Ms Josie Pano: A Living Testament of God's Promises

clip_image003"Would you like to go with me to The Feast?" asked my boss.
"I would love to, Ma'am," I answered with a smile.

Those lines marked the start of a beautiful friendship. That happened 3 years ago. In short, this mentor-mentee relationship has already taken root through those years.

I used to call her Mom for all the right reasons. She was an answered prayer. She paved the way to my dreams. She cleared my path to spirituality. She eased the tension built by the people around. Gradually, she had become a Mother to me. Yes, because she deserves to become one.

Inch by inch, she made her way to my heart.

When triumphs follow me, she rejoices with me. When the battlefield nears me, she is always there to tag along, not to fight with me but to storm the heaven with her prayers. When tears just fall from my eyes, she is a comfort and a solace. When darkness threatens to blind me, she serves as the lighthouse to guide me through. When life is all but challenges, she pats my back and smiles so right.

She is so like my own Mamang.

She deeply cares for me as a mother would to a daughter. Advices come in handy when she senses the need. Unending lessons fill our conversations like a teacher does to a pupil. Nods and appreciations embrace my being whenever I deserve them. And that genuine bright smile just never fails to flow through my soul every moment she's with me.

God is fond of her.

She is a shepherd of her own flock. This flock is in no way easy to take care of, but she handles them with grace. She brought many back to God (I'm proud to be one of them.) and a lot more are excitedly marching their way back to our Father. She holds no grudges and walks her talk. Selfishness and ingratitude have no room in her heart. Angst and hatred play no role in her being. Oh! She's a living angel. Despite her age, she serves God wholeheartedly and offers herself selflessly into tending His flock.

She is a living testament of God's promises.

Having lived a life of 7 decades, she has endured a lot. But just as a knight loses and falls, she is also a warrior who knows no defeat. Rise, fight, for the glory of God! Here she is now. Her wrinkles each has a story to tell. Her eyes are mirrors of the different scenes of her life. Her fragile hands are testimonies to the mighty works she's done. She has done what she has had to do, and she is doing what she has to accomplish for God. She has lived so long, and God's wonders are revealed through the stages of her life. Go near her, talk to her, and you'll witness how God has blessed this remarkable woman.

A compassionate mother
A sympathetic Tita (aunt)
A true friend
A considerate adviser
An insightful mentor
But more to that
She is a steadfast and a devoted woman of God.

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY, MA'AM PANO!

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