Destiny-Driven - Anna Banana's Creative Stories

A Spiritual Destiny-Driven Fictional Story: Biblical scholars referencing the King James Version (1900) highlight the verse: “Jesus said, 'Many are called, but few are chosen.” (KJV, Matthew 22:14, KJV). Additionally, the King James Version states, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (KJV: Romans 8:29). These passages offer theological insight into the relationship between personal experiences, challenges, and the concepts of divine calling and purpose. Reflecting on these verses can promote spiritual growth, encourage deeper exploration of individual vocation, and strengthen confidence in both oneself and in God. The doctrine of free will asserts that humanity navigates life through choice and grace. Nevertheless, significant questions persist regarding the meaning of being chosen or predestined, particularly for individuals who are unwanted, abused, victims of violence, experiencing loss, facing misfortune, or struggling with illness.This reflection examines theological perspectives and considers how life events may align with spiritual beliefs. The following personal narrative is offered to provide insight and articulate a significant experience. In a faith-based context, a child was born to a mother who, even during pregnancy, expressed ambivalence about the child. Unbeknownst to her, the birth coincided with a notable religious date: one of Our Lady of Fatima’s final apparition days, October 13, and occurred at St. Francis of Assisi Hospital during his feast month. Shortly after birth, the mother entrusted the child to another family member. Although the child received attentive care for a period, this arrangement ended, and the child returned to the mother’s custody. While the mother showed affection toward her other children, the neglected child experienced adverse effects from this treatment, resulting in the mother’s frustration and exhaustion. Ultimately, these circumstances led to the child’s placement in full government custody. During time in foster care, the child remained unwanted and was bullied by both other children and foster parents. The young child clearly desired friendship, attention, love, and guidance. At a breaking point with the foster children and caregiver, the child had a tantrum and was taken to the basement as a disciplinary measure. Hours passed as the child remained lonely and hungry, crying until falling asleep. The child was then awakened by a bright light from the basement window, discovering a vivid ray of light surrounding a lush green tree, where a beautiful female angel appeared, offering comfort and tranquility. At the age of four, the child was not able to process this experience as a direct calling or instruction of vocation, but it may have been a moment of divine providence, foreshadowing a journey of witness through creative storytelling, as the child would later discover and pursue a destined path in accordance with divine timing. A Destiny-Driven Fictional Story By: Anna Marie Moniz January 31, 2026

Spiritual Enlightenment

“Lya-hu na Påtgon Famalao’an (My Sisters): Never Forget Your Protective Heart.”I Tulu Na Puti Sihek Ñeña: The Three Little Bird Sihek Sisters: At the core of the power of the number three: the story of Christ Jesus begins with the Trinity, the three wisemen, the three-word phrases love, hope, and faith, and God’s third day of rest after creation. In Chamoru, the number three is “tulu.” This is a powerful number in Guam culture, giving a sense of just enough. In Chamoru tradition, three often symbolizes harmony and completeness. It appears in traditional storytelling, where triads show balance and wholeness, and in the formation of families and clans, where it represents unity and strength. My sisters have been a foundation of what I am today. As young as we were, they built me up and protected me from bullies. Although yesterday is gone, I remember the times we held each other as we moved into another chapter. Though unforeseen circumstances have changed our lives, the memory of playing in the open field of Mother Nature’s playground remains profound. Our young lives were simple: sipping from the water hose, swimming in the warm ocean in the evening, splashing water at each other, hearing our parents argue over the burnt turkey, and spending nights laughing over silly gossip. I never wanted our endless nights to end. It was an unbroken promise, a secret that, in time, rekindles our laughter, tears, and memories. I see us as the three little sihek birds, a symbol of an unspoken bond. A protective, nurturing, rare, three-of-a-kind bond that keeps their hearts together. We learned that if we stick together, the bond gets stronger, our lives are nourished, and loneliness fades. You had faith not just in yourselves, but in each other. Through all our trials and errors, you were my pyramid, building me up. You strengthen my soul and my weaknesses. You are my sisters forever. Hågu i che’lu-hu gi todo tiempo, Lolanie Charfauros Moniz Mesa and Mary Jo Moniz-Rome Written By: Anna Marie (Baleto) Moniz