“Is our country sinking – figuratively and literally?”

A friend who is based in the United States texted me this message in the wake of news that a series of earthquakes has shaken various parts of the country, particularly Cebu, parts of Mindanao, and Zambales. He was shown images of damaged structures, and the sight of people in panic created a vivid picture in his mind of a country in ruins.

He pointed out that these earthquakes happened just as the country was recovering from typhoons and as political scandals about flood-control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) emerged.

He said he was wondering if our country is “being punished.”

The prayer being recited in Catholic Churches all over the country after the Eucharistic Celebration appears to confirm the fear of my friend that, indeed, the country is about to hit rock bottom.

In the Catholic Church’s prayer titled “National Cry for Mercy and Renewal,” the following plea appears:

“Save us, Lord, for we are sinking.”

In times like these, we look for the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel.” As far as the turmoil in the political arena is concerned, it appears we may have to endure the passage through the dark tunnel. We are yet to hear a viable scenario for a peaceful resolution of the conflict here. At this point, the political noise is still at a crescendo.

As for the calamities caused by natural hazards, we can only hold on to the faith that ours is a merciful God who will rescue us and spare our country from further damage.

It is necessary to acknowledge our country's struggles and accept the concept of reaching 'rock bottom' as a pivotal point. Recognizing this moment is essential to understanding how we can move forward.

This has led me to recall a column we wrote at the height of the pandemic, when we were all at a loss as to how we were to emerge from the pit we found ourselves in.

In that pandemic column, I advanced the idea that there could be bright spots even in our current situation if we are to view it from a spiritual perspective.

One such perspective has been presented in a recently-launched book by organizational development expert and international management consultant Dr. Omy Romero, Ph.D. and who has recently been named president of the Antipolo-based Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Institute (SAIDI).

During his recent courtesy call to our office, Dr. Romero shared with us a copy of his book titled “The Boat is Sinking: The Power of Rock Bottom.” In this book, Dr. Romero inspires readers with his assertion that “the greatest minds in history had their fair share of rock bottom.”

Here are some inspiring excerpts from his book:

“(The rock-bottom) is a rite of passage. Nothing great ever came out of smooth sailing. These unsavory experiences set the stage for the greatest breakthroughs of your life,” Dr. Romero points out.

He enumerates four pieces of “good news” about this dreaded state. Here is what he says about “rock bottom:”

“It distills the essential. It reveals our ‘nothing’. It opens doors that would not have opened otherwise. It propels us to where we should be.”

“Sometimes, we don’t see it yet, but the worst experiences launch us, propel us to where we should be,” Dr. Romero adds.

While the sensation of 'rock bottom' is understandably difficult, history shows that many Filipinos have demonstrated resilience, finding ways to overcome adversity since the pandemic. This collective ingenuity and determination prove that rising from such lows is possible.

Dr. Romero reminds his readers that “rock bottom is not a tomb, but a womb; not a prison, and more like a cocoon; not rejection, but more like a redirection.”

“It is not a setback but a setup for something greater,” he counsels.

How do we rise from “pit to pinnacle,” using Dr. Romero’s words?

The Catholic Church’s National Prayer for Mercy and Renewal stated the solution. It comes from a passage in Scripture: “If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land” (2 Chr 7:14).

“Turning from their wicked ways” requires massive reforms in our systems and practices in government. We must start working on them if we are to experience the “healing of our land.”