Recently we saw some people getting exposed summarily and publicly. No filters could blur the shame. The scandal. The sting of it all.
We saw the viral exposure of an adulterous relationship (yes, let’s call it what it is and snub the usual euphemisms).
The utter cowardice of someone who chose flight over fight.
And the grievous, shocking decision of some men and women whose highly-esteemed positions ironically require Integrity and Moral Excellence most of all.
Public exposure is a volatile, powerful friend or enemy. If you’re doing the right thing, it’s manna from heaven. If you’re doing the wrong thing, it’s a sword of Damocles. One might never live long enough to survive or redeem the public execution of one’s character and reputation.
The public reaction to the Coldplay Comedy of Errors was hysterically funny in so many ways — people just feasted on it, gloated and scolded over it, created memes, buzzwords, witty one-liners, even quoted Bible verses and made elevator speeches on how wrong it was and what a good thing it was that they got caught. Gotcha. Buti nga!
But much more than that, what came as a huge, pleasant surprise to me was seeing how the US still considers adultery wrong, marriage sacred, cheaters persona non grata, and moral turpitude a serious thing. The public outcry against adultery was loud and incessant. That’s how upset Americans were.
Exposure here, I believe, was an act of God. Clear and simple. It was a huge red flag to adulterers. Or those in immoral relationships.
Partakers beware. You can literally lose everything in 15 seconds flat. Or less. I wonder how many adulterers broke off because of this? Or are having second thoughts now?
Maybe God is saying, “Quit while you’re not yet exposed.” That’s as clear as wearing the perfect prescription glasses.
Then came the Flight of the Century. We’ve heard of the “fight or flight syndrome.” Let’s be logical here — sometimes running away (or “flight”) is the wisest thing to do. Rather than get beaten to a pulp. This can happen figuratively too, of course.
When you’re being attacked by an absolutely stronger force which you know you cannot defeat, flight is wise. It’s not necessarily cowardice.
However, if you were the one who asked for the duel — filled with misplaced hubris (I’m being kind here), and your mouth just bragged on its own and moved faster than your brain (again, I’m being kind here), then the BEST thing for you to do, for goodness’ sake, is to SHOW UP, and save even a shred of your dignity.
You could always show up and say something scripted, with such surprising finesse and élan that the public will forgive you and say — “Well. At least he showed up. Hindi naman totally duwag.” You might even gain some respect for that.
He should’ve put his expensive PR pundits to work. But sadly, as of this writing, he didn’t. He chose “Flight” — for the worst possible reasons. And the optics are horrible.
Hubris is best served with cold, unflinching courage. If you cannot pull off this lethal combination, please do not, do not, “do not make hamon what you cannot lamon.” That’s my personal translation of “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Please excuse the intended pun and inaccuracy. Oh how he could’ve saved his tattered reputation if he didn’t just run away.
Then we come to the most shameful exposure of all.
The betrayal of men and women who we did not choose but who we hoped — against all hope — would somehow rise up and become patriots, no matter who their political patrons are.
Many of us were shocked, disgusted, dismayed, angry and felt utterly, utterly betrayed. Wasn’t there even the faintest desire to serve the interests of the country, the Filipino people — among whom are their very own children and grandchildren? Parents? Closest relatives and friends?
When we betray our country, we betray our own families. Our closest circle of friends. Betrayal is deepest when the power to harm or heal is strongest.
When God chooses to expose our sins — our flagrant immorality, our pathetic cowardice, our cold-blooded ambition and unbridled greed, it’s a warning that we should take seriously.
When He exposes something or someone, that means God is royally angry.
A very wise person once said, “We are free to choose, but not free to choose the consequences.”
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11)
