VIRIDITAS 2: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Toward the end of one of my routes, I noticed a lone boy sitting in the back of the bus. He looked down and out. I asked, “What, you the black sheep of the family?” He responded, “My parents are on drugs. I have been in and out of foster homes. Now I’m trying to learn how to get a job.” I asked if I could share some advice with him.
A few years later, on the same route, a guy came up to me. “Uncle, you recognize me?” He continued. “I listened to you, went into the Marines, am working as a military police officer, and am in school. I also bought a house and my mom is now living with me on the mainland.”
That was the power of the Holy Spirit working through the encounter.
I am a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Ewa. For over 22 years, I have been a bus driver for Oahu Transit Service. I am also a practitioner of lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) at Na Lomilmoni o Papakolea.
If you are familiar with lomilomi, it is not only a physical work, but a spiritual one. In my journey of doing lomilomi, I have learned a lot about the Bible. I remember asking my dad about the theory behind lomilomi. “How much percentage of it is the talk? The lomilomi? The laau lapau (Hawaiian herbal medicine)?” My father looked at me, laughed and walked away. I was stumped. When he came back, I asked him again and he smiled. The way he smiled, he already knew I knew; it is the talk. It is the talk about the Lord that is most important.
Many people do not know how powerful the Spirit of the Lord is. The more we hold on to things, the heavier the weight becomes, and our physical bodies more knotted up. When we want to get back at those who hurt us mentally, physically, or whatever, that becomes a burden. It is the last thing you think about before you go to bed and the first thing you think about when you wake up. You need to let go and release. Learning how to let go is to have total faith in Jesus Christ.
Give it to Jesus. He is your best friend. Some people say, “I pray, but nothing is happening.” Most often when we pray it is about what we want, what we need. Try doing this — when you pray, ask the Lord through his eyes, to do what’s best for you. After you ask him, as long as you have faith in him, and do what is right, let it go.
To the person you may have pilikia (trouble) with, say these words: “I know we had some troubles in the past. Please forgive me, for truly that was never my intention.” And, let it go at that. They might get mad. But, let it go. Because, when you are good with yourself, with your soul and with the Lord, the power of the Holy Spirit is working in you. Put a prayer on it.
Do you know of someone you would like to recommend to share their story of faith? Email Sister Malia Dominica Wong at mwong2@chaminade.edu.
