(A “Notes to Self” Series)

Quote for Monday, 4 March 2019

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”

― Isaiah 7:14

No. I don’t have any prior intention of preaching to anyone at this point. If there ever is a person who could spread the “good news,” I would be the last on that list. My blog post yesterday should give you an example of what I mean. Even if I’m the only person left on earth, I don’t think I would still do that; of course, who am I going to preach to anyway if there’s nobody else to talk to, right? As I’ve said many times in the past, I’d rather leave the task to those who have the moral ascendancy, years of in-depth learning, and guided wisdom to practice and make the needed positive difference through their vocation.

A number of us may also think that this bible passage is so out of a season. It’s something that would normally be quoted around the advent countdown towards Christmas. Yet I think that the nativity’s message is timeless and not time-bound; it’s even better to have the celebration’s spirit not just for a few days but each and every day. Again, that’s not the point of this article either.

I did consider becoming a nun before and even got all the brochures and pamphlets when I graduated from high school. However, as it is now obvious, I’m cut out for another path. That’s why it’s another no again to another possible inkling. No. I don’t even come to a tinge closer to that “woman” in today’s quote. I’ve got some reason to even say that I’m her complete opposite. I’m definitely flawed, imperfect, and of this world, although I do try to be the better if not the best version of myself. I’m married with two kids; what evidence would one ever need still aside from that in our day and age?

To cut the very long story short, this passage is our feature today because it’s my oldest son’s birthday. I’m not so sure if I’ve already told anyone this story, but I’m more sure that only two other people knew it.

My son was already overdue. My obstetrician-gynecologist told me that my pelvic width and my son’s cranial size would be making it impossible for me to have a normal birth. If I’m not mistaken, I was already nearing 44 weeks of pregnancy then. I won’t let you blame me, though; I wasn’t having less exercise at that time because I had more than my fair share. Long walks weren’t the only thing I did. I even had multiple job roles, several workplaces, doing my master’s degree, and so many other additional work tasks to keep me busier than what would have normally been expected from me. In fact, I even believe there’s nobody or nothing to blame.

I’ve had no pain, no contractions, and totally no sign that I was ever going to be giving birth at any time at all. I think I was tough enough at that time and perhaps even more because I just graduated from the country’s top military training institution. Four years have developed a lot in me then. However, I do know what an overdue birth could entail to my incoming son’s health and even life.

Near the naval hospital was the local chapel. It was already way past Christmas time then, but can you guess what I’ve found on the altar’s wall?

Now, you’re right. It was a message similar to our above quote.

I gave birth to him not so normally thereafter. He was a blessing to our family, a great joy especially to his grandmother.

Do you know what else came after that? His name. He’s still his father’s son and got his father’s first name, but he is also “Emanuel.”

A lot of us may already know what the name means. Yet I think I’ve got to remind myself about it especially at this point.

“God is with us.” 

That’s what.

May all of us remember that truth, even if everything may seem to say it’s otherwise.