Loyalty

I would like to think I am a fiercely loyal person. I set aside my modesty when I say that. Those who truly know me have seen that. There have been times, of course when I falter here and there, when I cannot simply say 'no'. 'No' to what, that is for me to know and you to find out.😜 But no biggies. 

Regardless, I consider loyalty as my strength. I am not the church-going type, but I am loyal to my faith. To family. Oh, that may raise some eyebrows, yes.  To friends, with whom I will gladly grab a shovel and dig the grave of someone they killed, just to save them. (That's OA actually because I don't have friends who are the murderous type.)

Loyalty, as I see it, is not something that is seen. It is not the constant communication, not liking facebook posts (I am fortunate I have friends in that platform who are discerning and like my posts only if they really do, and point out to me when they don't.) It is not telling on other people who have nothing good to say about you,  like members of a 'bulong brigade'. It is not the 'I love you's' showered upon you, like it is spoken as often as 'ngarud' in Ilocano. It is not the overwhelming presence in another's life.

Allegiance resides within. It is being honest with your family, even if the truth is wrong or hurtful. It is acknowledging a mistake and trying to make up for it, not necessarily proclaiming it to the whole world. It is not 'riding' on the desire of others to see you angry because of some 'bulong' maliciously whispered to your ears. It is saying 'I love you' only when you mean it, no matter how scarcely others may hear it from you. It is in absence, yet you know that no matter, you are thought of, you are in their prayers.

Loyalty lies in the intentions buried in your heart. Unguarded, these intentions surface. Then you know where your loyalties lie. Loyalty is sitting in one corner not saying anything at all, despising even, what your object of loyalty does. Yet you are absolutely sure that when he or she falls, you will be there to catch, fix the broken, mend the wounds, no questions asked.