that's my KING

I've been to the Philippines, and I've seen Jesus . . . literally everywhere!

Plastered on jeepneys

Splashed across billboards

Glued to taxi dashboards

Stored in cabinets

Tattooed on biceps

Clustered in market stalls

Worshipped in grottos

Carried over shoulders

I've heard that over 95% of Filipinos claim to be devoted Catholics, and I found my stay to be rather refreshing.  Lots of churches . . . lots of Bible verses . . . lots of Jesus!  I met some very lovely people, and I know the Lord has many children in the Philippines.  Now, I really don't know a ton about Catholicism; however, my BFF has schooled me a bit on some of the vocabulary and traditions through the years. Needless to say, even with my basic understanding, what I learned during my week in the Philippines shocked me a bit.  Here's the deal:  To the chagrin of the Vatican and the Bishops in the Philippines, some Filipino Catholics are very VeRy V E R Y devoted . . . to the point of voluntary flogging and crucifixion during Holy Week.  Seriously. 
(Here's a video from the most recent display.  It's rather gruesome on video---I've heard even more so in person. Praise God for HIS sacrifice that paid the price for us all!)

You know, as I write, I'm envisioning all of the directions I could go tonight, and there are many!

Honestly, I'm trying to digest all of my musings on this topic....especially in light of the fact that I live in a country like Taiwan where this Monday's big holiday is Tomb Sweeping Day--a day to worship ancestors and provide for their needs in the afterlife.  Really?  Do the dead need iPods, cars, houses, money, and food? Burning "ghost money" and incense, lighting firecrackers, and preparing food offerings is a fairly normal occurrence in Taiwan, but at times like these, things really ramp up.  (It's good to know that some folks are thinking "green" this year when it comes to their worship.  My lungs thank you!)

In the midst of all this ReLiGiOn, I'm so blessed and humbled to have a ReLaTiOnShiP with the King of Kings who bore my sins, died for me on a cross, and rose again--triumphant over the grave.  Do you know Him?