Ahuv Sheli

I often hear people say [whether at home or at work]: “It’s their generation.. we just have to understand the way they act or think...” But why do we excuse it so easily? Instead of shrugging it off or dismissing it as “just their generation,” shouldn’t we be asking: WHO raised them? WHO shaped their values? WHO allowed this mindset to grow? They are the "children of 'our' time"... molded by the choices we made, the standards we set, the comfort we gave. They are privileged not by accident, but because we made things easier, 'softer,' more convenient.. often at the cost of resilience, discipline and responsibility. And on a darker side, let’s admit it: we are also the ones introducing confusion -“grooming” them to be the way they are -for the sake of what we say will “make them happy.” So before we complain about 'this generation,' let us face it: they are not only a reflection of us... they are the consequence of us.  If we truly care about the future...

I  recently snoozed a friend who kept posting against Charlie Kirk.  I respect differing views, but I find it unsettling to criticize someone who has already passed away.  The truth cannot be unheard - there is only ONE truth and we must remain firm in it.  Voices may clash, legacies may be debated, but TRUTH stands. The ones defended by men like Charlie point us toward the ultimate TRUTH --- JESUS --- Who alone will cast LIGHT to every shadow and ORDER to every confusion.

I have nothing against those who rally against corruption. But it reminded me of what our superior delegate once told us years ago: kneel before the Blessed Sacrament instead of joining rallies. Looking back, I now understand why... the battle is not only against human corruption, but also against the deeper desires implanted by the evil one --- turning money into a false god. The outrage the misuse of funds has opened many eyes, but corruption has long been with us.  The deeper question is: how do we respond in our own lives? From 'simple acts' like proper waste disposal and flood control [wala kang karapatang magreklamo o magrally laban sa gobyerno kung ang basura mo itinatapon mo sa kalsada or worse, iniiwan mo kung saan saan]... to the way we manage our money and businesses [nagpapasweldo ka ba ng tama o sapat sa sarili mong manggagawa?].  Have we been 'fair' to our own communities and to those we work with? The REAL fight begins not in the streets, but in the heart...

Today, I want to pay tribute to Dr. David Cooper, one of the humblest people I have encountered through work... a world-renowned thyroid expert and author. He has been with our journal as a reviewer since 2010, back when we were just starting out and not even indexed. Without hesitation, he said yes and became one of our pioneers, supporting us until we finally reached PubMed. Now that he has stepped back from external work, I feel a little sad, but mostly grateful. He gave me confidence, strength and a lasting reminder to be humble at all times.

I began my ‘Road to Fifty’ reflections last September 19,2025 posting them first on Facebook. Now, I feel moved to share them here on this blog as well. These reflections are my way of pausing, looking back and thanking God for His faithfulness through the years. I warmly invite you to journey with me, reflect with me and perhaps share how God has also been at work in your own life.   September 19, 2025  As I begin the first day of my road to fifty, I would love to look back on the joyful moments we have shared. May I ask my family, friends and loved ones to share photos, videos, blog link collaborations, messages of our happy times together? Your presence has been one of the greatest blessings of my life and I am deeply grateful for each of you🙏