Embrace love and life.

Partially locked, about 80%?

COMMENT TO BE CONSIDERED.

[banner credits to zorrashan]

While walking to work today, I had this mind-blowing visualization of what I want to do for the few months after graduation.

This India internship has really been a journey of personal reflection and growth. Really didn't expect all the lessons that have come my way but am grateful to God for the opportunity to practice, demonstrate and most importantly strengthen my Christian faith.

I have discovered that I actually do have a feisty side when push comes to shove, although anger really robs you of all ounce of energy and joy.

Yesterday, HX and I had an unexpected intense exchange with our project advisor. All because of false impressions and misinterpretations. I felt an irrepressible disappointment arising in me as my hopes to effect a small positive change here in India being crashed by some sort of a cultural and probably, generational differences.

Being open-minded about other people's culture is simple; just tell yourself that you are in no position to pass any judgement of how or what is to be done. However, yes, it takes alot of time and a high degree of social interaction with the culture before coming to appreciate and to understand the nuances.

The thing was, we knew our survey results have been tainted by the factors of social desirability and obviously, a language barrier.

But. The passion in wanting to help, wanting to improve, knowing that there is an opportunity to do so was interpretated as being flippant enough to make generalizations and lacking cultural sensitivity.

To even suggest making an improvement indicates that something is off the mark (but not necessarily wrong)... and not everyone is coming from the same wavelength, so people disagree. Some get defensive, some get frustrated but to me, I ask, does it better the situation? Absolutely not.

I strongly subscribe to standing up for what you believe in despite the obstacles that may come your way. However, at times, it is necessary to take a step back and respect the hierarchy that is in place. The chain of command is there for a reason.

Maybe I wouldn't get to improve the situatuon by great leaps and bounds; change might not even effect in my generation but it isn't a reason to be dejected and defeated. I must continue clinging on to the faith that my life's purpose is much higher than its present state, just like Colossioans 3:23-24 says, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.'

And I shouldn't let what transpired yesterday to stop me from doing what I can and believe in. During my quiet time this morning, I came across a well-known verse that I hold close to my heart.

Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, 'Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.'

Now, the test comes into translating what I hold dear into practical actions.

*
Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
- George Bernard Shaw

*
Currently am encouraged by the lyrics of this song by Casting Crowns.

Beautiful Savior

All my days I will sing this song of gladness
Give my praise to the fountain of delights
For in my helplessness, you heard my cry
And waves of mercy poured down on my life

(chorus)
Beautiful Savior, wonderful counselor
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history
You're the way, the truth and the life
Star of the morning, glorious in holiness
You're the risen one, heaven's champion
And you reign, you reign over all

I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer
I will sing of the lamb that never fails
Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleared
Of death defeated and life without end

(chorus)
Beautiful, beautiful Savior
Wonderful counselor, beautiful risen one

(chorus)
I long to be where the praise is never ending
Yearn to Dwell where the glory never fades
Where countless worshipers sing one song
And the voices of the nations
Sing worthy, worthy
Worthy beautiful, beautiful one
Jesus you are worthy, beautiful, beautiful one
Jesus you're worthy, beautiful, beautiful one
You are worthy, beautiful, risen one

Despite his recent crazy circus-like antics (child-molestation cases, baby-dangling antics, nose falling out and other cosmetic surgeries, putting up his personal items and Nevada ranch for auction etc), I've got to admit that I am de-vas-tat-ed by the death of Michael Jackson.

I just caught 13 Going On 30, and saw MJ's Thriller dance. It was so amazing, and together with his other songs like Black & White (which was the mass dance song for our juniors so the OGLs had to learn the moves), Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean (the iconic moonwalk dance)...

I remember my previous maid sharing her love for MJ to me. I was in primary school then. She would introduce me to his songs, and she would sing his songs when she was cleaning the house.... so I kinda grew up with his music.

During my stint at CNA last year, there were many entertainment news about him and I thought, 'What a freak', but sometimes you don't know how much the media distorts. Whatever, he is and will be the legend of our generation. He is in his own league man.

I am going to console myself by playing all his songs on repeat.