It is said that the Philippines experiences around 17 to 19 typhoons a year. Hence very important to strengthen the house. Some tips are: strengthen the roof; strengthen the foundation; try to limit possibility of flooding; check the windows and plant big-growth trees near the house.

In life also, we experience the storms. The Gospel always reminds us to hold on to God.

Five things we can do based on Elisabeth Kubler-Ross five stages of Dying:

• First, Denial. “This cannot be happening to me.” Of course we get shocked when a storm in life comes.
• Second, Anger. “Why me. It is not Fair” There are other sinful people, why not them?
• Third, Bargaining. “Lord, take away this storm and I will serve you and donate to the Church.”
• Fourth, Depression. “There is no hope. I do not want to wake up.”
• Fifth, Acceptance. “Your will Lord and not my will.”

There was once a famous tennis player who contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. He was asked by a fan, “Why does God have to select you for such a bad disease?”

His response: “Millions of children play tennis. But only a few reach the highest levels of the sport. When I won Wimbledon and held the cup, I did not ask, ‘Why me?’ Therefore when I am in my pain and suffering from AIDS contracted accidentally, I did not dare to ask ‘Why me?”

We hold on to the Words of God that tells us:

• First, all happens for a reason and purpose.
• Second, God will always be there. In fact, He is just a prayer away.
• Third, everything in the world is only passing. Best to let go and prepare for eternal life.