Archive for January, 2009
GOD’S ABUNDANT GRACE is a gift for which I give thanks. My life is blessed, not because I am good but because God has led me in the life of faith.
- Don Beisswenger
Locked Up: Letters and Papers of a Prisoner of Conscience
There are many hats I wear, sometimes too many, and the roles I slip into requires me to be a leader in different ways. That’s what is most visible to the public eye. It’s in moments like now as I ponder on the words in the quotation above, I’m led back again into the fact that God is the ultimate leader of my life. And it’s important for me to pause and dwell deeply on this truth once again.
I do feel very blessed today, more than a few times, especially when Ewan easily falls asleep on my chest as I hum quietly the scripture John 3:16. A song my mom sang to me when I was young to drift into sleep. A song I’ve sung over Gareth and Elysia.
I felt blessed when we were at the “bubble pool” (as the kids call it), Gareth and Elysia had their fun splashing around.
The prayer of thanksgiving (with a little intercession thrown in) by Elysia was a great blessing as it’s such a blessing to eat at home with May Chin’s simple home cooked health conscious meals 
What a blessing when I could sit quietly this morning and now, and ponder on an episode in the Gospel of Mark, read a commentary by a Japanese Lutheran, and read the passages through her eyes, which resulted in a reading the Bible with others moment.
The blessing was overwhelming when we had our worship practice last night, especially having the chance to sit around in a circle to hear one another’s highs and lows, empathize with one’s grief, laugh with another’s comic moment, and at the end commit each other to Christ in prayer.
It’s good that even for a brief moment, we can pause and count some blessings. There are more surely, but even the little I mentioned has been most helpful, and most needful.
I was strongly reminded during the height of awareness for the Gaza crisis that we must not forget Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s cholera death toll tops 2,200: UN
UNICEF seeks $1 billion to aid women and children in crises
Read on . . . and sign on .
The movement for democracy in Zimbabwe has just raised the stakes: hundreds of activists in Southern Africa, including Desmond Tutu, have begun a rolling hunger strike to press for justice. This regional demonstration of commitment is putting real and growing pressure on leaders to demand a fair settlement in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has descended to an almost unimaginable state of desperation. Most of Zimbabwe’s 11 million people eat one meal a day-or less. But as pressure rises at home, in the region, and around the world, Mugabe’s grip on power may be slipping. Click below and join the one day global solidarity fast -(from sun up to sun down)- the more of us that fast the stronger the call for justice and democracy. Watch Kumi Naidoo’s video appeal – he will deliver our global message of solidarity to African heads of state gathering in Ethiopia on Sunday, 1 February!We, the undersigned, pledge to fast for a day in solidarity with the Zimbabwean people. We call on leaders throughout Africa-and the world-to act now to decisively support their struggle for justice, democracy, and survival.
Young people standing up for their convictions, now that’s a challenge directed to all of us. This makes me ask the question who are the young conscientious objectors in Malaysia? To object injustices in far away lands must be consistent and at least matched with non-violent peaceful dissent on issues that matter at home. This is the overtones I’m hearing after listening to Israel’s Young Conscientious Objectors. It’s an overused phase worth repeating, “It’s not either/or, it’s both/and”.
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FREE THE SHMINISTIM – ISRAEL’S YOUNG CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. The Shministim are Israeli high school students who have been imprisoned for refusing to serve in an army that occupies the Palestinian Territories. December 18 marks the launch date of a global campaign to release them from jail.
(HT: kingdom praxis | a.k.a. eliacín’s blog)
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GOD KNOWS US and calls us by name. We are not strangers or aliens to God. We are each and all God’s beloved. We have as our lover the Creator and Master of all that exists. The One who calls us beloved is also the one who know us so intimately and well that even the number of hairs on our head is known.
- Rueben P. Job
A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God
One of the reoccurring themes which comes up during our visits in this Lunar New Year celebration season, is how the children’s growth and progress always comes up as part of the conversation.
It’s almost as if it’s an important ritual, unwritten, and maybe unconscious, and yet deep down it’s part of a corporate reflection process. Granted, there are times when adults are tempted to load on the children their expectations, as well as some burdens of responsibility. But it is also an opportunity where collectively we’re engaged in passing on memories, rehearsing aspirations, and keeping the bond of the family in a world where we feel more and more fragmented.
For me, it’s an ongoing learning process to take the best of our culture which is has been evolving dynamically through the years and reintegrate it with the developing culture we are consciously or unconsciously forming within our families and especially our children.
I do not think we have a “pure”/”naked” Chinese culture without any influence from other cultures around us through time and space. We do not have a sterilized Chinese culture. As far as we are concerned, we are all in a process of continuity and discontinuity. Another way of seeing it is we in constant construction, deconstruction and reconstruction. The question is how aware are we about the whole exercise and how consciously are we engaged in the direction of where all this is heading.
And as we spin around one orbit or even many orbits of trying to figure all the above out, the need for a center that keeps us from losing ourselves is often very simple. The simplicity of this gift is what I desire Gareth, Elysia and Ewan to embrace.
It is the gift of knowing that We are not strangers or aliens to God. We are each and all God’s beloved.
Expectations, aspirations, burdens, responsibilities will come and go. The ebb and flow of cultural formation is a given in times when there are so many variables, and at times our inability to cope with the overwhelming changes we are confronted with.
And it is precisely during times like this what may appear simplistic, with a pause and deeper reflection it is not. Because returning to the simplicity of being known by God as his beloved, is most profound and breaks us free from simplistic formulas to face to complex onslaught of forces which either may crush us, or turned on its head so God can demonstrate the amazing work he is capable of. For us, as well as for the wider world and universe.
We are not strangers or aliens to God. We are each and all God’s beloved.
and
GOD KNOWS US and calls us by name.
it’s good psychology. It’s good theology . it’s simply good.
It was good to go home and have the reunion dinner. It’s been quite a while since I have been back due to 101 reasons. Mom’s cooking was simple and good as usual. Nothing fancy, but we’ve never been into fancy dinners anyway.
What was delightful to see was the kids reconnecting with the Grandparents and Uncle John Kit. We took lots of pictures.
I got some lessons on how to maximize then functions of my simple Canon 720IS camera. All in all a pretty good night. This would be my High for today.
Happy Chinese New Year . . . 2009 . . . from the Kit Family!
The post on What motivates you, Father O.C. Lim? got some good responses. The bonus of being at the PJ Sessions court on Friday was meeting a younger priest Father Simon La Brooy who I think answered the questions from the reporter very well. It’s good to see those with darker hair speaking up too!
What is important for many to know is, while Father Paulino Marinda was an important drawing factor for the presence of Catholic priests and Protestant pastors to be present, ultimately we came for ALL who were charged. Father Simon La Brooy says it well. He who has hears, let him hear
Below are the latest articles posted on the Micah Mandate. Comments are welcome. The Founders had a good meeting this morning with our webmaster. Looks like we are moving forward with greater clarity and focus. Many thanks to all who have been supporting us.
Just as we are getting ready to usher in the Year of The Ox, China’s netizens seem to be inflicted with the mad cow disease. The apperance of revealing pictures of China’s movie star, Zhang Ziyi, and her billionaire fiance, Vivi Nevo, frolicking on a private beach in the Carribean provoked strong online reactions.
This coincided with the announcement by the China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Center of a list of websites which contain “large amounts of low and vulgar content that violates social morality and damages the physical and mental health of youths.”
While the 29-year old actress of international fame has her loyal fans defending her, many more grilled her mercilessly for her “shameless act” and even calling her a prostitute and for bringing dishonour to the Chinese face.
Four things come to my mind as I watch the charade unfold itself – hyprocrisy, gender-bias, self-righteousness and racism.
There’s been some allusions and not so subtle hints from some of my Christian friends that by virtue of our vocal support for the end of the current violence in the Gaza strip as well as advocacy for peace in the Middle East, we have somehow:
- Been subsumed by the mainstream anti-semitism of Malaysian society, or
- We stand in danger of opposing God’s will, or
- All of the above (plus a few more)
My question would be .. at least to allegation #1 ..
How then do we start engaging and challenging some of the anti-semitic stereotypes if we choose to continue hiding in our ghettoes and pretending that people are not dying needlessly in the region?
The Palestinian tragedy encompasses tragedies of various categories and combinations.
First and foremost, the current situation in Palestine is a humanitarian tragedy with many lives lost and families separated and properties damaged and serious threats of fearful diseases. The Gaza strip is experiencing a colossal complex humanitarian emergency which requires immediate and continuing large-scale humanitarian response. Such a humanitarian response should and must be supported by all regardless of ethnic, religious or political persuasions. Humanitarian response supersedes any and every loyalty we human beings may have. There are many Christians in Palestine. But I would have responded (in speech and deed) even if there were only Muslims in Palestine. Regardless of ethnic origin, religious creed or nationality, as human beings we must respond to the sufferings of other human beings.
An interesting email came today which mentioned the few Christian voices in Malaysia who comes across as “against Israel”. So, I thought for the record I should state that in times of crisis showing preference in solidarity for one group of people who is under going unimaginable humanitarian crisis is not prejudice against another group who have their own share of pain and suffering in history. In this case it would be the Palestinians and Israelis. As far as I am concerned I grieve with every parent who has lost their child, every child who has lost their parents, all who have suffer loss in anyway.
Permission was granted to share the conversations in the email on this blog. I have decided to allow the conversations to take centre stage. I guess what’s important is what are the issues raised in these email conversations and also how the three Christians are working through this controversy. So with some minor editing, let’s start.
In its running battle with the authorities over the usage of the word Allah in its Herald, The Catholic Weekly, the Catholic Church has decided to go ahead to continue to use the word despite a prohibition imposed by the authorities.
Let us pray earnestly for the new president of the United States and for the leaders of all the nations, that they may display God’s righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness.
With the economic downturn, it must be expected that there will be a dramatic increase in petty crimes. Our family have READ about such petty crimes and HEARD about them. But at 4pm on Monday, 12th January 2009, we EXPERIENCED one of them in our compound. A friend was visiting us and, at the same time, a man alighted from his motorbike. Our friend opened the gate and walked up our short driveway. The man followed her, but she was not alarmed, thinking that he was our gardener. Suddenly, he produced a chopper and demanded her handbag. She screamed and, fearing for her safety, she handed over her handbag. My wife and I were upstairs and before we could offer any help, the thief, whom we believe to be a Malaysian, escaped on his Honda Cub.
Last weekend, three incidents involving the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities caught my attention.
To both Israelis and Palestinians, the current conflict in Gaza has brought nothing but pain and suffering. It has also caused friction among some believers as they choose to pledge sole allegiance to their own people group. Some are even expressing an unabashed hatred for the other side through articles, e-mails and graphic content on Facebook.
The violent carnage cannot go on! The killing and injuring of innocent civilians in Gaza as well as and in Israel must stop.
Israeli airstrikes must end along with further threats of increased military action. Palestinian militant groups must also cease all current and future attacks on Israel. Violence only breeds more violence and impedes the path that leads to lasting peace.
The “right to self defense” can never be an excuse to inflict violence and wanton destruction to civilian communities. It is morally unjustifiable and it is against international law.
"Our country enters the phase of naked display of aggression. When a regime is morally bankrupt it will use immoral means to hold on to power. We might be weak but we still have the power of prayer & silent witnessing. . The unjust may break our bones but they can’t break our spirit. " – Father O.C. Lim
These words spoken by the Rev. Father O.C. Lim. S.J. last year have become a spiritual guide in my own reflection and practice as a Christian and pastor.
Today, I’m glad we had a chance to speak a little bit more in depth when we were present with many others to be in solidarity with 21 charged with illegal assembly.
Father O.C. Lim was given a chance to comment in an interview with Malaysiakini.
After that, I took the golden opportunity to do a short interview myself asking Father O.C. Lim, what motivates him in the core of his being where he draws strength and resources to do what he does in speaking up for justice.
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While there maybe needs and issues which call us to respond to different situations, and often these become the common ground in which many of us converge and join efforts for the common good. What interests me is apart from that starting point which is more visible to others, how about the less visible and often more central place where we which is unapologetically part and parcel of our who we are?
I started with the question with a “What” focus, but Father O.C.Lim answered by reframing the question to focus on “Who” motivates him. And who he talked about motivates me too. Thanks for affirming that Father O.C and your words continue to challenge us all to be more faithful to the One who has called us to follow him.
This is why Bono is a great spokesperson and U2 is one of my favorite bands. It’s more than the music! Listen carefully to not just the lyrics but what was said from 3:42 Minutes onwards.
Bono sang "In the Name of Love" he said the song was “not just an American dream, but was also an Irish dream, European dream, African dream, Israeli dream, and . . . also a Palestinian dream."
I confess, I choked up with tears blessed. Bless Malaysia too, and the rest of the world in this way too . Amen. Amen . AMEN!
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God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou, who has brought us thus far along the way, thou, who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee.
Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand true to thee, oh God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day.
We pray now, oh Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration.
He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national, and indeed the global, fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hands, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations.
Our faith does not shrink though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you are able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds, and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor, of the least of these, and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that yes we can work together to achieve a more perfect union.
And while we have sown the seeds of greed – the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountain top, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together as children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone.
With your hands of power and your heart of love, help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nations shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid, when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around … when yellow will be mellow … when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.
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