From dust we come; From dust we return

Today marks the day of dear's ah ma's cremation.

It was more than a solemn ceremony. As I witnessed the entire family gathering around ah ma's coffin before it was being carried away to Mandai Cremation, and hearing ah ma's beloved children crying and screaming out for her, my heart strings were pulled. Everyone was grieving with tears.

The journey from Simei to Mandai was heart-wrenching. I don't know what to say or to react, so I just quietly held dear's hands and squeezed them to tell him that I'm with him. It's always a painful thing to let a loved one go. The sight of Ah ma's coffin being sent for cremation in Mandai will never be forgotten. Her entire family (children, grandchildren, great grand children, nieces and nephews) was crying out for her to come back, screaming out 'mummy' and 'ah ma'... it was painful to see them in that state.

But, I thank God that Ah ma is so well-loved by all her children and grandchildren. She has lived till a good ripe age of 88, and was called to God peacefully. Though I personally have only seen Ah Ma twice and she probably can't see or hear me, she has left a legacy to the children. Her greatest legacy is her overwhelming love for God; for which it has been witnessed by her children and grandchildren. God has provided for her all these years, and has been faithful to her. God has honoured her love for Him, and that alone, touches the hearts of many. Hearing the testimonies for the past few nights allowed me to witness the great compassion and kindness Ah ma brings to those around her. I wish, I can see her in heaven in years to come, and to know her personally.

From dust we come, From dust we return. How apt this was, as said in the bible. Our soul came as a breath from God, but our body is nothing but dust. And as we return to the pearly gates where we should belong, our bodies will become ash once again. But take heart, for if you believe that God is your personal saviour, we'll enter into the heavenly gates and see God face-to-face, where there will be no more suffering and pain.

The past 4 days of mourning has made me fearful as I think of my family, as my mom and brother has not been saved yet. And because I love them so very much, I really want them to be with me and my dad in heaven. That is the greatest prayer I have in this life of mine. And I can't bear to see it not being fulfilled. Some people avoid christians on the street that tries to reaches out to them; but I've come to know that if anyone tries to reach out to you especially if she or he's your friend or family member, that person really loves you so much. For what good does the christian stand to gain? That christian stands nothing to gain for salvation is His, but yet, he or she loves you so much that they want you to experience God's amazing love.

Ah ma has truly inspired me to live a life like Jesus; so that people around me, my family and my future children and grandchildren (if God plans) will be able to see God's love through me...and likewise, they themselves will be a living testimony for others.

Rest in Peace, Ah ma.