Lenten Reflection: 6th March 2013, Wednesday

Only take heed, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children's children.

(Deuteronomy 4:9)

This is a trying time for all Malaysians, especially those currently residing in Sabah, be it the locals or those from West Malaysia. Since my previous post on the issue of intrusion in Sabah by the sultan (whose identity is questionable) of a long-gone sultanate of Sulu, and how bloodshed had occurred, I hadn't posted a reflection of the daily readings. I have to admit and confess that I was angry with my fellow countrymen who posted troll pictures and/or politically-inclined statements on Facebook without taking responsibilities of the consequences which might happen due to their irresponsible statements. I was deeply disturbed by the current conditions which are considered one of the biggest security crises Malaysia had ever experienced ever since the days of communists attack right after independence.

Today's first reading deeply touched my heart, reminding me that the peace and unity of multiracial Malaysia aren't to be taken for granted. For about 50 years we took for granted the peace in the country while our neighbouring countries were in chaos. Right now, we finally are in the same shoes as our neighbours who struggled so much to bring peace in their nations. Indeed, as what was advised in the book of Deuteronomy - to never forget things which we are experiencing right now. We must always bear in mind and in hearts how we regain our independence and peace within the country. We must appreciate the martyrs' blood that was shed to protect our nation during this invasion of 2013. It is crucial that this should be included as part of our modern history to remind our future generation the hardship which we go through, be it physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, when our security forces battled with the barbaric terrorists. It also reminds me to never take for granted my homeland. No matter how far I am right now, Malaysia will always be home, and a nation which I am proud to be born as her people.

As individuals, we don't seem to be able to do anything. But as a nation, we could do something besides voicing out our opinions about the situation, that is to PRAY FOR PEACE AND SAFETY IN SABAH. Right now, we're entering the 3rd day of Divine Mercy Novena for this special intention (GMT time), while in Malaysia, it is already the 3rd day of the novena. I, personally, am very encouraged to see everybody, doesn't matter what race or nationality, is united in prayers according to their own religious beliefs. This is one of those challenging times in our nation which ignites a very strong sense of patriotism regardless of age, ethnicity or religious beliefs. May God hear our prayers and all things will be renewed in the whole Malaysia due to this event! Amen!

Please join us to pray for Sabah by joining the FB event which is created. We have been praying the Divine Mercy Novena since 5th March until 13th March. (click here to join the event)

Prayers for Sabah, Malaysia

Many may not know where Sabah is, until the recent chaos caused by a claim of a long-extinct sultanate of Sulu that Sabah, MALAYSIA, is their homeland and they suddenly "desire to claim the land" back. Hence, a few hundreds Suluk "warriors" sailed from their origin, which is the PHILIPPINES, about a month ago, and tried to take over a village in Lahad Datu. Warriors or not, personally, they didn't think of the interests of those Suluk people who left southern Philippines during the crazy murderous times for a better life in Malaysia, be it as asylum seekers or illegal immigrants. Had this very high almighty sultan without a land but full of empty promises ever spare a thought for the fate of his potential "royal subjects" of Suluk people living in Sabah when he launched this murderous act? Probably he thought sacrificing the opportunities of more than 800,000 Suluks in Sabah to live a better life is worth of his future "kingdom". Or maybe he didn't consider the consequences of his murderous acts. Imagine them being chased back to their original land of southern Philippines due to this act of their "king"? The predator will be preyed upon their flee home I guess.

Not forgetting the natives who live in Sabah for more than 20000 years. Will they ever consider this "conquerer" a king or an intruder of their peaceful land? His "royal highness" probably forgot that besides his "royal subjects", the land is inhabited by the real royal subjects of the DYMM King of Malaysia. He forgot that Sabah gained independence through the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and has since been in the world map as part of Malaysia, not a part of some fabricated "Nation of Sulu". He forgot that a kingdom obtained by bloodshed will end in bloodshed too. Maybe soon he will remember. Maybe.

I'm just a Malaysian who lived in peaceful land of Sabah for 9 years before leaving to further my studies. I saw development, maybe some complaints (as usual) here and there, and definitely a great deal of diversity and unity. The love and peace shared in the state encouraged me that Malaysia is worth fighting for. A diverse nation yet live rather harmoniously together. We, Malaysians, are special and different ethnic groups live as one for more than 50 years now. I am saddened and angered by acts of thoughtlessness towards my home of 9 years, a place I want to call home in future too.

Maybe this self-declared royal highness of a long-gone kingdom wants a better life himself, and for his family members in future. Yet, he truly has forgotten the men whom he brainwashed to fight for his betterment have family members who love them too. Spare a thought for them too!

As the alerts are raised and people are tensed about the possibility of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, to be attacked by these intruders, prayers are lifted up by every person who believes in God. Be it Christians, Muslims or any other religions, all with one voice is crying out to God to save His people. I personally will be starting the novena of Divine Mercy tonight for this intention. And may the Lord strengthen the faith of His people in Sabah, and grant peace upon this land below the wind once again. Amen.

Notice for Readers

Hi people... Sorry for not updating my blog much these days... FYI, I might not be posting so many entries in the days to come. Many things are happening in my life, especially my family, so in the times of uncertainty, my emotions become hazzled, and I think certain thoughts of mine are unsuitable for public view. I'll try to update as often as I can though... We see how God leads me to share...

Hmm... Something struck me as I checked on my Friendster... I had stopped FaceBook already... I probably will be able to declare that I'm "clear" from FaceBook after this 19 February 2009 (90 days clearance). Currently I'm still quite active in Friendster, and a private group that I'm in. I used to be the founder but due to certain unforseen circumstance, I had to give it up to another until further notice. I notice some recent "disturbances" that will eventually cause me to stop checking FS group.

"I just want peace, leave me and my comfort zone alone, intruder! You have your zone already, so please leave me and my zone alone, I beg you!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Please pray for me. That intruder's shadow is getting on my already-weakened nerves! :( To avoid it I stopped FB completely, now have to consider stopping FS because of the same cause. Dang!

I'm like a withered sunflower these few days. I pray God will save me fast before I sink into the sea of emotions... God help me!!!!!!