Reaction Paper for the film

“The Gifted Hands— The Benjamin Carson Story”

The movie, with the title stated above, is without a doubt A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!  It is a showcase of dramatic, exasperating, and inspiring scenes materialized into one..  It teaches hope and faith in God, despite the awful and scary situations we may go through in life.

The trials,, perhaps,, may seem as "bunch of bulls" running their way to us,, ready to trample our every single part..  But despite these,, we ought to show no fear,, for we know they will do no serious harm to us..  Surely because of our healthy mindset and GOD-given wisdom, and HIM on our side, these bulls that scare us, putting us to our knees, soon will surely vanish into thin air..   Benjamin Carson,, the main character of the story,, dealt with the same "bunch of bulls". Though problems, in the form of worries and doubts, arose in his workplace, he never let himself be defeated..  Before he performed any surgery, what he did was pray..  Why pray?  One might ask. Pray for what? For the success of the operation? Yes, exactly..  And not only that, he prays for his patient as well..  He prays for him to recover swiftly..  He prays for him to be wholly made well..  So remarkable!  How often do we find doctors like him.  Him who wholeheartedly ask God for help.. for healing of his patients?  How often do we find physicians who possess such love and care to the sick?  Or might as well ask can we find the same person as him? He is unique, perhaps. He is a blessing.

It is indeed rare to find a doctor so meek to know his bounds,, and look up to GOD for HIS help..  Surely,, he is exemplary.. He always puts his best into actions. Though trials came pouring from all directions, he didn't give up. He didn't lose his faith to Jesus Christ.

Not everything was roses with Benjamin’s past experiences.. He started out not-so-good in class - that's one, and one of most unforgettable paths of past he traced.  In fact, he even got zero in his many exams, and got frustrated then.. Extremely frustrated. He grew pessimistic.. He seemed to be a man built up with negative thoughts in the world..  He was blinded by it.  He felt so bad that he could not even see his potential of a person who can excel..  A person worthy of honor and esteem; one, who is worth applauding!


Indeed, he failed to pause and take notice.  But his mother didn’t..  When he was about to swerve his way and prove to the world how stupid he think he was, he was brought back in track by the words uttered by his mom.. Those kind, warm, heartfelt inputs of a loving mother,  “Y-o-u just   have to see b-e-y-o-n-d what you can see...  Do not give up..."  

It was not all easy for him to fight off his fears, and anxiety..  He stumbled numerous times..  But the good thing?  He stood up. He braved the odds and continued his way to become better individual . 

One might imagine him not staying in one corner, with hands clasped together in knees, SOLELY waiting for the skies to rain down blessings on him..  Instead, he worked for his progress.  He made a miracle out of his own faith and work..  He believed deep in the gut that he could change..  That he can still be BETTER, and WISER..  That he can SURPASS his limitations and be more than best he can ever be..  

He read books. Lots of them. He wallowed into wholesome activities to enrich his mind with learnings, KNOWLEDGE, that were served like food so delicious for him to eat..  He set his feet wandering into a world he has not gone into ever since -- The world of WISDOM.

Thereafter, his road was smooth..  He emerged brightest..  He comfortably placed himself in the highest pedestal, garnering the highest grade amongst all other students..  He was no doubt very happy..  He received his certificate of recognition with fists held in front his chest, energized with smile alongside a victorious ‘YES!’ quietly spoken..  


His mother could not help but felt proud, and extremely GLAD for him..

Years have passed and he finally became what he always desired to be -- A medical doctor..  A man once deemed pessimistic turned into someone exemplary. Someone POSITIVE to people around him. A man with hope he profusely beams to those who are out of it.

Benjamin is excellent doctor. Excellent, in the field of pediatric neurosurgery..  A once impossible to do in an operation, became possible with his GIFTED hands..  No wonder he became the head of his own field..  As one physician aptly said in the movie when he talked to Benjamin, “If you cannot find a solution to this disease and patients' problem, no one else will.”  That's how excellent he is that no doctor, of his own field, can surpass his God-given knowledge and extraordinary skills.  Despite this, he remained humble and prayerful.

------------------------------------ INSIGHT ------------------------------------

The “Gifted Hands” story not only shows how extraordinary Dr. Carson is,, but it also points out the how important a parent's guidance to her child is..  How relevant his loving mother’s words are..  Excerpts like, “You don’t need the book, you've got the book inside you”, and “You can do anyone else can do, only you can do it better”, are just few of the words unforgettable of the said movie..  In addition,,  this story also serves as WAKE-UP call to each and everyone of us,, that WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER TO SPEAK TO GOD IN PRAYER,, AS HE REMEMBERS US ALL THE TIME..  

The movie is without a doubt hands down awesome!  

Kudos, then, to all the makers of the film.   Kudos to Dr. Benjamin Carson!

Now,, if you are a sort of downhearted, and do NOT have enough SELF-CONFIDENCE within you, this one heart-rending, inspiring masterpiece fits you..  It is very healing in an odd way =)  

Beauty isn't just only skin deep...

This is definitely not an abbreviated piece of nothing!

Plumb The Depths Of Blues..

Happenings in our lives aren't always favorable. They're like vegetables. Not all taste delicious,, but you know they're good for you..
At times we wanted to write things we couldn't just say..... One thing for sure, they happen for a reason...



Downward Curve
By: Jireh D. Arriola



Itchy rays of sun touch the sea,
Make the sea waves glitter with glee.
Orange-yellow sky up above greets
A new day with hope the wind beats.

Looks closely at flowers and leaves,
Gazing upon their parts and weaves
Structures in mind and put them to words,
Words of awe and beauty the place girds.

Tree so firm and beauteous stands ashore.
Trunk, twigs, foliage— all holds allure.
Place to stay is nothing but comfy,
So fit to one who is in agony.

Then joyful curves in faces I see.
Laughter in every corner breaks free.
Jumps are high as eagles could fly,
Bumps and crawls are never to die.

I know joy I suppose to feel.
Gray of gloom I keep below the peel.
I know I sank the depths of blues,
Could not help but not give clues..

All Bark And No Bite..

""Nobody is perfect.."" Everybody, usually, says that..
But how does a person exactly feel if somebody uses his/her imperfection to hurt others?
Your answer, perhaps, is the one I felt few weeks before first day of school.



Braggadocio
By: Jireh D. Arriola



She looks at you from head to foot,
Fountain of pride wears scorn as suit.
Tongue of death jeers here and there,
Though nothing in her looks so fair.

Paves her way while she spreads conceit,
Sees nothing from you but defeat.
Thinks her being as so pious,
And rest is just preposterous.

Whenever she speaks of her heart,
Her wickedness springs and pains start.
She plays with contempt as a toy,
Sings loudly disrespect with joy.

Feels adjoined to the starry sky,
Whose light never grows dim and die.
Could give curse or fortune in years,
Never thought of the One who hears.

Few Bricks Short Of A Load..

A true friend is a treasure that's more than any precious stones, and sometimes sticks to us more than a brother or a sister. At times you may never feel you mean more special to her than whoever you think you were. Here is, then, a brief joyous description of a true friend, who secretly fell in love with a guy the first day they met.



Timidity
By: Jireh D. Arriola


Eyes quickly change gaze.......... Cheeks slowly turn red.
Staring,,,,, she forbids........ It unravels her like thread.
Like snow hit by itchy rays of sun,
When she's noticed, she melts and tends to run.

Behold,, her beauty  is as effulgent as a ring,
Her voice soothing as songs angels sing.
But when she spotted that you're listening,
She hides beneath a pad for resting.

Red glow on cheeks seem to be lucid,
When she's converged, she isn't placid.
Parade of drums in chest commences,
When she's conversed, inertia ceases.

Whenever to her you're juxtaposed,
Could see the mirth but she's not reposed.
Flaunts not but flaws she could rectify,
One might wonder she is so shy.

The Core Of Every Gift..

Family is a vital component of a person's life. It is a gift given by Him who's above us that's not worth-comparing. The following piece was a gift given to my dear sister on her 18th Birthday. (I placed "I" in place of "she" for stronger emphasis on her behalf. This is really meant for her. Good luck.. >.<)
P.S. Clarice knows her family loved her, is loving her, and will love her forever.. hhmm..



The Best Gift
By: Jireh D. Arriola


I'd like to give my best in everything I do.
But there were times fatigue I can't dare to subdue.
When tired, nothing else to do but procrastinate.
But sure chance is lost if from straight path I deviate.
For trials I may endure, and not feel the tense,
Often times within my chest I instill patience.

Then I've come to realize all of these are done,
Because of them who are with me and are not gone.
Gone, when dark ominous clouds appear and am down,
Gone, when gigantic waves wash the shore and am drown.
Hence to Above often I am grateful, and pray.
For the love I felt, if compared, riches won't pay.

One chance to live it, One Way to save it... (John 3:16)

Life is ever-dynamic. It often gives us a lot of things to maintain, things to enhance, and things to change. Here is an abstract of my own description of life.




Life
By: Jireh D. Arriola


Indeed, life is like the sea,
Sometimes it is full of glee,
Sometimes gladness's hard to see.

Driven by tempestuous wind,
Oft times you will feel there's no end
Nothing to do but to knees bend.

Sea calms after stormy winds passed.
Light shines through clouds and darkness pierced.
Hope's again blazed, and sorrow ceased.

Clear clouds of doubt not worth keeping.
Pray to Above without ceasing
So posers won't be kept hurting.

One's One And Only..

"Say NO to CIGARETTE SMOKING"  is of equal sense as "SAY NO TO STEREOTYPING"..
True, or False?



Love
By: Jireh D. Arriola


When I look upon your face,
I tend to drag the stars abase.
When you stretch your lips at me,
I tend to go home dorky.

When you pave your way to me,
You make me feel you're biggie.
The way you walk, talk, and stare
Makes feeling that's hard to bear.

When you touch and hold my hands,
My heart seems to sing and dance.
Whenever I go with you,
My world oft seems full of hue.

What is this that I now feel,
Isn't it just a 'no big deal'?
Oh please help me God above,
Is this what they call,,,,,, love?

Genesis

Prefatory Phase



Life is ever-changing.
It could give test that's back-breaking.
It could give change worth-enjoying.



               Before I enter into the gates of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), I planned to be part of any of its organization.  One of the teams I desired to join is Pylon.  I wanted to be part of it to make better my writing skills and, perhaps, be metamorphosed to a better person.

               Prior to enrolling in NORSU, I was a call center employee who worked for 8 hours, 5 days a week for 2 years and 8 months, with shifting schedule.  No question, the job was tiring, but we must be flexible to any schedule we were assigned to.  We used to make nights as days, and days as nights. Indeed, we subconsciously adapted to it.  Before we totally knew it, we already have done it.  We loved our job, so we persevered.

               It seemed far-fetched to go back in track in school after 3 years of nonchalance on pursuing a Nursing degree. In my mind I couldn't afford to let go of the job God has given me. It was a blessing worth sacrificing for.  It was tough decision.  People who have experienced the same way might feel the same.  To be a breadwinner is no joke.  I view it as privilege.  A privilege to prove one's worth.

               I haven't made a solid decision for future undertakings at first. When my younger sister Clarice told us she will have her true ambition fulfilled in another college, I decided to repursue mine.

               I was too excited, and to the extent euphoric that I bought school equipment a month before school opening.  I love schooling ever since I started it.  No words could truly grasp how I felt when I came back to where I should be.  In the first place, never in my wildest dreams and nightmares did I see myself not receiving a proof of a degree obtained.  I never have expected to stop pursuing what I have chosen as career.  I graduated as first in rank in high school, but all of it is null when the university I invested my knowledge with wasn't so faithful with its sweet words.  Never should it happen that I chose it as place where I could see my dreams converting to reality.  Had I but known its true purpose of existence, I shouldn't have flitted in and out its deceptive gates.  But all of it is past.  What matters now is the present and future, and my learnings from where I emerge from.  Besides, I believe I can be a better student in this institution where I am.  There is no other option than to put each time a best forward in everything that needs to be done.            


Introspection


              
               To be an affiliate of Pylon is a privilege and way of being productive as a student.  A way to let those that we owed a lot know and feel that we do care.  That we could do better than what we ever did before.  That we could inspire others as others inspired us..  The beginning may be tough, the journey may be rough.  But the end point?  Don't know.  What matters to me is the joy it gives, and spice it adds to life.



The Examination Day


          "This was all what I've waited for!", I told myself. This was one way to exhibit my potential of a creative writer. A way to collect my thoughts and put them to words. A way to hope to be with peers I could call friends someday.

               The time I received a message of Pylon's schedule of application, I was bowled over. I thought after a few weeks of waiting I couldn't be counted worthy to be given such an opportunity. A privilege to be better. To be accountable on some important things. A training ground for the future.

               I was too euphoric that I missed to have myself warmed-up and composed. I often remember a Qualfon trainer who once shared a movie line and I quote, "Don't forget the warning label of the mayonnaise.." Then we felt like huh?.. What label did he mean? Tear here? Expiry date? Allergies? What?.. Then he continued, "Chill, but don't freeze.." Oh, I used to forget that when I'm nervous!

               I then continued to join the prefatory phase of the application. The applicants were clustered to one area of NORSU Amphitheater last June 22, 2013. We were informed of Pylon as school's interesting organization. We made known its staffers. Subsequently, we were divided into what particular department we chose to be involved with.

               Next to that, we took set of examinations. We have had I.Q. test, brain teaser, word connection, and essay composition. It was fun and interesting!


The Interview Portion



               The same day at 11:59 AM, I was informed to go back to Pylon Office.  I couldn't help but felt my chest burst with gladness.  Indeed, I was excited to the hilt.

               When I arrived at the venue, I could project wide-mile smiles to everybody.  I was a bit astonished of the panel interview.  I thought it was the usual one-to-one conversation.  It was really out of the blue!  The questions then were intriguing.  The staffers were serious and willing to test.  The atmosphere was of no exact word to match.

               Beautiful faces, serious ones, competent aura, amiable spirit, fun-loving colors, and complacent demeanor.  All was mixed-up in one corner versus an excited me.

               I gave responses the best way I could.  I was quite complacent on pouring out apt words weaved in my mind.  After which, I still have had regnant of that excitement left in me.  It was as if I took an overdose of it. Surprisingly, I still could show wide-mile smiles to everybody outside the venue.  Yes, exactly the same.  I know, it's embarrassing.  But lo! I did it!

               

The General Meeting



               The staffers and new affiliates were convened at Balay Sa Alumni place last June 25, 2013 5:00 PM.  Ms. Janisha Nocete and Ms. Nikka Musketer headed the conference.  We did introduce ourselves to one another.

               Like first days of any organization, we were informed of the team's dominant rules and regulations. Not to vaunt but I'm used to it.  I have had lots of it in our home and previous workplace.  Etcetera.  What I was not used to in a usual orientation was the talent show of the new affiliates and "love notes" per se. I was on the fence on what song to sing.  I planned to do some birit which I knew was a big "HAHA!" that time, but I just couldn't. I could feel my toes tingling and knees shaking.  Such sensation emanated strange feelings on my lungs and vocal cords..  Indeed,dramatically embarrassing, but fun.


Acknowledgment



               I wouldn't have been called an affiliate member of Pylon if not because of an answered prayer.  I couldn't have done it by my own bootstraps.  I thank Him who's above us for a beautiful gift He gave.






"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; We are perplexed but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; Cast down but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10