Crucifixion, Liza Soberano and you

By Reni M. Valenzuela

Except for people who detest being themselves for how God created them, I believe nobody else sees there is something offensive with actress Liza Soberano’s controversial vlog, “This is Me.”

Liza, 25, is grateful, humble and meek in the face of the barrage of false accusations against her. She apologized though she did nothing wrong. But what’s wrong with her wanting to be real about herself by breaking free from the chains that bind her?

Do entertainers really have to live a double life in order to succeed? The “King of Pop” Michael Jackson was deprived of his childhood.  He had no liberty of his own and no normal life to speak of for himself until he died. Things were dictated upon him which badly affected his person. He was taught and trained to be sham and mythical on and off camera. Life for him was tumultuous all throughout, and it is no secret.

But had the people who truly loved and cared for Michael allowed him the chance to be himself, he would have not had a miserable life and tragic end at a young age of 50. And, alack, that occurred when there was no maddening, deceptive, destructive social media (during his time) that we have today. In the midst of all his achievements and accolades, until his final moments, the “King of Pop” missed living. Pitiful.

Jesus Christ came to save the world (John 3:16), but the world misunderstood Him. Hence, He was condemned to die on the cross. Liza came to herself to redeem her true self. She is Hope in real life and there is indeed hope for people like her.  But why crucify Hope?

Everything seems good to a person who treks on the wrong route unless he sees the end. Only in darkness you get to enjoy the misleading entrapments of momentary “bliss” the world offers as you stray from the Path because only in the Light that you will get to see the Way – to bring you back on track. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death” – Proverb 16:25. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy” – Psalm 16:11.

Like it or not, you are what you are because you made your life as such being the man or woman you emerged to be by deliberately choosing the way and traveling the road towards that direction/destination. It was your own choosing, not necessarily God`s. You did not evolve to be a human being. But you evolved to be the person that you are and it was you who re-created yourself. God has a wonderful plan for you, but you are mainly the one responsible for your future (and eternity).

You are the best as far as God`s ordained destiny for your very life is concerned. No other created being can be better than you in that regard. You have been uniquely fashioned in accordance with God`s infinite goodness and wisdom, gifted with free will. There is only one you, and God has certain designated purposes for you in this world that only you can accomplish – to bless mankind and bring glory to His name.

Look at the limbless man, the great Nick Vujicic. Google search him if you don’t know him yet to be challenged to discover yourself and win in life despite insurmountable odds.  You are who you are because of God’s design and you have no option but be thankful to Him. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well”- Psalm 139:14.

No one reaches a place who does not take the road and travel the required distance going there just as nobody goes to Heaven or hell on account of other people’s decision and action. God is most powerful and sovereign but He does not control/force anyone. Otherwise, there would have had no need for Christ to come down and save sinners.

The Lord did His part and did it all. With Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the Gospel of redemption is complete. There is nothing we can add to complement His atoning sacrifice on the Cross. Truly, as He lamented, gasping for His last breath, “IT IS FINISHED”. Yet He has given man the will to choose and decide. Now it’s up to you. Your salvation hangs on Calvary to this day and it hinges on your own volition whether or not it can be fully yours any moment you decide. Accept Christ or reject Him!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT.” – Isaiah 30:21

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