principled but penniless

It is refreshing when somebody stands by his principles and does not get swayed by money.

I watched Mr. Efren Peñaflorida on TV last night with Boy Abunda on Bottomline and I agreed with what Boy said about Efren. He brought back the trust and positivity of people towards others.

He seems too good to be true. A twenty-eight-year old virgin who is an educator and a certified international hero. If CNN didn't recognize him and honor him as the hero of the year, I wouldn't have known who he was. I would have seen him inside a jeepney or FX, or maybe we would've crossed paths, but I think I wouldn't have noticed him.

They say that when you're a principled person, you're likely to be a penniless person. Unfortunately, it's true.

My mother, sister and I often talk about that at the dinner table. We often find ourselves agreeing with each other that it is hard to compromise your principles with financial success. It's either you let go of your principles and become rich, or you maintain your values while losing your chance at earning big money.

I think it will be harder for me to live abundantly while the rest of the world suffers from poverty. I don't know how corrupt politicians and businessmen live everyday without feeling any guilt. As my mother would say: "Their souls are already in flames even while they're still alive."

I do hope that Efren and all everyday heroes will continue on with their good work. It will be a much better place if people like them inspire others to wake up and see the reality of our present situation.

I'm not Efren, but I do hope that I will be able to support his crusade against poverty and ignorance.

God bless our everyday heroes.