ABC STARS Inspires

  Where do old, tired, and broken writers go? Seriously, do we fizzle out and vanish into the thinnest mist and disappear forever. Well, Mr. Milton was old, blind even, however, he wrote one of the best two-part series in the history of poetry; Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. My dearly departed brother once told me to become a writer. Why? You will be immortalized. Just like Papa. I shrugged my shoulders and heaved a sigh of relief and resignation. It will not be easy but it will be worth it. Myriad thoughts and ideas rushed through my mind like blood through the synapses and veins forming neurons in the brain matter. How do I write? Where do I begin? Just like eating peanuts, echoed in my memory. He reminded me. Yes, feel the words. And, write them. When you become old, you become more real. More genuine. Authentic. You enjoy life. You become more relaxed. Like fine wine, it does get better with age. You know your priorities. It is not, most definitely, resting on your laurel...

  As a member of a devout Roman Catholic family, I grew up with many Lenten traditions. We would participate with the Roman Catholic Church in its rites and practices. Even at home my siblings and I followed solemn teachings. It started officially in the Liturgical calendar on Ash Wednesday. A cross of ash is marked on the person’s forehead. From dust and to dust we shall return. Fasting and abstinence are observed during Fridays. Only one full meal is allowed during the day. And, the faithful is instructed not to eat meat. I remember my mother would cook fried fish and cocido  to go with it. It was delicious and spiritually good for the soul. The main event is the Holy Week. Before it unfolds Palm Sunday is celebrated. We would go to mass with palm leaves from our mother’s beautiful garden. By the way, the palms are burnt into ash and are used during Ash Wednesday. Everything is part of the grand divine scheme. What is unusual about our family is instead of going to the p...

  The Maronites on Mission 2024 ​A friend of mine told me once, my friends are your friends. I have been reporting about their missions for three years now. Everything is basically the same from the mundane and ordinary to the monumental and spiritual.   ​So, I asked Mr. George Nasr what was different this time around. And he said, well you know their eyes are not the same. I implored what he meant, and suggested maybe it was a post-covid aftermath. No, he exclaimed it is something else.   ​Looking back the first time I did a story on their mission, I went along with them as an observer. The next ones were in-depth interviews. However, the last  and most recent one, I was able to have lunch with the twenty-member-team.   ​From my analysis, having seen the battlefield against poverty. Second, speaking with the so-called General. And third, breaking bread with the so-called soldiers of Christ, I became enlightened.   ​I suppose, Mr. Nasr was on to something. ...

  Are you in high spirits lately? If yes, you may skip this one. Life is difficult. That is even the first sentence of Mr. Peck’s book, The Road Less Traveled. In life, we experience ups and downs. A roller coaster ride indeed! ​ There are numerous songs written about it. Which one? When we are down and out. Remember the song with lyrics that goes… when you’re down and troubled. And you need some loving care. And nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me. And soon I will be there. To brighten up even your darkest night. ​ You just call out my name. Because like its title-- You’ve got a friend.  A friend of mine told me once, you know all the inspiring songs you hear. They are actually inspirations from God. So, you keep that in mind. And, the next time you listen to that song, feel in your heart that God is your Friend. ​ A quite inspiring, compelling poem written by Mr. Edgar A. Guest with the title, “ Don't Quit” goes… When things go wrong, as they som...