Genetic editing should not even be considered

In the debate on genetic engineering, it should not be a question of proceeding with caution, but whether it should even be done in the first place ("Proceed with caution on genetic engineering" by Ms Denise Lee Hui Jean; Feb 23).

Humanity longs to engineer genetic diseases out of our biological inheritance, but can anyone eliminate the possibility of stroke, diseases, accidents and so on in the later part of our lives ("Gene-edited babies: From red light to orange... and then green?"; Feb 20)?

What do we do then with the old and the frail, the weak and the disabled who exist in our society? Do we eventually eliminate ourselves?

Our human heart is self-centred and has an insatiable appetite for perfection.

Singapore has the tendency to follow the trends in other countries, and takes pride in it, without considering the moral stand of each policy.

First, we had assisted reproduction technology such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), on the false premises that people have a right to have children and it is necessary to promote population growth. Indeed, the latter is why the Government is co-funding IVF.

Individuals are treated almost as economic units in a social engineering project. Where is the value of human beings as bearers of equal rights?

From IVF, we proceeded to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which is done here to check for disorders like thalassemia, haemophilia and muscular dystrophy.

Embryos with problematic genes are destroyed.

This year the Ministry of Health (MOH) will implement a pilot programme - pre-implantation genetic screening - whereby embryos with chromosomal abnormalities will be discarded ("Trial for screening IVF embryos to start soon"; Nov 11, 2016).

As it is, a substantial number of people view IVF treatment as illicit because it involves spare embryos, with many discarded if they are not of good enough quality for a healthy pregnancy.

The pursuit of such perfection is futile because we cannot have a perfect life that is free from stress, problems, diseases, accidents, ageing and death.

We do not need to be fearful of sufferings but should view them as challenges to shape our character and instil in us priceless values.

As a woman with a genetic disorder, I would not want any editing in my genes because I am wonderfully made.

Through my disability, I learn resilience, and I teach that to the next generation.
http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/genetic-editing-should-not-even-be-considered

47/365 I am a friend of God

I don't have a best friend.

When I was a kid, people asked who my best friend is. Maybe it's the hospital because I grew up there. As I grow older, I made more friends. Who is your best friend? Maybe it's Ling, because we once shared that melancholic, romantic personality in NUS.

Yesterday. Oh, I don't have a best friend. Suddenly felt crestfallen because isn't that a 'failure' in the eyes of the world?

Wait. Isn't my best Friend Jesus? He is in heaven. It's the Holy Spirit! My best Friend guiding me every day to be in the company of wise friends.

Let your human best friend of the opposite gender be your spouse and none other.

Thank God that I have good friends. Friends who accompany me in His good path. Friends who care about issues that I cannot understand the reason for.

Reminded each time I need to be reminded:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6)

Sweet thought! We have a Friend above,
Our weary, faltering steps to guide,
Who follows with His eye of love
The precious child for whom He died.
—Anon.

I have the best best Friend. 

47/365
#iamafriendofGod

True inclusiveness begins in the womb

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY but was not published.

I agree with Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and Nicholas Aw that the changing of mindsets is crucial in transforming low tolerance or acceptance of people with special needs into mutual understanding and respect ("New campaign focuses on greater acceptance for people with disabilities”; Feb 11, "Let us walk the talk on inclusiveness"; Feb 16). 

A study by Lien Foundation found out that while Singaporeans are supportive of the idea of inclusive education, it has not been borne out by action to the same degree ("S'poreans support inclusive education but do not walk the talk: Study"; May 30, 2016).  

As a woman with a physical disability, I am not surprised by the findings, because before birth, a child with a disability is already not accorded the same value as other unborn children. 

The Guidelines on Termination of Pregnancy state that "the contents of pre-abortion counselling may be adapted for women diagnosed with foetal abnormalities". The selective abortion of unborn children with medical defects is an indication of how people can fail to recognise the inherent dignity and value of people with special needs.

In October 2014, the Health Ministry referred to a routine foetal scan at 20 weeks of pregnancy to pick up structural abnormalities as one of the reasons to justify keeping the abortion time limit at 24 weeks. 

Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor added that keeping the abortion limit at 24 weeks "will allow these mothers some time to consider the implications and make an informed decision as to whether to keep or abort the child, without being rushed to meet a shorter cut-off time". 

The singling out of disabled unborn children to justify abortion is inconsistent with the Government's obligations to promote respect for the inherent dignity of disabled people under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Singapore ratified in July 2013.

There are legitimate concerns in raising a child with special needs but there is no legitimate reason to kill the most vulnerable member of our society. 

A "throw-away" culture will lead Singapore on a precarious path whereby the old and frail are deemed unworthy to live. True inclusiveness begins in the womb and mindset changes must be spearheaded by our Government.

46/365 Best God-help book

When Rebekah saw Isaac, she took a veil and covered herself (Genesis 24). Did wedding veil originate from there?

Dysfunctional families. So prominent in God's word. Favoritism, jealousy, envy, deception, murder etc. Name it, it's all there. Like a mirror, reflecting the sorry state of mankind. Yet God is ever so faithful. He still sent His Son, Jesus to die for us, such that we can now come boldly to the throne of grace, His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, guiding us in His truth.

Indeed there's nothing new under the sun. Answers to life's questions, all there. Feeling empty, no strength? Don't know how to move on from here? Psalms will see us through.

Best God-help book. ❤

46/365
#Heisthebeginningandtheend
#humannaturedoesnotchange

45/365 The gem in my life

By God's favour and grace, boy finally got into nursing. He is my second ex-student on the route to a meaningful mission in life. He wants to work with the elderly or children. I'm so proud of him. Though he may be looked down upon by snobbish and shallow people, he will always be a gem in my life.

My most meaningful day of love spent with young kids and the big boy. Cheering you on and looking forward to the day when you look to God to de-stress. 

45/365
#proudofspiritualson
#looktoGodnotman

44/365 Who is that nameless, faithful one?

I am totally intrigued by the oldest nameless servant of Abraham. God is his master's God. He prayed to God for success in finding a wife for Isaac. He learnt faith when he saw God answering his prayer. Twice he bowed down his head and worshipped the Lord. Has God become his God?

Who is this nameless servant? One chapter was devoted to describing his faithfulness and love to his master Abraham and his own encounter with God. (Genesis 24)

May we be found faithful in doing the will of our Master, our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. (Revelation 20)

44/365
#thenamelessfaithfulone
#whatisinthatbook

43/365 Love a stranger

Didn't plan but ended up at Paya Lebar Square for lunch before my lesson. Didn't plan to talk to any stranger but ended up talking to one. This amazing lady is Gea, working as a domestic helper for 6 years. She has very good employers, such that she could learn nursing and other skills on her off day: Sunday. She volunteers on two Sundays a month, she believes in continual learning. She said only when our thinking is changed, then our lives can be changed. She wants to share what she knows with others. She reads about Nick Vujicic... wow, she is passionate about life!

Each of us has a compelling story to tell. Keep that story coming!

43/365
#whenthisworldcanbemadeabetterplace
#loveastranger

42/365 Love our family

Life is so unpredictable. Treasure every moment with our loved ones.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4)

42/365
#actionsspeaklouderthanwords
#ifandwhentheLordwills
#loveourfamily

41/365 See the BIG picture

See the BIG picture. Whenever I feel a little bothered by trivial things, God just remind me of the great things to come, of the little things that sweeten life. Like a friend who agreed straightaway to help me with an important thing, like another friend who helped me with the venue for a sharing session, like that friend, that friend...

Without friends, I wouldn't even be able to survive in 'mountainous' NUS! I'm grateful to you guys, too many to thank, just like I can never say enough to thank God.

Thanksgivings lift up my spirit. God teaches me how to give thanks.

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

41/365
#thanksgivingliftsupourspirit
#thankGodforfriends

40/365 Save lives!

I really wish I don't get to hear real life stories about abortion. Each time I hear it, I would freeze and all I want to do is to cry.

A severely disabled child was aborted. Sounds like mercy killing? Is there mercy in killing? Really no choice or the choice was too hard to live with? We have the power to kill and we used it.

A miscarriage. Really not your fault. The baby just couldn't stay. If you have a physically disabled child, you would still keep the child. If the child is intellectually disabled, you would abort the baby because the child can't survive in this world without being smart. No, no, that's not true... I tried to explain...

A group of people speaking, trying hard to encourage another person with the words and experiences of man. When you leave and go back to reality, you would sink back into the box you have put yourself in.

While encouragement is important, while you try so hard to believe in yourself, you cannot see hope unless you know who Hope is. I know, because I found Him earlier than you.

To the little soul who left years ago. I wish I know your parents earlier to be able to play a part in letting you into this earth.

I pray that I can be of help in saving lives, not hear of more lives lost.

40/365
#onelifelostisonetoomany
#believeonlyinGodnotinyourself

Adopted children deserve the best family environment too

Under the Adoption of Children Act, married couples and singles are allowed to adopt children ("askST: What are the procedures a same-sex couple have to go through to adopt a child?"; ST Online, Feb 5).

However, men are not allowed to adopt girls, except in special circumstances. This could be a precaution to protect the child against sexual violence.

But what measures are there to protect boys from sexual violence? This is a loophole in the law.

Also, what is to stop a same-sex couple from adopting a child, since a single is allowed to adopt?

Marriage is the indispensable foundation of the family. The family is the fundamental unit of the society.

The Government recognises the institution of marriage to support the right of every child to be raised by a father and a mother wherever possible.

Adopted children should not be the exception.

Since many come from deprived backgrounds, all the more they need the love and care of a father and a mother to help them re-adjust to a healthy family life.

No matter how much a single adoptive mother loves a child, she cannot be the father that the child needs.

Children deserve the best family environment. They should not be subjected to the loss of a parent, albeit an adoptive one. 

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/adopted-children-deserve-the-best-family-environment-toon

39/365 Let not love become just a word

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16)

"God, I love You...BUT I don't agree with You on Your stand on homosexuality. You are Love, why don't you allow this couple to love each other?..."

When it comes to our desires and misplaced compassion, our heart will not be loyal to God because our heart is deceitful above all things. Thank God for His word that our heart can be aligned to His, IF we completely surrender to Him.

While our spiritual maturity can differ, there is NO EXCUSE for rejecting the word of God and yet claiming to belong to Him.

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14)

If we don't keep His commandments, we don't love Him.

As simple as that.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro..."

No fear of deception because God sees.

39/365
#whenlovebecomesjustaword

Diversity is not an intrinsic good

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY but was not published.

Diversity is not an intrinsic good; a good to be sought after for its own sake. Each demand for diversity should be carefully considered based on its merits ("Extend value of S'pore's growing diversity to include gender and sexuality"; 1 Feb; "Protection of more diverse groups can benefit Singapore"; 8 Feb).

Last year, the Ministry of Health (MOH) analysed 206 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Sexual transmission accounted for 94 per cent of the 206 cases. 61 per cent were from homosexual and bisexual transmission while heterosexual transmission accounted for 32 per cent of all cases. 

This is a great health concern, considering that a small population engaging in such high-risk sexual behaviour accounted for more than half of the HIV cases. The society is paying for the health costs and consequences of such irresponsible behaviour. Is there merit in encouraging such "diversity"?    

Our Government protects every citizen, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation from the threat of violence. This cannot be seen as special rights attributed to any group since every citizen is protected under the law.

Everyone has equal worth but not every behaviour is equally worthy. 

In the Parliamentary debates in 2007, the Singapore government said ,"While homosexuals have a place in society and, in recent years, more social space, repealing S377A will be very contentious and will send the wrong signal that Government is encouraging and endorsing the homosexual lifestyle as part of our mainstream way of life." 

Every appeal to "diversity" should be carefully weighed and simplistic appeals to it is not the rational way.

38/365 Godliness with contentment is great gain

Took refuge at the bus-stop. MRT station was not too far away. Was contemplating taking a bus to any station but if it's heavy rain, I try not to take a bus. Lest any drama and it's really not nice for the driver to get wet because of me. Thank God I didn't have any appointment tonight. Then I bumped into someone. She commented, "Very bad weather!"

Over the years, I have learnt not to murmur. I was just so grateful that I happened to (of course God already knew) have my sweater because of an early morning engagement and so I was warm and happy. Can't use umbrella because I don't have a third hand. Didn't bring raincoat cos now I have more faith that I will have shelter. Got a little wet but won't crumble la.

Thank God for the rain so that the reservoir will have more water. Thank God for the rain such that we can sleep very well tonight.

38/365
#godlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain
#whenasweatermakesyouwarmandhappy

37/365 Truth sets us free

When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;

and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7)

Stephen died for telling the truth.

Truth is hard to take in because it goes against our desires.

Truth is hard to take in because our pride is at stake.

What would our legacy be?

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3)

37/365
#whosetruth
#ThetruthofGodsetsusfree

36/365 Walk on water

Really really thank God for a very smooth lesson with my first student in a tuition centre. Always prefer 1-1 coaching but I guess God is preparing me to teach in a group soon. Out of my comfort zone, more challenges but what is life if we don't walk on water?

I have come so far. Can I still hide in my little hole? Much is given, much is required. Thank God for helping me to overcome the obstacles in the beginning of January. Learning much and more to learn.

Hope you had a great weekend and that you look at the week ahead with much expectation of what God can do in your willing heart! ❤

36/365
#walkonwater
#eatingplaceatQueenstownmrt

35/365 Conditions for overcoming temptations

Before Christ, I used to grab every positive sentence to keep myself alive. Sounds good, ok, into my brain and soul it will stay. Right or wrong? As long as it helps my situation, it doesn't matter. I guess God made me super sensitive to words. I was super sensitive and I guess I still have much room for improvement.

Then I realized God can use this weakness of mine and turned it into strength. I thank God that all these ten years, He sent the best teachers to guide me on this journey. He gave me wise counsellors.

"Temptations cannot succeed when you have a revelation that you are God's beloved."

-Joseph Prince, "Destined to reign"

Of course all of us are God's beloved. Does that need revelation? It's all written in His word, in Jesus' nail-pierced hands. Didn't Adam and Eve know that more than us? God first made them and walked with them in the Garden of Eden. Yet they succumbed to temptation even though they knew that they are God's beloved.

I too, for that 1 second thought that the sentence sounds right and of course very 'good'.

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5)

Knowing God and His word is hard work. Don't let anyone do what we are supposed to do ourselves.

35/365
#fleefromtemptation
#readHisword

34/365 我相信尽管现在看不见

At age 75, God promised that in Abram all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12)

In Genesis 15, God said that Abram's heir shall come from his own body. His descendants shall be like the uncountable stars. Abram believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

In Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai took things into their own hands. Perhaps time has eroded Abram's faith and like Adam, he listened to Sarai. Perhaps they do not understand the character and workings of God. Sounds familiar?  Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

God is faithful despite man's disobedience. His promise never changed. But Abraham doubted in God's ability. (Genesis 17)

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”...

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18)

When Abraham was 100 years old, the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken.

For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
(Genesis 21)

At the appointed time, God will make true His promise.
Impossible as it seems in reality, we serve a God not bound by time or circumstances.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11)

34/365
#我相信尽管现在看不见
#genesis

33/365 My little cute boy

In my P3 boy's Chinese comprehension, white rabbit gets the seeds of white cabbage from a goat so as to grow the vegetable. Grey rabbit just eat the cabbage given and in time, he goes hungry because there is no more.

Moral of the story? Mr boy read it out. Miss Ho probed further. He said, "I find the answers. Because you cannot go with me for exams." To get kids to say out what we want them to remember is much more effective than nagging at them to do what is required. What they say, they will remember better. Takes more time? Much shorter if you combine nagging time.

Proud of this growing cute boy. Learning self-control and working towards better communication with this stern but nice teacher lolGrow well, go far. With Christ in you and with parents who do their best for you, you will soar! 

33/365
#proudofthelittleboy
#lifeskills

32/365 Jesus is life

My friends and I advocate life for everyone, regardless of his condition. God is revealing to me that no one has the right to say that another person’s life is not worth advocating for. It is no longer theory but becomes practicum for me as I get to know such families. What is God teaching us about a life that is dependent on others? How can we be so sure that we are the ones who give when these people teach us who God really is?

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21). I can’t wait for that day to come! Meanwhile, what does God require of you and me? In this instance, I do not want that label ‘fragile doll’ anymore. That is not our identity. We are made in the image of God, knowing in our soul that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Now baptised in Christ, we are children of our everlasting Father, secure in His name, secure in His arms.

#32/365
#autobiography
#Jesusislife

31/365 Backbone of steel

I was about to take the lift n this guy was to come out but he faced the wrong door. I called him n a second later, he dropped his ezlink card into the gap of the lift. He looked at me fiercely. Or maybe he has a fierce face, I am not sure. Reminds me of the time when I dropped my keys into the lift gap. I can only say that we can be more careful next time.

A friend said this person and that person is a famous tutor... I should make myself famous so that I won't be left behind in this industry. My aim is definitely to help every kid succeed, not just in his studies but also to emphasize on life skills that will help him go far, grow deep. I don't need to be a famous tutor. I desire more to be a 'Carebear'  , will and can do what God desires in the next season. I don't want and I don't need to follow the crowd.

As I hold your hand in prayer, God reminded me that I should not see myself as better off in circumstances. It is a shallow way of comparison. I only see that celebration of life, that our bones can be soft but God gives us backbone of steel. We have the same God to watch over us and you are loved and blessed. Life is beautiful, because Jesus is the truth, the way and the life. God bless u! 

31/365
#carebear
#bonesofsteel