Let Interdependence Bring Peace, Progress, and Prosperity

​by: Ms. Carol Lim

​The need for each other is not a weakness. It is called interdependence. It is both a fact and a truth that we need each other, as the Word says, “None of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself”. In fact, even in the most basic unit of society - the family, interdependence is very visible. Children need the love and care of their parents while the parents draws inspiration and motivation from their children to take the extra mile in providing and caring for them.
 In our society, each one has gifts, skills, and talents that one can share to others and contribute to the overall wellness of the community. For instance, some are good in the sciences where doctors, engineers and scientists arise from; in the arts where singers, dancers, and artists emanate; in sports where different kinds of players and athletes excel from; and in other fields where we can see people with different skills who are able to contribute to the society. Although we have different gifts, skills, and talents, this does not mean that we are independent from each other. These are given so that we can be one whole body and be as one in meeting the different demands in our community and society. Since no one but God is omniscient or all-knowing, we need the expertise of one another in order to address a need. This way, we are knit together as one community that will progress and prosper as one country, just like what the Holy Scriptures says, “…As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
 Just like our bodies, we cannot just separate nor isolate one part from the other in a perfectly functioning body. We cannot separate the cardiovascular system from the body  because if we do, no oxygen, nutrients, nor important substances can be supplied to other parts and organs. Nor can we separate the skeletal system because if we do, the body cannot stand because it lacks support and protection. Parallel to our society as one body, each one’s contribution is significant. We cannot afford to be part of the body that will bring forth its destruction or malfunctioning because others that are mutually dependent on us will also be affected. Our actions may bring either negative or positive effect to the bigger community we belong to. Say for example, the effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This has created a negative impact on many countries, ours included.  Interdependence includes accountability. We must be circumspect in our actions so that we will not be the cause of others’ loss or suffering.
 As we are but in one nation, one world, one Earth, let it be that our contributions to our society be positive and significant. Let our interdependence bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity so that we could reach Ambisyon Natin even before 2040. 
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