JUST one second and Round 6 would have been over. But Juan Manuel Marquez connected the perfect punch that hit Manny Pacquiao?s jaw. He fell to the canvass like a log. For nearly two minutes, Pacman stayed motionless while the Mexican ran to his corner to rejoice.
I am a fan of Pacquiao. I was awed by the epic battle in the early rounds when both fighters boxed remarkably. Then came the punch, and it was shocking. In silence, I worried as Pacquiao lay unconscious. When he opened his eyes, I was relieved. In the hours that followed, I felt sad as did many Filipinos I met.
Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach offered no excuses. ?That?s boxing. Sometimes we get hit. I started to get over-confident. I never expected that shot,? Pacquiao said. Roach noted: ?It was a great knockout. No excuses. Marquez won the fight.?
Pacquiao?s wife Jinkee said on the day prior to the fight that ?everything happens for a reason.? Pacquiao should reflect on those words.
Many of us are often at the crossroads of our lives. There are so many paths ahead, but we can only take one. When making crucial decisions, one must take counsel from elders and the wise. ?Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.?(Proverbs 11:14)
But even the wise err. The potent tool is prayer to a generous God. ?If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.? (James 1:5)
When the Lord speaks, accept His will. ?Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.?(Proverbs 3:5-6)
For God has planned out for us what road to take to ascertain our reunion with Him. ?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.? (Jeremiah 29:11)
Of late, Pacman has been attached to his Bible studies. He may not be Catholic, but I am certain God loves him, and means well for him. If I was asked what I can advice Pacquiao, I will tell him, ?Go to your room. Pray intensely; as intense as your preparation for a boxing bout.
For if you thought that the most difficult battle is inside the ring, you are wrong. Outside the ring, there is a far bigger war: against sin and temptation, against fame and popularity, against greed and materialism.?
