Filipinos Helpful How To

What Is a Holding Cross and How Can It Help You? #HelpfulHowTo

A holding cross, or a comfort cross, as it is sometimes called, is an asymmetric cross that is made to fit ergonomically into the palm of one's hand and is used during prayer. It is thought that the holding cross is based on an ancient design found in ancient European chapels. Although the origin of the holding/comfort cross tradition is not known, it is thought that it dates back to the early Christians.

Holding crosses are made out of many different types of wood, but in my opinion, none is more appropriate than a cross made out of the olive wood pruning of trees that grow in the very region that Jesus was born - in the area around Bethlehem. Olive trees have scattered the landscape there since biblical times, where they grow both in terraced groves and on the hilltops. The oil from the fruit of the Olive Tree has been used for religious rites since biblical times. Since the olive tree is a protected species in Israel and cannot be cut down, all olive wood artifacts are made only from the trees pruning. Olive wood items are imbued with spirituality, and do not require much care since olive oil is naturally protecting them from corrosion and changes of color. In time the holding cross will develop its own patina from frequent handling. No two crosses will ever look the same due to the variations in the grain on the wood.

Who should have a Holding Cross?

Anyone who is in a time of struggle or loss and is looking for guidance.

Anyone who needs to find comfort and is looking for solace.

Anyone who is struggling to cling to their faith.

Anyone who is looking for a companion for their prayers and meditation.

If you or someone you know is ill simply holding the cross may be the best way to pray.

The cross, as a symbol has a very meaningful and deep message of faith, belief and hope. Although as a jewellery trend it somewhat losses it true essence, however, whether one wears it for religious belief or as a style statement, someone keeps it as a cherished Jewellery item or as a blessing from Christ, in my opinion it is still a very powerful symbol and for centuries to come will be known to mankind as a symbol for hope, beauty, power and GOD. Cross Pendant is such a gift that any one that gets it or buys it will cherish throughout their life.

A holding cross is the ideal gift to mark most gift giving occasions such as a baptism, confirmation, birthday, Easter, Christmas or just to give to someone to say Thank You. It is recommended to keep a supply of these crosses ready to give to your loved ones in their times of need.

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Sorry to hear that the Pinoy Administration are experiencing between a rock and a hard place; the truck ban of the Manila Mayor Estrada caused port congestion and traffic problems. Not only that, businesses were affected and the employees too.

This implementation did not improve the situation but make it worse. I think change the plan if needed? There's nothing wrong with trying another solution until you succeed, isn’t it?

Manila passed an ordinance without thinking its consequences to neighboring cities and the entire Metro Manila. Mayor Estrada version of TRUCK BAN included the BANNING of travel of EMPTY CONTAINERS during the allowable hours, that led to the port congestion as many empty containers were not loaded to departing ships. That 60% of the cargoes are intended for Metro Manila, but he Mayor banned many of the main arterial roads some even 24/7 from port to these neighboring cities and even from port to inner Tondo and Binondo.

But since it caused problems, the government must have to take immediate solutions to iron out while minimal damages were being undertaken. A mistake of its components must be undertaken by its major leaders in preventing to spread the problems nationwide.

There’s no use of apologizing to the people because, Filipinos needs instant action and solution. And, those implemented actions must be in a long-term to prolong the usage with positive effect to our society.

However, not only the stakeholders are affected but also the working people. The government must also consider other businesses that are affected by traffic. Look what’s happening, there is enough movement to push for this ordinance. Manila, in essence, decided to fight back by drawing a line on traffic whether it is building a new port, fixing BOC release permits or another possible long term solution. The President has to take the port congestion seriously and not rely on Manila to accommodate to clog its lanes forever. So far Mayor Estrada is willing to talk, but pointing fingers is not going to solve the problem. The Pnoy Administration should force BOC to change its ways for the betterment of the whole problems.

Many Filipinos who do not understand the logistics of cargo transport suggested the use of Batangas and Subic ports; maybe at present situation, now that the PPA had decreased their rates in these 2 ports. Batangas is starting to experience congestion already. But prior to this crisis, it’s cheaper to import even for Calabarzon locators via Manila ports even at the height of ports congestion with tons of charges like port congestion fee, demurrage, container imbalance, and storage.

The truck ban affects the entire nation as far as trade movement is concerned. Likewise, it affects ordinary commuters when traffic is stalled.

Another major crisis at present is the traffic caused by this MRT3 maintenance and management problems. The riding public is to sacrifice their time, energy and money just to make sure the train system in EDSA is secured. Not only is the MRT3, the traffic congestion along the main road of EDSA’s also growing that our government must take immediate action.

There should be a meeting between the MMDA and the Mayors of neighboring cities for these problems through the initiative of the president. This should be immediate and no option for Pinoy Administration to apologize to the Filipino people.