Thunderbolts

We’ve been experiencing flashes of lightning and thunder the past few days, causing us to go into a mad rush to unplug our television sets. A lightning strike can send a surge of electricity through household wiring, destroying electric devices and circuits. Thus, we should have unplugged everything attached to electricity, telephone or cable lines during a thunderstorm, but we prioritized the TV. A friend had just lost his TV to a spike in power voltage, and we were not going to follow suit.

With the TV off, I enjoyed the chance to talk with the rest of the household members and discuss the latest news. It was interesting to note the variety of the stories shared. Sometimes, the thunder and lightning raged for hours, giving us more time to talk.

When the weather stabilized, we resumed watching TV. We want to stay updated with what’s happening, particularly with the Marawi siege.

We are worried about the increasing number of casualties and the battle that continues to destroy lives, homes and businesses. It is heartening to note the number of well-meaning donors that have responded to the needs of evacuees. Of late, President Rodrigo Duterte has also increased pressure on government officials to speed up the procurement of medical equipment for military hospitals.

Donors from all over the Philippines and abroad have come across with cash donations for food and renewable business help, among them Korea, China, Israel etc. Psychological first aid is being given to children who have been traumatized by the fighting. As of several days ago, an Oratio Imperata or a General Prayer for Peace has been read during Mass to seek divine intervention in ending the violence in Marawi City and to help our soldiers, trapped civilians, Muslim brothers and all those affected by the fighting.

Here in Cebu, the City Government has initiated a relief campaign for the people in Marawi affected by the violent conflict. Donations are welcome at the drop-off center set up at the Legislative Building lobby of Cebu City Hall. Cebu-based volunteers have also established Tabang Sibilyan Visayas Operations and are open to accept donations at the Cebu Caritas building along Gomez St. near Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

We cannot imagine what our brothers and sisters in Marawi are going through even as we watch and listen to reports of the fighting and the response to those affected by the conflict. The horror of the situation is more real to those who have kin and friends in Marawi, as well as those who lived in or visited the city at some time in their lives.

But for the rest of us, especially those whose medical condition keeps them temporarily house-bound, we need to stay tuned to and involved in what’s happening. We can help in our own way starting with prayers.

This is probably why the TV set is the first, and in our case the only appliance we think to unplug during an electrical storm. By knowing what’s happening, we stay connected and relevant. We cannot switch ourselves off from the situation and needs of others.

The weather may be clear and the TV operational again, but the thunderbolts of life keep coming. Let’s do what we can for our fellowmen, especially those affected by the Marawi conflict.