‘The question’

Every time you find your self, singing or “praying” to the song “The Prayer” in church or some event, it might be an opportune time to also ask your self  “The Question.” That question being: “How do I help others?” No, not in a generic thought process or poetic accounting as in “How do I love thee; Let me count the ways” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning). “The Question” becomes meaningful and thought provoking when you pursue a specific answer, as in what have you committed yourself to do for others? – What area or what definite form of help do you extend to others that can be life changing?

In the latter years of my life, I have discovered that our life purpose or significance does not necessarily depend on how much money we have, what degrees we have acquired or political position or permission. I have also learned that purpose or service can and is generally seasonal just like friendships. There are seasons in our lives when we find ourselves doing one thing and then we move on or move up to higher or bigger things. That’s the divine reward for us being a “Good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21-23). The third discovery is that we all play a role big or small. Those who get to play big roles or do big things don’t all get to stay as long as those who do the smaller stuff and carry on helping people for years or decades. It’s the balance of life and opportunities.

Finally, not all of us will be remembered or appreciated for the help we gave, that’s fine as long as we teach them gratitude to God, because that’s the ultimate “Thank You” and purpose to helping others: “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven – Matthew 5:16.

In the last 5 if not 10 years, I have witnessed the power and beauty of teaching, mentoring and sharing knowledge and experience with others. Whether it is One to One or with over a thousand people, as I often do during seminars at B-Meg Fiestahan events all over the Philippines, it is so fulfilling to observe how people’s behavior and attitudes change as they receive knowledge. But it does not end there. The beauty of such continuing education programs is that you get to re-visit the people and places where you once taught and you see measurable changes in their knowledge, economic standing and view of the future.

I help others by: Teaching. As a result, others are encouraged, equipped, and then empowered. Whether I teach the “poor and ignorant” or the “double degreed Executive,” teaching always redefines their worldview and view of life. I guess my advantage over other certified mentors is AGE, “Audacity” and Actual Experience. You can have all the degrees and titles in life but if you never once spent time in the trenches, worked in the “industry” or dealt with leaders in your field or business, people will see through you. One must also realize that “students” have questions and expectations that they want to be answered or addressed. A mentor must address this or fail.

My advocacy in the last five years has been about giving others practical knowledge that compliments what they already have in character because in the end everything we teach must come to life or serve a practical purpose.

As an example, consider the fact that many Filipinos are truly brave, gutsy or courageous. Far from being desperate, they are “Driven!” So much so that they will stick it out in war torn areas, find jobs in the farthest of places and make colossal risks physically or financially in pursuit of their dreams. For many inside the country, they embark on some business idea where others have succeeded, in spite of the fact that they  themselves are totally clueless. For them it is good enough that someone seems to do well in that business, so as  the “Gaya-Gaya” saying goes, they put up a beauty parlor, a convenience store, a poultry or piggery.

But it is the same level of ignorance or having no access to information that burns all their time and money. To me it is like watching a boxer fight with one arm tied to his back. That to me is unfair. Why should all the available knowledge stay in urban centers or among those who are rich or able who keep it all as “Trade Secrets.”

With little or no knowledge whatsoever, they jump in with a second handicap; they have no “business plan” or even an idea to work with. They wing it all the way and come crashing down. Given they are ignorant without a plan, it comes as no surprise that they make poor choices in terms of location, materials, design etc. This situation leads to a vicious cycle I term “Gawa-Sira / Gawa–Sira syndrome.” The would-be business owner is perpetually fixing or tearing down structures or changing things around as they change their “business model” or learn the right way of doing things or are confronted by authorities regarding zoning or health issues.  Even if they manage to put it all up on “a wing and a prayer,” they find themselves wondering how to and to whom to sell their products. At this stage, any profit would be a miracle.

Most people think that when B-Meg hosts Fiestahan events from Aparri to GenSan (General Santos City), it is all about raising pigs and selling feeds. That by itself would not be worth the millions invested in this Mobile Agri-Education module. What people learn is Buisness-101, Hog Raising – 101, Piggery Management – 101 and Self Respect 100. This is how we help others.

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