Earthquake in Indonesia and Fear

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

This morning, I just read the news about a 6.2 earthquake that killed at least 3,000 in Indonesia. Thousands were reported injured in central Java province.

Last night in Fellowship, we studied how Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 5:35-41). When Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He asked his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

We explored our own fears: Death, serious sickness, earthquakes, storms, and unemployment. I shared my fear of car accidents. Almost 30 years ago, my car was hit by a hit-and-run drunk driver on the freeway near Palo Alto. He was going from lane to lane in high speed and did not stop until Milpitas in spite of police car and helicopter chases in the morning commute.

I am still grateful for all those people who called police with their CB radios. Other than physical injury to my back and neck, I suffered great fear. Not only did I refuse to drive for months. Later, when I started driving, I became extremely defensive. I spent a lot of time looking into my rear view mirror to make sure nobody was going to hit me from nowhere again.

Do you know how I eventually got out of such fear? By memorizing Isaiah 41:10 and reciting it while I was driving! God can use His word to talk to us. Trust Him.

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Repent and Seek Forgiveness

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:8-9)

I have been working on my newsletter for awhile, on and off. I was too busy in April. I felt guilty that I skipped a month, but I really want to send one out before the Mother's Day weekend. So, between appointments, I drove home, pushed myself, and sent it out (to my multiple distribution lists). There. Done. I did it!

It was after 6 p.m. when I got home ... barely enough time to fix and eat dinner, and wash dishes before getting out the door again at 7:25 p.m. Our small group studied Romans 8:5-6 and Galatians 5:19-24. As believers in Christ, we have the freedom to choose between satisfying the desires of our sinful nature or the desires of the Holy Spirit. The message is so fitting with my newsletter.

It was after 11 p.m. when I checked e-mail. Wow. I already got a few replies to the newsletter. Great. After sending something back, I finally read my own newsletter.

What? Why is the distribution list displayed? Oh No! No No No! I forgot to send it to myself and blind copy my readers. I was shocked, embarassed, feeling guilty! I had been very careful to use blind copy since I started the Parenting ABC newsletters last July. What have I done? I told my husband and we prayed together to ask for God's forgiveness. It is too late to do anything else. I have to sleep. Good thing I have kept each list relatively small.

I was thinking about my mistake when I woke up this morning. I know God has forgiven me and still loves me. It is comforting to know, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).

But something still bothers me. There are people who don't like strangers (even friends of friends) to get their e-mail addresses. Even though I didn't do it intentionally, my action would offend someone. That person would be bothered and annoyed, may be feeling betrayed. I don't want to lose my reader's trust. I believe trust is one the most fundamental elements of any relationship.

Yesterday I wrote, "Our kids already know we are not perfect. Sometimes, we just have to show them how we repent and seek forgiveness." Why can't I just humble myself and tell everyone? Repentence means I know I did something wrong (intentionally or not) and I will turn around and don't do the same thing again. I have a choice. I can follow my sinful desires (to save face) by denying the problem or giving excuses to justify myself, or to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to admit my errors publicly, in my blog. I cannot control how others think and feel. However, I can always lift my burdens to God in prayers and do my part:

"I am really sorry about listing your e-mail address on my newsletter. Will you forgive me?"

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Secret of Real Success

Last night we studied the story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-50). From age 17 to 30, Joseph went through a lot of traumatic experiences: He was pushed into a pit and then sold into salvery by his brothers, tempted and accused by his master's wife, put into prison by his master, and forgotten by the cupbearer whose dream he interpreted. Yet through all his difficulties, Joseph achieved success in whatever circumstances he was placed into. He survived. No, he triumphed. He was put in charge of the whole land of Egypt and saved the lives of many people, including his dad, brothers, and their families.

What is Joseph's secret of success in the toughest of times?

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered ... When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes ... (Genesis 39:2-4)

Joseph's master took him and put him in prison ... But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge ... because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:20-23)

The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?" Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." (Genesis 41:37-40)

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Tiger Wood Remembering His Father

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6: 1-4)

Earl Woods died at age 73. Here is what his son Tiger Woods shared on his website:

"I'm very saddened to share the news of my father's passing at home early this morning. My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply. I'm overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn't be where I am today without him, and I'm honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring. Thank you to all who are sending condolences to my family and our Foundation. We are truly blessed to have so many who care during this difficult time."

How will our children remember us? It depends -- on our relationship with each of our kids. Before it is too late, reconcile with forgiveness, love and acceptance. While you're at it, don't forget the other important people in your lives, and most important of all, our Heavenly Father!

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC