Mahalo Ke Akua Blog

Mahalo Ke Akua #wisdomwednesday - Today's @mahalo_keakua Post September 24, 2014 12:01

 

I know many people who are incredibly faithful and live pono every day, but do not go to a place of worship because they’ve been turned off by some institutions that don’t practice what they preach, or don’t spread messages of aloha or love… for a long time I felt the same way, had some negative church experiences, so found it better to connect with Akua through nature, or in the ocean, and that was what I considered “my church”.

My makuahine lives in Toronto Canada, and on one visit, I was touched by her church community – first, by the importance they placed on music, but what most surprised and touched me was the sermon which emphasized the importance of not judging others, and being welcoming to all people, even those who may be rejected by other church communities – this struck me because it opposed an image that I had about “the church” or certain religious institutions/communities.  On following visits, I continued to be impressed with the sermons there that emphasized the values of love, forgiveness, unity and having a positive influence on others. 

Since I travel frequently, my makuahine encouraged me to visit a different church on each trip – apparently there’s lore that says you should make a wish when you enter a new church, but looking back I realize that she wanted me to see that there are positive church communities out there, and some of the most enriching lessons and insights I’ve been blessed with have come from these travelling church visits! 

On “Wisdom Wednesdays” I’ll try to share these inspiring nuggets of faith that align with Mahalo Ke Akua Brand. 

A perfect example came from this past weekend, on a trip to Arizona – on Sunday morning I Googled the closest church to my hotel and ended up at ASU Arizona State University – it always interests me to see young adults celebrating their faith together. 

During the sermon, the Priest told a story about a realtor couple he knew about 20 years ago.  The wife was more successful than her husband, and one day she was accused of wrongdoing by the board, instead of standing behind her, her husband recused himself.  He figured if she lost her license, he was successful enough that he could support their lifestyle, and he would then be seen as the provider.  The wife was cleared of the accusations, but the personal damage had been done, the display of envy and pride eventually destroyed their marriage.  

The Priest used this story as an example to explain that envy is truly damaging to our relationships with one another.  He reminded us to rejoice with those who rejoice, because when we see others receive a blessings, we should know that there are many more blessings where that came from.  The Priest then spoke about his upbringing in San Diego California, and how he would sit by the harbor and watch the boats, and when the tide would come in, all the boats would rise up together.  He used this as an analogy for blessings, when God’s grace touches one, it touches all.  

I just remember thinking, “one love, that’s unity” – and then I thought about that moment years ago when my makuahine told me to make a wish every time I entered a new church.  After that sermon, I felt like “making a wish” was a selfish act… So instead of making a wish for me, I said a prayer for humanity – that we may all succeed in accomplishing unity – together.


Mahalo for Your Sympathy... Weeping May Endure for a Night... No Tears Past Heaven's Gate July 13, 2014 14:00

Mahalo nui loa to all of you for your kindness and support throughout the past few days. We are truly touched by the fact that although we may have never met, some followers have even reached out to us off our social media channels to offer words of comfort and sympathy. We cannot begin to describe what all this aloha has meant to us. 

Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing us with the grace to see the rainbow after the storm – for it is Aloha Sunday, and we are reminded that weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Although our ohana has been saddened by the loss of my Makuakane, we must remember that there are no tears past Heaven’s gate.

Sad News - REMINDER to Embrace Your Ohana July 10, 2014 19:30

My father passed away suddenly at the age of 63 due to health complications. During this emotional time, we will be absent from social media for a while, and the Aug 16th Event in Toronto is CANCELLED, as that will be the eve of his 40th Day Death Anniversary, and we will be spending it in solemn remembrance with our ohana.

We will be going forward with our tour dates in Vancouver, WA (Jul 25/26), San Francisco, CA (Aug 9) and Toronto, Canada (Aug 24) as that is what my father would’ve been proud to see. Just minutes after our social media launch on May 3rd, he was one of first to ‘Like’ the Mahalo Ke Akua Facebook Page, and we know he continues to smile down on this project.

We just have one ask of our followers out of this sad event… please EMBRACE YOUR OHANA always. Parents & Children, go right now, HUG EACH OTHER. If you are separated by distance, call them and SAY I LOVE YOU, it can never be said often enough. No matter what your family situation – broken, estranged, if there’s been a falling out, PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful signs that your heart is filled with aloha, and it’s never too late to reach out to family or friends that may have drifted. We hope that everyone finds it in their hearts to heal broken relationships, to LOVE MORE, and to LOVE DEEPLY. This world desperately needs more love, and ALOHA STARTS WITH OHANA.

I feel blessed that I was able to visit my father this past Christmas, and 8 months ago, spend one on one time with him on my birthday. I just wish I could’ve been by his side yesterday so that I LOVE YOU would’ve been the last words he heard before he left this world. My deepest prayer is that he’s hearing these words now. 

MAHALO KE AKUA for blessing me with a father through whom, by our life story, has taught me a great lessons on forgiveness, humility and love. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a mother who continues to be an example of grace, perseverance and unconditional love despite all circumstances. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a brother whose admirable strength and courage has always held, and continues to hold our ohana together through it all.