I was in a midst of confusion and emotional status yesterday. Only that I realised I have to look at myself at who I am, but by who God has made me, and by the destiny He has laid for me.
Today, I leave it to Him. Initially I tried to be someone else, but I just couldn't. When the issue about Christianity was brought up by my colleagues, alongside with Buddhism, and the different clashes of in-laws becoz of that..I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanna SAY SOMETHING. But what?? What should I say God?? I asked for words to be put into my mouth.
Hence I was able to state my stand: If I ever would fall in love with a man who isn't a Christian, I would choose to let him go. Unequally yoke. I don't even want to put myself in the situation where I have to face the man's parents who wants me to bow to their ancestors as respect. I stated that we can respect our elders in many other ways, and bowing to ancestors isn't the only sole way. (They agreed).
When they asked why I can't bow, and what would I lose by bowing, I merely said it displeases my God; for I have no other gods before Him. I can't belive I can actually said that without thinking about rephrasing, etc. Then they asked if I bow to my God. I replied, that it's different, as it's now a relationship between me and Him, just like me and my colleagues(relationship). Hence I can communicate directly to Him without going through the acts of sacrificing a lamb, etc. However, there are times I would kneel in front of Him when I wanna draw near to Him, and in repentence. Christianity isn't another religion, but it's about my relationship with God.
I can't explain what was burning within me when I was in the midst of saying all that. But there was this push within me, that I can't help holding back sitting there and hear my colleagues continue talking. Coz one of my colleagues wasn't happy that one couple who were her relatives quarrelled heavily becoz of the matter that the christian girlfriend didn't want to bow in front of her boyfriend's parents ancestors, as instructed by the boyfriend's parents.
God, I finally found courage to say something like that in the midst of everyone. I didn't bother that the fact that I was the youngest in the department, and that I'm only an intern. I just speak. I can't believe it. Although they didn't come running to you as yet, I believed I've imparted something into their lives in partnership with You.
Thank God.
It's more or less settled. Although the finance director hasn't confirmed his going, coz he might have last-minute flights, etc. Now the headcount should be 8people or more. I'm glad I could finally accomodate as much people as possible; especially the managers-Cecilia and KC. Coz I felt it might be rude to exclude them even if they say it's okie to go ahead without them, as some dates I brought up for them to vote falls on the days where they need to do a 2-3hrs conference call to discuss and analyse the normalised P&L, etc to the big bosses overseas.
Guess what? The financial controller, KC, (after confirming with me which date he and Cecilia can make it) emailed out a LONG LONG email. He said he would be paying for the KBox session! Oh my goodness.. I didn't want anyone to treat for the outing, and I stated the cost per pax in every email to put this point across. But he was really generous.. He wrote this which really was so touching:
Grace and every one, thank very much for accommodating to Cecilia's and my schedule!
I will pay for the charges at the K-Box ... However, Grace, your discount card would still be much appreciated! ;o)
To each and every one of you, this is my way of thanking you for the dedication, support, the invaluable contribution, the hard work, the long hours and burnt weekends in making it possible for our team
- to enjoy success in the various projects undertaken like Maximo, JDE training/testing and Shortening of Monthend Closing
- to maintain a clean report-card ..... for both internal and external audit!
- to keep the "show" going, especially during those trying times when we have a shortfall in headcount!
- to help one another out in times of need ... without being told by me or Cecilia!
- making it possible for Finance Dept at 342 Jalan Boon Lay to be a wonderful, friendly, trusting, caring and conducive working environment filled with many moments of laughter and joy despite the heavy workload!
Thank you Very Much!
;o)
I am so amazed that he would write so much in the email to express his thanksgiving to everyone in the finance department. haha!! So 感动!! haha.