Email from Readers

Date: Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 1:39 AM Subject: Thank You noteTo: scalingwalls.siewmay@gmail.com

Dear Sister Siew May,

Hi! I'm Poh Long from Charis Tabernacle, forgive me for not introducing myself when I bought your book from you. First of all, really thanks for sharing with us your testimony! If you had not shared your testimony, I would not have the chance to read your book, and be touched by your story.

I guess most of my life, I wallow in self pity too. I came from a poor family, and I always resented my parents for not working hard enough for me to lead a comfortable life. Time to time, I always compared myself to be lower than others, not having nice shoes to wear, not getting to travel to other countries and stuff. When I was 18, my father had a stroke and his left side of the body was paralysed, making him partially disabled. As I was reading your book, I could understand some of the feelings which you went through. I was the eldest son in my family, and my mother was not well educated and does not have a healthy body. So I took the responsibility of taking care of my family in my father's place, because he could no longer care for us anymore.

I never treasured him in my life. Even during the days after he had the stroke, there were times which I even looked down on him. I really regretted my actions that time. Anger and hatred consumed me, because after my A levels, I had to go out and work to get a stable income. I envied my other friends who can relax themselves after the exams, go overseas for holidays and stuff. A year later while I was in the Army, my father suddenly had a second stroke, and this time he slipped into a coma. I only knew of the news when I got back to my bunk after an outfield exercise, as I did not carry my phone out. I never had the chance to speak with him for the last time. He passed on a few days later in hospital.

I was 19 that time. This time round, guilt and depression consumed me. Several times I thought of just ending my life too – I don't see the reason to endure the harsh trainings in army and to lose a family member when I'm stuck in army. My Army allowance was used to support my family, but it wasn't enough. I still have 2 younger brothers at home who are still schooling. My dream of going to university was shattered because there was even hardly enough money to go buy, let alone afford an expensive university education. That was the darkest period of my life.
But I was fortunate. Praise the Lord, I was given a scholarship which enables me to study and support my family at the same time. Subsequently I came to know the Lord through a pastor, and my life is never the same again.

That is why when I read about your life story, I can relate to some of the emotions and thoughts that you were having at that time – supporting your family and pursuing an education. But the trials which I faced are nothing compared to what you have endured through. Thank you so much, because through your story, I have learnt what is true courage, and I am inspired by you to live to the best of my life. You're right – one must have a dream to keep things going. And from now on, every time I feel like giving up on something, I will always remember the many lessons which I learned from you, and I will never give up trying.
You mentioned in your book that you want to be a contributor to this society. You already did. Your book has made a difference in me. Thank you so much!
May the Lord continue to bless you always.

Yours Sincerely,Unknown
Brother in Christ