20120809: Gen41:33 - 4 & 1+3+3! A Tale of 2 countries

Gen 41:33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man DISCRETE AND WISE, and set him over the land of Egypt"

Joseph was THE discrete or discerning and wise man the pharaoh picked to watch over the land of Egypt. It was then 7 years of plentiful where Joseph stored up in his advice to pharaoh to prepare for the 7 coming famine years.

As our nation celebrates her 47th year, indeed we need a 4-7 man like Joseph in Gen 41:33 to steer us into the next lap.  The medals above are not the London Olympic Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. Below is a contrast of 2 countries, Singapore vs Grenada. I have never heard of this country until someone sent me this photo below. It is a small country off the Carribean (NE of Venezuela) . Predominantly Christian in population. And yes, God has blessed this little place which came into independence 9 years after our little red dot as it is also known as an island of spice - major exporter in nutmeg and mace.  Interesting , her motto is "Ever conscious of God we aspire, Build and advance as One People"

We were given these medals at the Day Of His Power, an annual praise and prayer meeting held on the eve of our national day.  The athletes who compete in the Olympics do it for mainly one reason - I suppose - to bring pride to the country whom he or she represents.  S'pore has so far not won any gold. But this year 2012, this little country of Genada proved that they can come up with a man like  Kirani James who won the first Olympic gold medal in the men's 400 m dash. And the reward? 
A PUBLIC HOLIDAY!!! For all the 110,000 citizens! No million or hundred of thousands payout in cash to the competitor. Had the Malaysian badminton player won, then all Malaysians were supposed to be treated to a free ice-cream by one ice-cream company.

Reflections
What does national day mean to you?
In the past, I am proud to carry my red passport.  It is a passport that many from other countries often see red as many visas are waived because we are citizens of a little red dot.

Lately, some embarrassment and shame has crept in.
We are an unique nation. We Pay And Pay to get the cream of every crop - that comes from the top ministers and civil service and into the sports arena.  The carrot is always dangling & seducing the very young here.  No one knows the heart of the man or woman - the work or sports competition - is it for the money or the fame or glory?

Unlike Grenada which is mainly Christian, our little red dot is only perhaps 18% christian as we lived in a very multiracial country.  Our electorate for voting in the recent Presidential election was only slightly past 2mio. But we have right now about 5mio people here on our 710 sq km.  Imagine Grenade with only 110,000 people on their island half the size of our little red dot!  Integration - the talk of the town here to.  Embracing other nationals.  Can we be like Grenada - able to share the same motto " Ever conscious of God we aspire, Build and advance as One People"? We are very multiracial.  The God whom the people worship differs. What is nation? My earlier blog touched on it. Can we aspire? Can we build and advance? Yes. But as ONE people? Er...

I have seen some of the photos of Grenada. The island looks simple and rustic. Perhaps that was what Sir Raffles saw and loved when he stepped unto this red dot. But the country has changed over the years.  I have been to the Gardens by the Bay. But there is lots of artificial stuff in there.  I dunno how to express. Just felt it. Preferred the botanic gardens ten times over.  I think we are trying too hard.  Time to sit back and just relax on the sandy beach of the east or west coast to gaze at the stars - the natural blinking lights above the dark night. These little twinkling lights - there are free.... so here is a national day song "Free" (by Corrine May)  to all ...Blessed 47th birthday S'pore.  Pray that we will have 4-7 Joseph - discrete and wise to steer this little red dot in right direction in the days ahead.  Break the chains over our nation.  Set us free... ....a reminder of the wild morning glories I used to see on the fences in my kampong days! Have you seen a morning glory around lately in your neighbourhood?