Terrorists

To a family, that is. To be more precise -- seemingly well-meaning people around us whose words or actions can be more of 'breakers' than 'builders' to our family.

Remembered this term from a pastor's sermon for C&WK's wedding. The term just somehow kept returning over the last three years of our marriage at different times to alert and shake me to vigilance.

* Those who say things that cause disharmony between my spouse and I -- creating doubts between us, trying to rouse us to power struggle with each other, etc.

* Those who say or do things that cause sibling rivalry and jealousy among my children -- telling the children that we love one more than the other; showing obvious preference before the children, one more than the other; saying things that compare them to each other or other children; say or do things that affect my children's self-esteem and sense of security.

* The harder ones to detect are those who are well-meaning but try to discourage or hinder us when we make certain decision or choices that we feel and know for a fact that it's best for OUR family.

Over the years as I grow as a Christian, I've learnt that vigilance takes a lot of strength -- supernatural strength from God. I continue to pray for that strength constantly and I know that I will be able to do that only with the supernatural love from God, our Father.

Towards a Gracious Society?

Do you know there is a regulation in most or all condos here that domestic helpers are not allowed to use facilities in the condo such as pools and gym?

Do you know that in some private clubs here, domestic helpers are not even allowed to wait outside the entrance when they're not allowed to stay and help keep an eye on their employers' kids in the play area while they dine?

Do you know that some people actually 'will not attend an enrichment class full of maids minding their children because they are mostly not participative making the environment totally inconducive' -- what of those parents who behave in the same described manner? Will they be judged the same way?

Once, when I stood with 2 Filipino friends at the lobby area of a shopping centre we just entered trying to decide where to lunch, we were approached by a security guard who told us curtly, 'You are not allowed to stand here.' When I stared straight at him and asked even more curtly, 'Why?' He backed off saying, 'Sorry, sorry, I thought you are Filipino.' I challenged him sharply, 'So?' I still boil at that thought because I still don't understand why???!!!

Pardon my ignorance -- I only found out such attitude exists and in such extent HERE in this 'gracious society' TODAY! I am totally appalled and disgusted!

Wonder if any of those people read Emperor's New Clothes?

When tsumani struck, countless lives get flushed away -- as easily as toothpicks get washed off -- who cares who's stacked on top or beside 'a maid' or 'a foreigner'?

When the earth shook, would you choose not to hide at a certain place because it's all crowded with 'maids' or 'foreigners'?

Stripped naked of branded outfits, titles and statuses -- one looks better than another?

Stripped of different coloured skins -- some have different coloured blood or 'better blood'? That'll make blood transfusion difficult huh?

Cr*p~