"In The Presence of My Enemies" by Gracia Burnham

I started reading the book a year ago and it has been quite a while since I last opened it. Now I am glad that just this morning, I have finished it.

"In The Presence of My Enemies," by Gracia Burnham is a must-read book. The Burnham couple has a lot of God's messages to tell. Their wisdom, faith in God and positive outlook on life amidst the dangers in the jungle are attitudes we should emulate in order to be better individuals.

As Gracia tells their story of captivity and of how they managed to deal with the Abu Sayyaf, there were many times that I cried - with hurt, pity and sympathy - for them having to experience this misfortune. Most of the times, I can relate with her, making me see a side of myself I didn't like, just like when she said, "There was a Gracia I barely knew existed: fearful Gracia, selfish Gracia, bitter Gracia, angry-at-God Gracia. That wasn't only me, but it was a bigger part of me than I wanted to accept."

I also learned a lot about the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf, and their battle for jihad. Is it really worth the blood? Is it really worth human lives? Perhaps I wouldn't understand because I am not a Muslim; and I am sure that there are some Muslims out there who don't actually believe in violence as the only means to reclaim their land and to follow the words of Allah. I know not all Muslims want war and death; not all Muslim warriors know the real meaning of jihad; and not all Abu Sayyaf members love what they are doing - there are some who are just forced to be one. I have no right to question Islam, we are all entitled to our own religion. I just wish and pray that peace be on Earth.

How I admire Martin and Gracia's courage to live! What situation they got into was really terrifying and with God's guidance, they surmounted all the challenges. Maybe Martin has died at the very finish line - he was almost there - but as he dies, he lives. His contribution to the world is immeasurable; he is such a great man.

Here are some passages I happened to favoritely jot down while reading the book:

"Everyone is tempted, but you have a choice about what to do with that temptation. God always works on the heart of a person. It's not outside temptations that make us sin; it's our sinful heart, and God wants to change that heart."

"It is not what we have; it is what we do with what we have."

"No problem is ever too tough to overcome, no ordeal is too grim to endure."

"Isn't it amazing how the human mind can find humor in even the darkest situations?"

"God doesn't always look at things the way we do. God's ways are higher than ours, and his thoughts beyond our comprehension. The secret things belong to the Lord our God."

"God has much to teach us about forgiveness, but the place to begin is forgiving ourselves."

I also want to adopt Gracia's promise to herself one night while Martin was having a hard time: "From this moment on, I will never leave his side when it is time to sleep, no matter what the consequences." I think this is one guide that I can use to make my relationships last. No matter what happens, even how mad I am or how problematic is someone, I won't turn my back on that person. I will try my best to understand and be calm.

There are still more inspiring quotes from Martin and Gracia but I will leave it to your reading, because it is really worth your time. Other than the quotes, their story of captivity, their love story and their strong relationship with God is what made the book truly precious. In fact, I got the chance to send a message to Mrs. Burnham through the Martin and Gracia Foundation website to express my admiration and thanks for being an inspiration to all. I am still waiting for a response; that is, if Gracia is not too busy to read it and reply.

Now I want to end my post by reiterating what Clay Bowlin, the preacher during Martin's funeral, said: "Gracia was rescued from the jungle by a helicopter; Martin was rescued from the jungle on angels' wings."