Gary Valenciano (left) and his son, Gab (right). Image: Instagram/@garyvalenciano
Gary Valenciano praised his son Gab for having a good heart and being compassionate despite facing his own struggles, as the latter turns 32 years old today, June 11.
“You’re now 32 son. You’ve already gone through what most would rather not go through. You’ve been hit, you’ve been targeted, you’ve been judged and unforgiven in so many ways by people who don’t know much about who and what you really are,” Valenciano posted on Instagram earlier today.
“Yet here you are son…living with certain conditions that most will never fully understand; reaching out to those only you would understand. And that for me, tells me who you really are,” the doting father added.
The artist also noted that Gab is so blessed “much more than just being a Valenciano,” but because God chose him “to shine with compassion for those in need” despite all the “bashing and hatred” he has received.
“Rarely have I come to your defense because it’s a waste of time trying to explain to those with no heart. But that is one thing you have so much of son…HEART!!! There’s one thing that God revealed to me recently during my time with Him and I’d like to share it with you,” Valenciano stressed.
He then noted that God is not after the “perfection of our performance,” but “the persistence of our pursuit of Him” and reminded Gab that it is no easy task to follow Jesus.
“But you have proven time and time again that you are passionate with the things you love and you are willing to persevere for those who mean so much to you. So let all others say what they want to,” Valenciano said.
“He sees your struggles and how you’ve chosen to cope with it… oh and He sees all of what those others do too. I know who He’s smiling on,” he added.
Just two days prior to his birthday, Gab opened up about struggling with clinical depression and offered advice to those who are suffering from the same disorder.
Valenciano supported his son’s decision to share his plight and raise awareness and assured Gab that he will always be there for him.
“I may not be around you at this time but I’m here for you no matter what. Don’t give up Gab. Run to mom or dad… we will be here for you. Run to your brother or your sister as they always like hearing from you too,” Valenciano said on Instagram on June 9. “Dad loves you Gab.” JB
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