Lovestruck

I still don’t know know why I exactly bought this book. Perhaps I was just hording from OMF Lit bookshop during the recent Manila International Book Fair. I also bought Lovestruck Singles Edition but I haven’t finished it yet.

When I read the first page, I found my brain cells bumping from here and there. It was the first time I read a material in Filipino-English. I’m used to reading in either straight Filipino or straight English medium. It was an adjustment but was not really a problem. It was a straight-forward approach. I’d say it’s helpful for anyone looking for particular answers because they’re not bombarded and overwhelmed with straight English, which I sometimes wonder if it’s affecting readers of non-fiction slash self-help or inspirational books.

Love Mo Siya, Sure Ka Ba?

(You Love Him/Her, Are You Sure?)

Good question. And how would one know? Well, this book could be a good help. And that’s the kind of “good” that is better than best. Well, the real best answer is from God.

Lovestruck is more than a book about love. It’s more on relationship. One should stick with the 6:14 Rule. Don’t know about it? Either read this book or 2 Corinthians 6:14. One doesn’t have to be in love at the moment to read this book. It’s helpful for anyone who has relationships, pretty much all of us. But of course, it’s most helpful to those who are in love, or want to have a (romantic) relationship.

What struck me most was the importance of parents in making decisions. Of course I am aware of it, but reading this book brought the realization to a higher level. And why? Because I am not the one who likes to talk to my parents about my decisions. I mean, I don’t really share intimate things with them. This is not just about relationship or any of the like. Personally, it’s more of my choices about anything, almost everything.

Here was the line that struck me: “Ang ayaw pasakop sa magulang at gustong mabuhay nang walang nakikialam sa kanila ay ang mga kalimitang napapariwara. (Those who don’t submit to their parents and want to live without anyone interfering with them are usually the ones who get lost.) There will surely be disaster and calamity in your life.” The point here is submission to our parents, or anyone who has authority over us.

Chapter One: In Love ka ba Talaga?

My favourite part of this chapter was the story of Jacob and Rachel. The thing is, I’m not fond of their love story. I prefer Isaac and Rebecca’s. But the story of Jacob and Rachel brought real meaning to true love waits. Like seriously, 14 years of patient endurance. Wow. Now I understand why Esther of One Night With the King loved their story.

Chapter Two: Ang Tunay na TL

John 3:16. It’s more than about the most famous verse in the Bible besides Psalm 23:1. Knowing and having true love starts with this: Living for Christ means living your life according to His will.

Chapter Three: OK lang bang Makipag-Date?

Read this book. Because, “The modern dating system does not train young people to pursue a committed, long-term relationship.”

Chapter Four: Rated PG

Why? “Masarap ang feeling kung aprubado ng magulang natin ang ating relasyon at ka-relasyon.”

Chapter Five: Let’s Talk About the “S” Word

When I read “Sex and emotions are tied together,” I began to understand some things, like why some if not most people feel empty about their sexual endeavours. They’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

Sex. It’s something that a lot of people don’t truly understand. First and foremost, it is mandatory that only married people should engage into it. And yes, “Don’t trust yourself when it comes to sexual feelings.”

Chapter Six: In ba Maging “Out”?

The book says, “Many homosexuals have created a kind of God that would fit their desires and expectations.” Be warned,”It is wrong to think that a loving God can never send people to hell.”

Chapter Seven: Following the 6:14 Rule

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

“We should not form a romantic relationship with someone who does not honour the lordship of Christ.” Yes, the 6:14 Rule is non-negotiable.

Chapter Eight: Single-minded

I love this chapter. Read it, the book that is.

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Originally posted on: 19 September 2012
Reposted on: 16 May 2013