On Friendship

July 4 is the much-celebrated Independence Day for the Americans. July 4 is RP-US Friendship day for the Filipinos. Back when I was in my elementary and high school years, this day was celebrated with some kind of program or special discussion in our Social Studies classes. I also delighted listening to my parents', especially my mother's, stories of life during World War 2, and how the Americans played a special role, not only in our country's history, but in their personal lives. In my mother's seven-year-old mind then, the Americans were heroes, friends in the truest sense of the word. She saw them dirty and wounded, but some time later, clean in their uniforms hugging them kids and giving them chocolates, as they all, Americans and Filipinos, celebrated victory. Almost always, I cry every time I watch documentary films of our American and Filipino soldiers, especially during the Fall of Bataan in Corregidor. All the pain and death they saw around them surely must have fostered some very deep friendships among them.
Last July 4, as I was browsing through our local news on the internet, I was saddened by pictures and news articles of Filipinos here and abroad 'protesting' against RP-US Friendship. More and more, we are seeing generations of Filipinos who don't have grandparents or parents who told them of their sad-joyful stories of that war. Then, I received news that my mom's sister died. That's one less person from that generation that treasures that friendship.
It also saddens me to think that such similar 'protests' can happen on a personal level. I know because that has happened to me, and not just once. I remember having experienced friends 'protesting' against my friendship with another person who they were not in good terms with. It may be true that a person's personality may not be the most pleasing for them - aggressive, straight-forward, no nonsense, no beating-around-the-bush approach. But when you're friends with someone, your personality differences shouldn't be all that matters. It is the chemistry, the bond, the experiences, the transparency and vulnerability with each other that deepens the relationship. Isn't that the essence of friendship?
I have another friend who's not popular with most people. But others like me who have experienced his friendship would say he is the best friend there is. He loves me, he comforts me, he leads me, he prays for me. Most of all, he gave his life for me.. that I might have life, and have life abundantly. His name is Jesus.