Why it isn't me?

Drooped heads, lifeless sitting on the church pews
Tangled hair, carrying all their life's possessions in trash bags
Heavy cigarette smoked breath mixed in with alcohol
These are people, human beings like you and me

What happened along the way?
What hurts so deep that drives them to their current state?
Why is it that I'm the lucky one standing on the other side of the table?
Why it isn't me?

Upbeat songs, talking about Jesus's salvation
guitars, keyboard, microphone, not once looked into the others' eyes
Hopeful message in songs, yet i felt no hope in merely following
These are people, human beings like you and me

What happened along the way?
What insecurities or fears taught in our youths preventing us to feel?
Why is it that we've not often felt the pain and frustration of those on the other side of life?
Why it isn't me?

God, You see all and know all
people poor and rich, young and old, black and white and yellow
Aren't You heart broken by all of us the same?
Sinners unable to save ourselves from our own conditions
God, don't You know how
how this all will play out? one day in paradise with You? or eternity in hell
Why it is me? or Why it isn't me?

for Africa

why all the pain and suffering, Lord?

such simple hearted human beings
with such simple faiths, reliance upon You

and yet, wars and suffering abound.

when will Your justice prevail in this vast land?
when will the wars and fightings cease?
when will people make the decision to do right?
when will those who believe in You experience peace in every side?

maybe i pray that more of Your people everywhere will truly extend our
hands
tears
prayers
money
feet
embrace
aid
so that we would be a part of Your saving plan

i just pray for peace, for joy, for laughter, for love
to flood the vast land of Africa

for mala

all this rain
were they tears from heaven?
because a beloved was taken away tonight?

is all at rest
or
will there be more struggles?

wondering where her father is now

God knows only

may God's peace be upon her
simple faith and trust
knowing Father knows best

may this gentle soul rest
in the comfort and peace of the Father

may every tear and sadness
replaced by hope from above
warm arms of friends and the Father

for the sick and those who need comfort

for god-father who is probably still lying on the hospital bed.
he's been Your servant all these years and still maintain a simple joy and faith.
pray for comfort, peace, healing overflowing.

for god-mother who takes care of him
for strength, health, peace, joy because You are with them and You love them deeply

for aunt Milly who will go through chemo therapy soon
for joy overflowing, strength, simple trust and a strong testimony to her children/grand children
of Your goodness in her life
for them to be drawn closer to You
Your name be glorified in and thru her frail life

for Wendy who is worried sick for her mother, for her daughter, her husband
with mountains and waves of people and things to take care of.
may Your peace and comfort come real and deep into her heart
that she would rest in You knowing everything is under Your control

for SW and WY who just lost their beloved father
he's with You now and all the pain has gone
he's also in good hands... Your hands

and many more who are experiencing a time of illness and discouragement
You are real and alive
show Yourself to them
and grant Your grace upon us all

for fathers

dear Lord

pray for You to bless the fathers
of children young and old
pray for Your wisdom, fearlessness
trust in You
guide for their children
strength and courage to trust in You
pray for nations to be built
because of fathers taking on their tasks and responsibilities
honorable and high callings
for them to be good examples for their children
for their children to experience who You are even thru their earthly fathers
may You be honored and glorified
because of men who submit themselves, humbly to You
seeking Your heart and will for themselves and their families
pray for spiritual leadership
righteousness and justice
health and love
grace and mercy
just as You have shown them

need to pray...

for mich's grand-dad, her exam, job, parents' visit

yung's friend's follow up

daniel's friend's talk at ACCC on Sunday

ICC needs.. worship team, bro and sis to grow in Truth, follow-up training workshop, cell leaders...

dad's traveling, mom's ministries, jie's job/service at church, mei and brian

for the victims and their friends/families

dear Lord,
in times like this, it's hard to figure out why.
why would someone cold-bloodedly killed innocent people with hopes, dreams and a future?
what drove him to this point of breaking when he no longer respects life and all the good people/things associated with life?
and how are we to respond as human beings, Christians?
we offer our prayers and maybe reach out if we do get a chance?
to pray for comfort
pray for tears of healing to flow
pray for warm arms and shoulders to cry in
pray that the good memories would count for something
that the lost would have a chance to receive Christ and the hope He offers
that there would be growth for those who believe in You, somehow
may Your peace flow thru the hearts of Your people and all who seek You
mercy... grace...
we need them... we need You