While listening to Vatican Radio's morning news today I learned of the demise of former Philippine President Cory Aquino. She ended her painful struggle with colon cancer early this morning and entered into eternal light.Cory will be dearly and deeply remembered by many of us who prayed and fought for freedom during the world famous Philippine People Power Revolution of February 1986 toppling the twenty-year-Marcos-dictatorship.
Personally, what I admired in this "soft-iron lady" was her strong faith. Only that could have helped her withstand all the trials she needed to face during the political exile and later assasination of her husband Ninoy. I'd like to believe too that the same faith accompanied her in taking up the challenge to be Ninoy's substitute as presidential candidate in the snap elections called forth by Marcos in 1986, three years after her husband's assasination. As the first lady president of the Philippines, she used her faith as anchor in navigating through the murky waters of politics and in fighting against 7 coup attempts by the same people who protected her during the People power revolution.
Her faith is a constant reminder for all of us that with God on our side, there is nothing to fear. I cited Cory as one of the modern day icons in my article Mark's Open Ending in the book The Personal Voice in Biblical Interpretation. Despite all the criticisms hurled against her, she remains for me a personification of "fearless following of Christ and selfless servant-leadership."
Her faith is a constant reminder for all of us that with God on our side, there is nothing to fear. I cited Cory as one of the modern day icons in my article Mark's Open Ending in the book The Personal Voice in Biblical Interpretation. Despite all the criticisms hurled against her, she remains for me a personification of "fearless following of Christ and selfless servant-leadership."
