The Prodigal Daughter

In my early school years, I attended an all-girls Catholic school for grade school and a very logical, scientific, and rational co-ed high school. Everything I learned about my Catholic faith was being challenged by the scientific, philosophical, and logical teachings of my high school.

By the grace of God, that’s when my family joined the Feast. That was roughly around 20 years ago, in 2003 or 2004, when I was 14 years old (age reveal!).

Long story short, I became addicted to God. I was an active member before I became a core servant of the youth ministry called YMPACT. I was high on the Lord, on His love, grace, and mercy.

Just when everything was going well, I made a big change. I moved to the US for college at 17 years old. In the US, I enjoyed my independence and my faith became less of a priority. I enjoyed everything offered to me - raves, alcohol, drugs, and a lot more. YOLO (You Only Live Once, thanks, Drake!) was my life philosophy.

I was a lost, happy, expensive, experienced, irresponsible, and vibrant soul. This lasted for a while. As I grew older with age, not virtue, mind and body told me to slow down (yes po, less energetic and slowed down version of Julia na po ito), I discovered one thing. I lived and made the most of my time but I never really lived. Confused?

While I was in the US, my family continued to serve in Feast QC and Valle Verde. I would also serve whenever I came home but the high wasn’t there anymore. The connection I had with God was missing. I felt too broken and too bad. I thought I had wasted all of my time, talent, and treasure to be with Him when I barely felt a connection anymore. Attending the Feast became a routine and I attended for the sake of attending.

There was nothing there until God made a way.

He called me back to Him during the pandemic. Tagal no? 2004 then 2020. Since everything was closed, I decided to give time again by attending the online Feast gatherings. There was nothing in the world that would grab my attention and time anyway.

That’s when God started His work in me.

He chipped away at my walls during the pandemic. Years later, when Feast Ortigas District went live and in-person again, all my walls came down. I devoted my 33rd year on Earth to rekindling my relationship with Him and go deeper than ever before.

This was my “Jesus Year.”

I said yes to every call to serve. I joined every bible study I could get my hands on. I attended every light group meeting. I devoted time in prayer and opened up my heart. I surrendered myself completely to Him. It was my conscious decision but it was through His grace that everything finally fell into place.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Welcome home.”

In one year, so much changed within me. Now, I cannot imagine my life without Him at the center of it all. He has allowed me to serve His people in ways I could never have imagined. He has answered prayers I never thought were possible. He has shown me miracles all around.

He is now my rock. Because of Him, I have STARTED LIVING (This is Living Now! Shout out to Feast Worship).

He is a patient God and He has a plan. All of the sins and the YOLOing were essential to reach where I am now. I needed to experience the unfulfillment of a grand life without Him to appreciate the beauty, joy, grace, and mercy of a life that centers around His grandness.

God’s timing is perfect. He has a plan for you. Wag mo siyang pangunahan. I am a constant work in progress. I know now that I am walking with Him in the right direction.

P.S. Thank you sa lahat ng Sisters and Brothers ko who are journeying with me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.