Sunday, September 28, 2008 Moises and Mendez-Palmares: Cut and face By Darwin John Moises and Michelle Mendez-Palmares singles talk
Michelle: We all have role models, people we look up to — idols, mentors, heroes. Many admire celebrities, sports icons, world leaders, religious figures. These are usually people of power, influence, ability, talent and money. Ask someone who they look up to and more often than not, you’ll hear a famous person’s name.
Those seemingly exceptional and extraordinary personalities get the appreciation and awe of those around them. The ordinary and the average seldom get noticed even if they courageously and faithfully go through the daily grind.
Ask kids nowadays who they want to be and you’ll get answers like Shaquille O’Neal or Dwayne Wade, Hillary Duff (Lizzie Maguire) or some hot young actress, John Cena (a wrestler) or our very own Manny Pacquiao!
DJ: It’s cool to get to know heroes who take into themselves some pain to bring out something good. They cut the crap and face the challenge to be the change they hope to happen.
John McCain, for example, is perceived to be a maverick, unpopular even among seasoned Republicans. But without doubt people agree with one thing about him — he deeply loves his country. Even at cost. What makes these people great, aside from their many achievements, is on how they totally accept themselves. Flawed people capable to do great things. Like you and me.
We all have imperfections which are at times brought to the surface. Like an exposed butt crack. But we also have strengths to focus on. And that’s where we can make our difference.
M: I admit that I can be in awe of renowned and popular personalities. But my dad is my idol and mentor. How he overcame a hard life that didn’t make him bitter but better is a source of inspiration. My mom is not only a mother but also a friend.
She encourages, supports, loves unconditionally and takes care of us very well. My sister Jasmin is my best friend. Few could call their blood sister their best friend. She is generous, kindhearted, patient and sensible.
Although by birth order I am older than her, her wisdom beyond her years makes her more mature than me. John is not an in-law but a member of our family. He is genuinely nice, humble, smart, a good husband to my sister and a great dad to Jana, my one and only favorite niece.
DJ: We all can be heroes right where we are, particularly when no one is watching. Like not venting undesirable air even when all alone inside an elevator. Assuming that the situation will last many floors, both the flatulent passenger and the new passenger are still rudely surprised once the door opens and their worlds collide! A simple adherence to the clean air act. It’s as basic as recognizing that there are other breathing human beings in our midst. We do not really have to look far enough for us to touch someone’s life. A pat on someone’s back not only in victory but more importantly in times of defeat. A smile for the cleaning lady and greeting her by her first name. A listening ear who genuinely understands. No intermittent texting. No daydreaming. No rush to make a response.
M: Many are the VIPs that impress us with their power, good looks, fame and fortune. But there are only a few stars that shine brightly and illumine our lives. God blessed us with light to be able to see through the dark.
We should value the people who bring light to our lives and brighten our days; the real heroes who even on ordinary days live extraordinary lives.
DJ: As they say, we’re impressed by clever people when we’re young. But as we grow older, we’re touched by people who are kind. Let’s not miss every opportunity to make others happy. Even if that also means leaving them alone for us to be able to do it.
Being single is also a good time not to be too concerned about having a love life. There really are plenty of things that we can do that do not require a partner.
Make a difference instead of waiting for someone to make a difference in you. Help change the way the old game is played. Stand by values that are life-enhancing and spirit deepening. Go beyond the self.
Almost everyone we meet is fighting a hard battle. If we aren’t clever to solve all the problems in the world, we can already make our mark simply by being kind.
Cut and face. And as Master Yoda would put it, do or do not there is no try.
