Contributed by Wendy ML Tan • Jun 13, 2023

Foundation of Life 

I have known Jesus since my primary school days. Learning about Jesus, His disciples and all those heroes and heroines of the Old Testament laid the foundation of my life. I don’t think I have ever questioned the authenticity of Him being the Truth nor did I ever consider if the Bible was merely a book of myths and legends. I grew up knowing that Scripture is true and that it holds all truths. So, even though at some point in my life when I fell into the trappings of trials and temptations in this broken world, I knew deep in my heart that there is one true God. I am thankful that He pursued and rescued me, the strayed bruised sheep at the edge of a cliff.

I imagine my life was previously built on the foundation of rotting wood. Being given the chance to rebuild it, I opted to clear out most of the rubbish of my life and build it with better, solid material. Not that I didn’t have the right things to begin with, but they were dormant and unused. The scaffolding of my life has to be tied henceforth with principles and values that matter.

Framework for Life

When Pastor Daniel mentioned his teacher, I was reminded of Mrs Goh, my English language teacher in high school. At the first Christian Fellowship meeting which she handled too, she humbly told us that should she fall (spiritually), we should have the courage to lift her up. I learned then that age is just a number. What is more important is our spiritual well-being.

You may wonder if all the effort to memorise Bible verses in Children’s Church is worth it. As a kid in Sunday School, I would aim to obtain the weekly “gold star” stickers on my record book. Little did I know that even today, I would occasionally quote Scripture as though they are part and parcel of my everyday vocabulary (though I don’t necessarily remember the exact words nor recall exactly where the verses are printed in the Bible). Subconsciously, the Biblical values and principles are what drives my convictions of life. Being committed to my faith in God then comes naturally.

Some people may not agree though to my responses to what I stand up for. For example, back in my years as a merchandiser in a bookstore, I could close my eyes to the sale of Feng Shui titles and conference tickets, adult romance fiction, tarot cards and self-propagating titles among others, because to me these stuff would be bought by adults who should be wiser and more discerning about the choices they make in life. I however, could not tolerate elements like LGBT and suicidal techniques which were subtly then explicitly inserted into the plots and storylines of bestselling Young Adult and Tween series. Even famous authors held press conferences to announce their ‘coming out’ to boost sales. I cringe at the idea of my little nephew and nieces being exposed to such atrocities. It is unsurprising to me when I hear of children as young as 5-year-olds having mental issues, depression, suicidal thoughts and the desire to dress-up as the opposite sex. No, I refuse the idea to make money at the expense of losing the young generation to a sick and valueless life. That is one of the reasons why I am glad that I was retrenched from the company. Logically, who leaps with joy in losing a job? Looking back, I sure had many good memories and I have no regrets working there, but two decades on, when it was time to move on, I moved on.

Focus in Life

At the end of the day, all that I do, I hope would bring glory to God. I know I am far from perfect and I have to constantly remind myself that without God, I am nothing. Without God, I will have no stories to share. I thank God for the stories. May each piece of reflection that I write for Engage/Ignite bring glory to His name..

Forging Forward

If I were to describe myself in 10 words, I wouldn’t. Who I am today is the result of trudging through a roller coaster timeline with the help of many giants in my life – people I could lean on, for advice and encouragement, for tears to flow when things were hard, when words were too difficult to mouth,  when all I needed was a hug or a prayer. Giants who would feed me unconditionally week in and week out with free breakfast and lunches (especially on Sundays). Giants who lovingly lift me up so that I can see how beautiful the moon is on a dark night. Giants who take burdens off my shoulders when I have tight deadlines. Giants who believe in me.

I have been and still am immensely blessed by my CG, my 3-2-1 sisterhood, and this church that I often call my second home.

Thank you and God bless all of you.