The Bamboo And The Fern

My friendship with Ka Lauro is filled with profound respect and admiration. To this very day, he lives with joy while serving other persons with disabilities (PWDs). Notwithstanding his physical limitations, he allots his precious time to further advance the cause of the disabled sector and firmly stands on his beliefs which are guided by his unfaltering values. He openly speaks his mind, fights for a good cause and adamantly shares his opinions.

He is blind, speech and hearing impaired. He works for the government (DECS), goes to the office by himself, represents the PWDs in multilateral meetings abroad, is a great writer and is an exceedingly good-natured man.

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If he continued to whine and complain about his physical disabilities, he would not have accomplished his lofty achievements and status in life. It took him years to muster such courage, to overcome the constant humps and bumps and perseveringly expedited the journey called life.

In connection to Ka Lauro’s exemplary of a courageous feat in life, I’d like to share a story about a fern and a bamboo I received via e-mail from a friend. May this narration inspire you to welcome the myriad challenges you face because, “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) Happy reading!

Don't give up

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

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In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

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I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots". "I would not quit on the bamboo. “I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story.

Inspiring, isn't it? Have you experienced any similar story in the past perhaps that is analogous to this?