and why I surrender my life to JESUS..
to continue reading please go to——http://mondacquel.tumblr.com/
Dear Bro. Bo,
Thank for your wonderful stories and thank for inspiring people. I am a priest and i pray that God give you the strength always to inspire people. You are really an inspiration to the ministry. Thank you and God Bless you always!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Raphy
yes very true that if you share your life stories to others they can relate to you and you can bring them back to the LORD…Thank you again for the wonderful message of knowing, sharing and merging your life with others…
Yeah, it’s true that stories are bridges between two souls. Great article. as always. Thanks po!
@Jam Garcia-Tanyag
I’m praying that you get the justice for your husband. Even not in our world but I know in God’s time. Always be positive don’t let this trial ruin your life, always pray because GOD is always listening no matter what.
Thanks Bro Bo for this inspiring article.. I’m indeed bless..& may God continue to use people like you to bring good news.
God bless you & your family.
Hi Bro. Bo, thank you so much for your inspiring stories… It blesses me whenever I read or hear it and with it, I can feel God and bask in his presence. I share it with my friends, brothers and sisters also. It helps me in understanding our God more and in helping people who are lost in finding God in their lives.
Thank you also for the book you sent, “How to Turn Thoughts into Things”. More power!
Thank you so much Br. Bo for your inspiring newsletters.
More power and God Bless.
Thanks God so much that i had read this article of Bro, Bo.
Very inspiring.
I love to be a pointer as well as a bringer.
May GOD bless me.
GOD bless all who had read this article.
thanks Bro Bo.!
another elightening article!
Dear Bro Bo,
Thanks and Praise be to God for the gift of wisdom He has given you and the generosity to share it to all of us.
May HE anoint and empower you and your family always!
Bro. Bo,
Just about five days ago when i found myself i felt in love with your amazing and wonderful articles. Each day i read it and its truly inspiring. My life before is ruined and doomed but God didn’t tired to hold me and remind those things how life is beautiful and fabulous. God never ask me for more but i felt His embrace every time i need a peace and ease all my pain i give Him and suddenly i felt peace and “free” at all. I realized a lot of things in life, i realized to give to share and to accept all those things as part of challenge in life. God is so perfectly amazing and magnificent and yet kind. He didn’t ask us or to blame us indeed. All He want is we need to trust Him and always and always to trust no matter how long and short it is. Today, i really love myself, my family, my career for me everything is perfect because i believe that God is the source of everything and it will come in a right time and as exact as you wanted to be.. Godspeed.
Noem
hi bo. thanks for sharing this article. thanks for sharing your life stories, they empowered me so much. Thanks for being an inspiration, a mentor through your literature. Thank you sooo much.
Thank you again Bro Bo..another inspiring article!! Thank you for teaching us how to guide people to GOD..
Thanks again Bro. Bo for another inspiring article. I just realize that I need to hear their story first before I’ll tell them mine. Keep inspiring people! God bless
I love true stories that inspire us to do simple but great things!
Thank you for sharing your life stories.
…thanks bro. Bo for another great article!
…been blessed to every single word you shared…it made me realized more how worthwhile a life shared with God and with others is…More power, God bless you more for touching people’s hearts.
Thank you so much for this inspiring article,Bro. Bo. It gives so much enlightenment to me. God loves us all.
Hi Bro. Bo! I would like to let you know that every time I open my inbox, your message/article is what makes me feel excited! I feel so blessed by your powerful and inspiring words. And for being a Bo-fanatic, as of today I had bought more or less 10 inspiring books authored by yours. Again, THANK U Bro. Bo coz since the time I know you, I’m very proud to say that I’m now so blessed…
God Bless and Keep Inspiring People!
Thanks again Bro. Bo….May you continue sharing your amazing story!!!! May God bless us always.
Hi Kuya Bo, yes I still remember sharing a story about one of our students in your preaching seminar…and how your comment to my talk inspired me a lot. Today I am sharing stories to many. And I’m in the middle of writing my book.
Yay! Thank you!
ur always an inspiration to me bo. you have given me enlightenment since i come to know you here on the internet. my faith deepens through ur stories. although right now im beginning to doubt if ur really a good person or has an attitude problem also. i know no one is perfect. i believe you when you say that you have many mentors and endorsing them too. i just dont like them the way they handle their club. i paid to learn yet what i get are outdated materials. buti na lng im a computer know how and can just read on how to go about. i just dont like their attitude. yun lng. i dont know how they mentor you. baka ganun ka din.
hi Bro. Bo, thank you for sharing to us a wanderful stories that
could be change to us ,very inspering to a lot of people , i am blessed. we are praying for you that God give you more strenght, and contineu be a blessed to be a blessing to others. . . . . ^THE GREAT USE OF LIFE IS TO SPEND IT FOR SOMETHING THAT WILL OUT LAST IT. HUWANG KANG AALIS SA MUNDONG ITO PAG HINDI PA TAPOS ANG IYONG MISSION.. . MORE POWER GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
I loved someone as I practiced the precepts in 1Corinthians13. I took the challenge, became patient, tolerant and took the blows. I shared my stories and she screened hers. I tried to merge putting God at the center but the merger eventually piffed. She allowed the world to control her. I left her to a friend-pastor realizing she’s better off with a pastoral relationship instead of a romantic one. My only success was introducing her to God via Sunday church service and bible study sessions. I pray she continues on.
Me? I simply shook off the dust from my shoes on her doorsteps, disengaged and moved on…
It was a struggle. it was not sweet and perfect. It was a wart. I continue to pray for her salvation.
Hi Brother Bo,
I hope and pray that you will come to Cebu and celebrate the Feast with us. I’ve been a constant reader and I have read your archives more than 10 times already. You helped me see the world in a bigger picture and appreciate life even more. Even if you are far away, I treat you as one of my mentors. Hope to here you preach in person. Praise God for giving us a living angel
I am positive that if you still have dreams, they will all come true because we, your readers and followers, are all praying for you.
thank you Brother Bo…each of us has a short stories to tell which in return can make life inspiration to every one of Us…GOD BLESS US ALL.
[…] Your Story Can Change The World […]
Hi, bo thanks for the inspiring message. that message can really change the world. GOD BLESS
Hi Sir Bo! Thank u so much for the wonderful greeting u gave me. I am really inspired by ryan’s story and I also hope that I can share & inspire also other people. God bless you more Sir Bo! =)
I think you have a great family kuya bo. I envy you. May you continue to be God’s instruments to other especially those most in need.
kya nga ko nandito kasi I love Bo telling his stories.. Thank u Sir..
Im lea 19 yrs.old.
thanks a lot Bro Bo, your ideas reminded me about the nature of my profession…being a social worker…but even i was not on thiz profession before I already love talking and listening to others without putting judgment on them whatever story in life they have…and thanks also of some new information it would serve as an add on to my habit, always wanting to advice and guide others though im not that perfect but i love to do it….
As always, this is another worth sharing thoughts from GOD. Thank you Bro.Bo for continually bringing more people virtually to God.
Thank you Bro Bo for a wonderful and inspiring message. …it strengthen my day for the Soulfood that you gave…May God use me and my family to to point and bring people closer to HIM. God bless you and your family.
Hi Bo, stories are great demonstration of God’s works in us - God’s miracle instead. It’s the most convincing power driving people closer to God.
In fact, most of my friends witnessed how God blessed me and inspired them to be with God’s mercy and grace. Indeed, most of them are successful as I am (professionally).
Same with my siblings, with God’s grace - all of us obtained a degree despite of poverty (our father died when I was nine years old - I am the eldest among four kids).
God is so good and we finished school without a single penny our mother spent - God’s grace again! Never ending blessings from him.
Countless blessings we received from Him and praising God is our sole consolation and offering to him.
To God be the highest glory! Amen.
Want to say thank you for ur time giving us advices and for ur stories. More importantly for the Godwhisper, for the wisdom, for showing us that life is beautiful, not wise to be wasted. Im n the lost world before, but God use you for me to realize that im taking d wrong direction, that God wants to use me for a particular purpose, thou its not still vivid, at least now im on d right path and your one of my greatest mentor ever.. God Bless po…love u
thank you for very inspiring article. God bless us all!
Thanks Bro Bo. These tips will help me improve my style of giving talks to our community. My experience also tells me that when I give stories, I catch their attention. Why? Because we don’t want stories without end. So we tend to listen to get the ending.
Gid bless you Brother Bo
Your inspiring messages and stories made me feel, I’m one of God’s favorite too.. I love you Brother Bo.. God bless you and your family..
Great teachings Bro. Bo, yeah I strongly agree that we need to listen first the stories of our dear bros. & sis. before sharing our very own stories, so as to give more encouragement, enlightenment and blessings and miracles from God will just pour out, from that simple sharing. To God be the glory. God Bless us all abundantly, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. AMEN. Continue your great desire to feed us with the amazing love of God.
Love & Pray,
Cherry Mae E. Cabaluna
Kerygma Member
I am recently undergoing a major career crisis in my life. But looking at the bright side of things, I know this is God’s way of telling me to shape up. My relationship with my co-worker have gone astray, but I am hoping and praying that I learn to be more genuinely forgiving and look beyond the issue that fogged our relationship. As of this point I am asking for God’s redemption.
astig!
brod bo;
every morning upon opening my email i always look for your everyday message; it heals my lonely heart (my husband passed away a year ago); and presently struggling, praying to moved on.
pls do pray for me and for the concerns of my children
God be with u always and your family
you”re really a blessing to us
GAY
Hi bo..
Thank u,for the nice soulfood for this day..I’m so blessed , hope I can be a blessing to others too.
GodSpeed
Dear Bro. Bo.
Again, thank you for this wonderful message & story. However, every person who can hear a story each has different reaction, either positive or negative. I am a very transparent person and almost everybody here in our office knows my life story/situation.Being a widow for 7 years with 8 kids who experience and survive hardships of making both ends meet.Some are inspired, some are showing compassion to us but others particulary my chief of division is stabbing my back and gossip about me.But i surrender everything to God to overcome everything. Thank you for your unending inspiration. GOD BLESS!
Kuya Bo,
Maraming maraming salamt po ulit s Message…pagpatuloy nyo po ang pagpapalaganap ng saliatni BIg Bro
salamat po ulit ng Madami…
sincerely ,
Richard Paz
Dear Bro. Bo.
Last few months i really had a miserable life…i felt i was so empty and i can’t believed why all those things happened to my relationship…i even questioned myself, “what if i will love less?” i got tired and sicked every time they tell me…”you are so nice and good person…i or we are not worth of your love…” But then, they still left me without just and honest explanation…why? why?…Despite of that i learned that…i should never get tired in talking to God to give me more wisdom and lead to those people who can bring me more closer to Him so that i may be whole in His loving arms…and to understand His very purpose into my life…Then and there, God lead me to these people…who listened to my stories, shared their stories and little did we know we already merged our stories…i thought i only learned good things from them…until they told me, how much they appreciate me for giving them my trust in sharing my life with them…
I even told them that while i was sharing my stories with them, i also read the daily gospel sent through my emails and there i get my wisdom aside from praying the rosary everyday…they said, no wonder that what we heard from you is really a true message.
God is good. He is my ultimate listener. Everything in Him is possible and He is always there to provide our needs in accordance to His richness in Glory to His son Jesus…
Shalom everyone…God bless Bro. Bo..you are always in my prayer.
Hi Brother Bo,
Thank you for always uplifting my spirit every time I read your articles. Gos bless you always… Thank you for the daily scripture I received from you, it helps a lot. May you continue to be a blessing to everyone.
To God be the glory!
Hi Brother Bo,
Thanks so much for sharing this. Today I was witnes to a very inspiring story of a young woman who had cancer before when she was 3 yrs and has survived. She is now 19 yrs old and she plans to take up Medicine. What a fitting goal to her story. I was so blessed today. Thank you
Hello Bro. Bo,
I love stories too..it inspire me..thank you for bringing us closer to God through your stories..hope i can share one someday..
thank you so much sir, Bo…
Thank you so much..
I am so inspired of what you have shared to me…
and also it’s so inspiring and and a challenge for me to be a good christian….
thanks Bo.. inspiring story.. you what some of my friends call me “ateh guidance”, i dont even know how i guided them but i know im always free everytime they need help. i am not a mature person but i have this power of knowing if the person needs someone to listen to. I love to give advice to my friends in a way of telling them my experiences also and how i surpassed them. God always enlighten my heart and mind so i can guide my friends. There are times that all the words coming out on my mouth are like words that never came from my mind. that’s when i felt God uses me to touch other people. Everytime i experience hard times, i always think that God wants me to feel all of this first so i can guide my friends.
thank you for sharing this Bo.. it inspires me to continue my mission in life..
God Bless Bo…
this is great! recently i told that i want to change the world by inspiring others through my life story, and i read this article. .
sharing your experiences to other people is really nice, you are able to express yourself and at the same time, move other people. .
So the carabao was a statue Bro. Bo hahahha..thanks for this message. God bless you and your family always!
Dear Bo,
whenever i read any of your articles i feel God is talking to me. He always answer my prayers thru people like you.
you are truly God’s angel.
Thank you and God bless.
thanks for the inspiring message.
thanks bro bo for ur very inspiring stories, i will share this to my household members. advans holy week to u n your family godbls
hi bro,
this is not a usual reply…. please don’t published.
I really need help, i’m a victim of depression. i don’t have to urge to live and only love to sleep, doing nothing and tired of living…
I used to be spiritual person infact one of the elders in community but depression strikes me… I want to go back to my previous life and spiritually healed again….
i have 3 kids, infact my youngest is only turning 2 this June, my kids need me, although my husband is very supportive and kind, he is not capable of supporting us financially, I’m the bread winner and my attitude greatly affects my work.
please help me….
Bo,
What can I say? You always bless me with your stories which I share with my team.
Keep on blessing us with these beautiful tales. Thanks for being our ANGEL.
God speed.
Noli
@Jam Garcia-Tanyag,
I can almost feel your pain… I am newly married myself and I cannot imagine what you have gone through, perhaps I could not take it if it happens to me. You are one brave lady and I admire your courage and strength. We will pray for you and your family that God will continue to strengthen your hearts and souls and may you find justice for what happened. God loves you!
Dear Bro Bo
Thank you for another inspiring and heart warming stories. I really believe in sharing life stories, just like mine…for this past few months until now i have a wish list to accomplish and thinking on how achieve it. One time my friend at work shares me her story and i share mine and our stories merge. After that she invited me to a prayer meeting and she ask me if im interested, and i always say ‘Yes”. A month after i have another friend who shares her story and i share mine and the same thing she ask me if they can pray over my wishlist and she invited me for a prayer meeting as well. In this way God directs people to come into my life. By the way those 2 friends of mine they are from different religion they are not a catholic and for me it really does not matter what kind of religion they are as long that we pray for each other.
I learn a lot from your stories and i will lay it up to the Lord all may wishlist, dreams and problems.
God speed!
CJ
Hi Bro. Bo,
Thank you for sharing another inspiring stories. May God Bless you more with beautiful and wonderful stories. Thank you for always giving me inspiration. God Bless you.
Thank you.
Regards,
Riza
That was one awesome story Brother BO!
Which gave a one inspiring practical lesson.
May our dreams come true!
Kuya Bo,
Thank you for this very inspiring article. It really touched my heart.
God Bless Us! ♥ (hug)
waaah! Bro.Bo are u for real?i’m so much inspired by your messages.I hate it when sometimes situations makes me forget God’s message..I shall say,I think I’m not yet changed completely..And I want myself changed,and draw closer to God.I want to join a prayer group,i dont know how,where in here. I thank God for a person like you Bro.Bo..you’re such a blessing to us people who needs Him.
nice Bo,it makes sense
i was touched by this message of you..im a social worker, i work with the community and it is my day to day blessing to be with them because i love to listen to them on how god make a difference in their lives and one of the things i learned most is to listen to their stories and learn from them… in this it really made a big change in my life.. to appreciate life..
The Greatest Love Story ever told is —
The Story of our Redemption !
” No greater Love is there, than for one to lay down his life for a friend. ” Says our Lord.
He died for us so we can have Life Everlasting !
Let us share this Greatest Love Story to all the world !
Have a Blessed Palm Sunday !
Thanks Bro. Bo and family for this beautiful space .
its a really nice and inspiring stories! i remember before when im not already a christian believers i hate the world, whats happening in my family( i came from a broken family and my sister involve to a drug adiction that affect my whole family) when we transfer to a very far place (province) i got a trauma..
then my teacher invite me she said just come i really dont know the event until i noticed its a sunday service..
she ask me and allow me to tell my story before she tell her too and expand unto another level.. that situation reminds me of whats happening to me before i met JESUS CHRIST in my LIE. thanks bo.
thank you!!!!
Everyday is the best story to foretold.
Im a fighter of trials and sufferings because I left my life story to God.
thanks.
nice brod…
Thank you, kuya Bo. God bless.
Thank You Bro. Bo, been reading your SoulFood and it really helps me a lot, and hopefully I will be blessed and will completely change my life, now I feel that it’s Friday but I’m thankful I got mail from your SoulFood News Letter and realized that Sunday will come and I should prepare for this day.
Thank you Brother Bo for giving us the opportunity to be part of this meaningful work.
I have a story to share for everybody. I have been a very God fearing child since I started to open up my senses. I grew up studying in a Jesuit run school in the Visayas region. At a tender young age of 10, I was recruited to be an altar knight or commonly called, sacristan. Together with my 3 younger brothers, we served our parish for over 15 years. Even after graduating college. I learned a lot on how to be a very good Christian to my family, myself and to others. We were taught to be Men and Women for others. That whatever we do is for the greater glory of God. I lived that kind of life that my classmates and even our parish priest would want me to be a priest. My mom told me to first get a degree so I would have a fall back just in case I could not make it as a priest. I followed her advise and went on to college. After graduating college and a failed relationship, I thought to myself, am I ready to accept the challenge of being a priest? Then came the most challenging part of my life. A woman so beautiful and mesmerizing came into my life. I knew the moment I saw her that I would be spending my whole life with her. The only thing is, her mom is never agreeable to have her to marry any guy. I just went on to court her. Technology was fast catching up. So I courted her through text and cellphone calls without her mother knowing about it. One cold and breezy night of December, after their Christmas Party, she asked me to go with her at a church so bright during Christmas time. I went with her and in short, she accepted my proposal. We became boyfriend and girlfriend. Since then, our relationship went well except for her mom. She somehow knew about “us”. She called me and told me to get away from her daughter and leave their family alone and I would not be so welcome. There are other harsh words spoken, but too specific to write about. It went on and on for years. I kept my humble self and totally cast away my pride keeping in mind the Catholic upbringing I had since I was small.
Then came the time when my girlfriend received her approval to work in the US as a nurse. I was so afraid that I would never ever see her again. Determined with what my heart says, I decided to ask her to marry me anytime she wants. I proposed to her months before she has to go. She gladly accepted my proposal in tears and joy. We kept it from her family all that time. The day she has to go, I went with her to send her off. I felt like my life ended that same hour she got into the airport terminal. Time went by and I submerged myself in work and family. I could not forget what my dad told me, “If you really love her, don’t let her get out of your heart. Follow your heart and be patient.” That was my focus from then on. Two years went by, and plans for our wedding went on. I was the one who prepared almost everything for us. Nothing changed with her mom and brother. They were more and more than willing to break us up together knowing we were planning to get married. When my fiance went home for the planned wedding, her mom and brother even set me up and presented me as a liar and double crosser. I just remained so honest to what I am. Knowing that I was never a cheater, I prayed all the time that I would be spared with all the accusations. My fiance didn’t believe any of the accusations after I presented my own side and my witnesses to the allegations. In short, the wedding went on, even though her mom and brother did not attend our wedding. Our parish priest, who happens to be our family friend, knew about what’s going on. He too was so careful and advice us that we are disrespecting her mom in following our hearts. He approved of our union knowing we both are of age to make that decision of getting tied. Lots of people attended our special day knowing our “Romeo and Juliet” sort of love story. They must have anticipated lots of “what if’s…” The union went on smoothly. Guests were teary eyed when we both said our vows to each other. I would never forget that day when I prayed to hard and asked the Lord to give my mother-in-law some light and accept me. I have no vices at all. That makes it worst. I don’t know the reason why she hated me.
Few more years passed. My wife came home from the US on my birthday, which happens to be also my mother-in-laws birthday! (Coincidence? I don’t think so… more of Destiny!!!) My wife took her out for lunch without me of course. After their time together, my wife called me up and asked me if I could pick them up in the mall. I was so afraid and very against it. But I gathered up my courage and decided, yeah, it’s both our birthdays, what could be worst than a silent treatment. I went on to pick them up, I approached my mother-in-law and greeted her Happy Birthday. To my wife and my amazement, she greeted me back with a smile, “Happy Birthday to you too!” And I just kissed her. That’s when I knew things will be better. God has answered our prayers. Peace has finally arrived to my mother-in-law. Since then, things were not the same anymore. I even took her to where she wants to go when my wife is working in the US. I would visit their house bringing them food, sack of rice, clothes or even requests from her.
That was 3 years ago. My wife and I are now living here in the US. This year, we had our daughter. My mother-in-law can’t wait to see her. She would talk to her on the phone whenever we call her back in the Philippines. We are hoping to have our vacation soon.
There are many like me. Unwanted by their in-laws. Despised, hated, or even casted away. But keep in mind what Jesus taught us my brothers and sisters, “Blessed are the humble in spirit, for they will be blessed and recognized.” I remained humble and swallowed my pride. I never talked back to my in-laws nor make stories about them to other people. I remained true to myself and never ever stopped praying. To this day, I still pray for them. That they may be more blessed and kept away from harm.
Hope you could be inspired by my story and may God Bless us all…
Sharing my stories that my life change by God is another way to a person to be closer to God,
Thanks for your message
Thanks for this message, I realized that I don’t need to acquire specialized knowledge to rock the world, I just need to bring out my own story.
thanks po tito Bo,you helped me a lot , and i learned more from your message and this day i’m so thankful to our God because i’m so blessed ‘coz i found you together with your inspiring soulfood,i know it can help me to change my meaningless life.
When i was reading with different stories of others,i had a teary eyes it touches me coz i can relate of own story in life..I know God will change me.. I’m so thankful that one of my co-worker who always invited to attend a breakfast for BCPB(Brotherhood for Christian Professional and Businessmen)Listening different stories of others how God changed their life.Now i am a regular breakfaster fo BCPB..
Its not too late to change and be close to God.. “Prayer is the best weapon in life”
tnx for the wonderful story…. i feel pressure this past few days in my work.. i realize i need to talk to God and tell my own story…
Just read this post on facebook. This post answered my prayer. This is what I actually needed to bring my own Ryan back to God. I hope my Ryan will turn out to be the Ryan on this post. This post gave a good advice on how to do it properly. Thank you Bro. Bo.
bro. Bo,
its such a blessing the first time i hear you(good shepherd parish in manuela subd. in las piñas). I always hear stories of how God touch their lives,mine to is being touch but there are still part of my life that I cannot yield yet to God.I feel if i do such decision i might hurt some people that i care and love.
Bro, what shall i do?one day i told my daughter that i will die early,that i will not reach the age of 50.my daughter replied that “hindi k pa mamamatay kc hindi ka pa nagsisisi sa mga kasalanan mo”,na hindi ako pupunta sa langit”……….
Sinagot ko syang ang kilala kong diyos ay mapagpatawad.
Am I correct ?
Praise be to God! Thank you very much for sharing this story. I t really helps! I have been one of your beneficiaries of Godwhispers and Kerygma which become my guide everyday and I felt helpless these past months coz I stop my monthly donation due to financial crisis. I’m just hoping you will not get tires of sending me those inspiring stories for they really ,make my day. Praise God! Glory to him. More power!
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