Do You like You?

Clarice Jean E. Reyes

AB41FA2

Without Prejudice

        Do you like you?

        I have encountered this question on a fan fiction story that I have read way back and I cannot help but think, do I? Do I want to change anything? What makes me like or dislike myself? Am I unique enough to make myself likeable? But then, at the back of my mind, I know, I have the answers but I do not wish to acknowledge them.

        Luxurious looking food and enticing scenery to pair. Have you ever thought how nice it is to thank God for all these blessings? But nowadays, the appreciation and glory goes straight to the four corners of a camera and into the eyes of your virtual friends. Thankfulness went to quirky captions. Grace could be seen on edited pictures.  Pleasure was thrown to number of likes and comments. Is this you? Do you like you?

        Status and wealth in life should be truly measured on how one is content with what he has. Happiness in helping others. Propagating love without expecting something in return. But now, status can be seen on priced possessions. Even love cannot be free. Degradation at social classes at its finest. Help that comes with a reward. Is this you?

        Even humanity can be absurd. Purity which should be treasured is thrown away like a disgrace. A gift from God to be well kept now made public. A shameful act to be pure. Nowadays, purity is not pure anymore. Love is lust made beautiful. Hope is greed polished with grace. Purity is a diamond without value. Tell me this is not you.

        Why is it that the more you accept yourself, the more disapproving the society has become? The Lord is forgiving, they say. The Lord loves and accepts everyone so they say. Yet the people of God propagate the opposite. Acceptance should come with respect yet people turn the blind eye at the latter. God created man and woman and they should love one another. But why cannot man and woman accept each other for what they are? People keep on imposing their beliefs on others that religion turns out to be an order. A label that hinders someone to be true to himself. A label that dictates life.

...