~ 4/4/2014 ~
For almost
a quarter of my life, I have been staying overseas due to various reasons. Ironically it was during these periods of
time when I was physically away from Malaysia that I realized how much I love
my country. It could be as the saying
goes, “absence made the heart fonder”. It
could be because of the more frequent I declared “I am a Malaysian” (as I am
frequently asked where I come from), the more I felt the patriotism and pride
of being a Malaysian.
It is
because of this love that I have so many mixed feelings for the past weeks
since March 8th. Much sadness
and grief when I heard about MH370. Heartfelt
gratitude when I heard of the many countries worldwide that raced to assist us
in whatever ways to trace the missing plane.
But in the midst of all these, my heart ached every time I read online
the accusations and negative comments that were hurled towards my country and fellow
countrymen in their handling of the crisis. Especially so, when these
criticisms came from my fellow Malaysians. Isn’t it for such a time as this that we
should be united in love and much prayer for our country?
I used to
feel slightly discouraged whenever I was asked where Malaysia is, when I have
to explain Malaysia is located north of Singapore or located south of Thailand
(depends on which country the person knows. But they always seem to know either
one of them but not us). But now, I felt
even worst when people’s response to me is “Oh, Malaysian Airlines…” when they
heard Malaysia. We have become famous
for the wrong reason and it saddens me. But
it is when my heart ached the most that I re-affirm how much this country means
to me.
Regardless
of where God calls me to be in the future, Malaysia will always be my most
beloved country. I thank the Lord for
the land of Malaysia and for making me a citizen of this beautiful land during
my brief journey on earth. A land that I
can call my own, to love, cherish and pray for.
2 Chronicles 7:14 : “If my people, who are
called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn
from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.”
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