The Lady Who Made Me a Better Man
by: Jerry Liao
For the past years, I have dedicated my life to improving my information technology skills by continuously learning innovations in the areas of computers and mobile technology. Every time I attend a press conference, I make sure that I come prepared expecting my host to be prepared as well. I attend events to learn more from what they have to offer, and in return I share them with my readers.
Ever since, I have been a perfectionist. I want to be the best in everything I do. From being a sales representative, software support person, encoder, developer, systems analysts, operating officer and media person – I make it a point to stand out from my peers. I want to be successful and make a difference.
I was brought up with business as my orientation. Every summer vacation, my parents asked me to help in manning our store. I did deliveries, checked inventories, and sometimes talked to customers. In other words, my siblings and I were trained by our parents to take over our family business. All the while, I really thought life was all about business; making money to enjoy life.
Religion was an alien word to me then. I grew up with no religion. I studied in non-Catholic schools. I never attended mass. The only time I visited churches were during weddings and baptisms; and I usually ended up more excited to attend the reception afterwards. During these occasions, I got to dip my hand in holy water and make the sign of the cross, not knowing what it was for.
When I was 11 years old, I lost both my parents. At that young age, I didn’t understand the value of having a mom and a dad and the repercussions of losing them. At age 14, I started doing my own business. I wanted to earn more money and become more successful, and to prove to everyone that despite being an orphan, I can be a successful businessman. I started my computer career at the age of 16 and things started to shape up for me; and I thought that hard work and determination was all I needed.
Then I met my wife Eva. I knew from the time I set my eyes on her she was God sent – she would be my angel on Earth. Eva introduced me to God. She would invite me to attend fellowships and was baptized during one of its services. But my goal in life has not changed despite being introduced to God. My goal is still the same – to be a successful businessman. Eva and I were blessed with three beautiful daughters. I made sure that they would be close to God, something I never experienced during my childhood. I am happy that at a very young age, my three daughters worship and love God very much.
During our years of marriage, Eva did nothing but serve me, from morning to evening. She prepared my toothbrush, my clothes to the office, breakfast, lunch, dinner and vitamins. There was a never a time when she complained about my attitude. She would just keep quiet every time I was in a bad mood. She supported all my desires and dreams. I thought all along that giving my wife and family everything the world has to offer would bring them happiness but I was wrong.
In 1996 I had my own television show (Infochat). I said to myself – not only will I be able to achieve my goals, but I will be famous as well. I did Infochat for 8 years, I appeared in other popular television shows, and even co-hosted a radio program. I may not be as popular as the other TV personalities, but being recognized in public is more than enough for me. Still God was nowhere to be found in my life. My time was so pre-occupied by my work.
In 2003 my angel Eva was stricken with cancer. It was one development that stopped me from pursuing my goals. Sadly, I turned to what medicine had to offer. I was confident that the advances in medical technology could cure my angel. I did pray for her recovery but deep inside, I relied more on what technology could offer. And indeed she was cured. I went back to pursue my objectives in life.
In September 2005, Eva’s cancer re-occurred. I was confident that she would be cured again just like before – until I saw her test results on March 9, 2006. Eva’s condition did not improve a bit. Reality set in; I could lose the most important person in my life any time. The technology that I relied on failed me. I had no one to turn to except God. Perhaps God said “Enough is enough. You have worshipped Earthly things so much that you have forgotten me. I will take away your most precious possession for you to notice me.” And I did. I surrendered my life to Him and have invited God to take-over and take control of my life.
Now, my angel Eva is still undergoing treatment. Eva’s battle against cancer is still ongoing, but this time I am fighting it with her. And I know we will see the light at the end of the tunnel because God is with us in this battle. I have accepted God as my Lord and Savior and I want to thank the Lord for still giving me the opportunity to take care of my angel despite me being a prodigal son. God broke me into pieces for me to love Him. Now that I do, he rebuilt me back so that my family and I can worship God together.
In December 2005 I had a dream. I told no one about this dream since I didn’t believe in dreams and God was never a part of my life. In my dream I was walking side-by-side with God. It was a beautiful place, a garden filled with beautiful flowers. I was so happy to be with God. Until God asked me this question: Do you think you deserve to be with Me in paradise? I wanted to say yes, but how could I? I never had a relationship with the Lord. If I said no, surely I will go to hell. I’ve been an articulate and an outspoken person all my life and yet I can’t answer one simple question: Do I deserve to be with God in paradise? How would you answer this question if it was asked of you now?
As we are about to celebrate Holy Week, always remember the greatest sacrifice the world has ever seen – God gave his only begotten Son to save mankind from its sins. As a parent, we may take a bullet just to save our children. But will we allow our children to perish for someone else’s benefit? God did; that’s why we are enjoying life now.
Let me just share with you what my angel Eva said during one of our conversations recently. She said and I quote “I am glad that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This has been my prayer since we got married. If my ailment paved the way for you to accept God, then all my pains and sufferings are all worth it.” I cried after hearing this. I never thought that this is what my angel Eva was praying for and wanted all her life.
I am happy now that Eva’s life-long prayer has been answered. Thank you my angel for giving me peace and for opening my eyes to see my real purpose in life. I am thankful that God gave me Eva, my angel on Earth. Indeed, she made be a better man to serve God forever.
