Friday after Ash Wednesday
Is 58:1-9
Mt 9:14-15
Is that the sort of fast that pleases me, a truly penitential day for men?
Over the past few months, some of my friends reached major milestones – some got married, while others achieved financial and career success.
Although I wanted to feel happy for them, the truth was otherwise. Deep down, I struggled with feelings of comparison and inadequacy. My life seemed to have stagnated. Or maybe even worse, moving in the opposite direction. Still a single pringle, and now facing the potential loss of my current job.
When I shared my worries with others, I was met with painful words:
“You’re disabled, so no guy in Singapore would want to marry you.”
“How can you take care of children if you can’t walk?”
“You’re handicapped, and no employer will want to hire or retain you in a long-term position?”
“Who will take your advice seriously when you’re in a wheelchair?”
These words have been lingering in my mind, weighing me down. Night after night, I found myself buried in worries. Will I ever find someone who loves me for who I am, without insisting that I ‘get up and walk’? Will I secure a stable career instead of constantly floating from job to job?
So, I have decided to fast from jealousy. Instead, I choose to surrender my future to the Lord. Rather than dwelling on my weaknesses and wallowing in self-pity, I hope that by the end of this Lent, I can trust in God’s plans for me, even when His plans haven’t come to fruition.
Brothers and sisters, let’s each choose something to fast from this Lent. And let us allow ourselves to be drawn closer to Christ. May this season of Lent remind us of His journey to the Cross and deepen our trust in Him.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Brenda Khoo)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help us to give up something this Lent, and may we be brought closer to You during our temptations and trials. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Jesus, for always loving us, even as You were suffering during Your journey to the Cross. Amen.
OXYGEN 
Brenda… You so touched my heart and soul with the honesty in all your reflections that you share with us. Most of us truly can’t imagine the daily detours in your basic life, because your legs don’t work. You certainly bear across that most of us would rant rage, and live in depression about. You truly are an inspiration to so many… Most of whom you will not know until we all walk together with Christ.
thank you for your sharing, and I will be praying that this went will spill His grace all over onto you like never before.
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