Finding Your "Ben" in Life: From Rats to Redemption

In a world often clouded by first impressions, where snap judgments can hide true gems, the theme of discovering unexpected goodness acts as a poignant reminder that our capacity for empathy and understanding can break down walls and reveal the hidden beauty in both people and situations. Think about it—finding a source of friendship in a rat or unearthing the power of love within the grip of addiction; these stories spark a fire within us, urging us to see beyond surfaces and value the intricate tapestry that makes up the human journey. Allow me to whisk you away with two stories that are sure to warm your heart. Let's begin with the tale of Ben.

Dear Ben,

Ben, the two of us need look no more

We both found what we were looking for

With a friend to call my own

I'll never be alone

And you, my friend, will see

You've got a friend in me

It's a story of friendship between a boy and a rat named Ben. True friendship can be found in unexpected places, and it doesn't really matter who your friend is or where they come from; what matters is the connection and the love between friends. Friends can provide support and comfort during difficult times.

Rats, often dismissed as pests that dwell in filth, have been painted as symbols of disease and fear. Yet, Ben defies these conventions. In this story, Ben is far from a harbinger of dirt; he is a beacon of cleanliness. What allows this boy to see in a rat what so many fail to perceive?

This enchanting tale of human-rat friendship unfolds in Cebu. Remember the TV show 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho'? It featured a man and his pet rats, Jenna and Johnrey, whom he regards as his 'family.' They are house rats that pester many Filipinos. However, Jenna and Johnrey are no ordinary rats; they challenge the Filipino perception of their kind. He not only feeds them, but also bathes them and proudly showcases them in public, defying the repulsion they often evoke.

Now, let's turn our gaze to another Ben, one who's been making waves online. His wife penned a heartfelt message:

Dear Ben,

Sitting here alone

Looking at my ring ring

Feeling overwhelmed

It makes me wanna sing sing

How did we end up here

Without a rewind

Oh my

This is my life…

Jennifer

Jennifer Lopez, celebrating her first anniversary with Ben Affleck, triggers a wave of celebration, echoing their love story and inspiring others to share their tales of love.

The face of Ben Affleck is a familiar one. Remember the stunts in "Armageddon," the romance in "Shakespeare in Love," or the depth in "Good Will Hunting"? These movies, my personal collection, serve as a refuge for relaxation. His portrayal of Batman, the Dark Knight, has left an indelible mark. And then there are the roles in "Argo," "Pearl Harbor," "The Sum of All Fears," "Daredevil," and more. In essence, Ben is not just an accomplished actor; he's a writer and director, an Oscar winner.

Yet, Ben grapples with his own demons—a battle against alcoholism. He embarked on rehab, only to find himself slipping back. Personal demons played a role in the dissolution of his marriage to Jennifer Garner, a regret he's openly shared. ""I drank relatively normally for a long time. What happened was that I started drinking more and more when my marriage was falling apart. This was 2015, 2016. My drinking, of course, created more marital problems," he bared in an interview.

Through the darkness, Ben finds gratitude for those who stood by him. "One of the things about recovery that I think people sometimes overlook is the fact that it inculcates certain values. Be honest. Be accountable. Help other people. Apologise when you're wrong," he reflected on his experience.

Reflection: Finding our Ben

Much like the boy in the song, who discovered beauty within the rat named Ben, the real-life tale of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck illustrates the idea of uncovering beauty within struggles. Beneath Affleck's battle with alcoholism and his fractured marriage, Jennifer sees the beauty that lies within her husband, Ben.

In a world predisposed to judgment and bias, there come moments that shatter our perceptions, reminding us of the innate goodness tucked away in the most unexpected corners. Whether it's recognizing beauty within a rat, as portrayed in the song, or grasping the humanity and potential for change within an alcoholic, these instances cast a spotlight on the intricate mosaic of our emotions, the depth of our connections, and the mighty force of empathy.

Embracing the Unconventional Beauty:

Picture the song's scene—a boy forming a bond with a rat named Ben—a tableau that speaks of beauty amidst the unlikeliest circumstances. Rats, often synonymous with filth and fear, become insignificant in the face of this connection. It's a metaphor for our ability to find hidden beauty in the unexpected, urging us to reassess what we think we know.

The Affleck-Lopez Love Story: Beyond the Struggles:

The love story of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck unfolds as a living embodiment of discovering goodness amidst trials. The battle against alcoholism and the ensuing breakdown of Affleck's marriage may appear insurmountable, but Lopez's steadfastness reveals her knack for looking past the struggles and embracing the person behind the hardships. Her dedication underscores the strength of human bonds that can transcend adversity.

The Influence of Empathy and Understanding:

Detecting goodness in unforeseen places calls for empathy and understanding. It means acknowledging that every individual carries a unique history and fights their own battles. By delving beneath the surface and grasping the context, we open doors to growth, transformation, and redemption. This theme stands as a testament to the transformative power of extending empathy, offering a helping hand, and giving individuals a chance to rise above their circumstances.

Challenging the Norms:

This theme also pushes back against societal norms, urging us to question our biases. Just like the boy in the song disrupts the common rat narrative, we're encouraged to reconsider our judgments of those grappling with addiction or those who don't conform to societal expectations. By doing so, we contribute to a broader movement toward a kinder, more compassionate society.

So, as you journey through these stories, remember the boy who saw beauty in a rat and Jennifer Lopez who saw the beauty within her husband, Ben. In these tales, there's a universal lesson—to seek and find goodness in the most unexpected places, and to celebrate the transformative power of empathy and understanding.