Second posting for today cos I've got some reflections that I want to pen down...

Over the past two days and several in the last two weeks, I've been involved in conducting some interviews with young inmates to find out more about their offending patterns and motivations to do crime. Though I'm amazed by what I hear regarding the backgrounds they come from and their complicated life experiences (which by the way seem to be more interesting than mine even though most of them have had shorted lifespans than myself), what I'm most encouraged by is the insight that they've shown and the tenacity they've displayed in the face of what most of us would define as adverse life circumstances. What can I complain when everyday I come home to a nice apartment, with good home-cooked food served on the table, and parents who not only pay for my education and other living expenses, while other people face the harsh reality of broken or dysfunctional families, being driven to desperation to do things just to make ends meet or survive, and be victimised by circumstances which are not within their control or not what they had a hand in creating.

Some families were complicated with several divorces and remarriages, and the absence of parenting or good role models to look up to. That worries me because the sphere of parental upbringing (very related to other factors like poverty and social influence) is so important, and recently reports in the papers have mentioned about the rising rates of divorce and people seeing marriage as a social consitution that can be broken easily if both parties are not able to make it work. Though on the plus side the stigma of divorce and remarrying has reduced, linked issues like step-parenthood (which could be good in some cases cos' a new parent may come along to fill the gap) can be a cause for concern. Therefore remarriage must be thought through very thoroughly by consenting parties--what they are putting themselves up against, the challenges and potential problems that may arise. Taking marriage lightly could mean rushing into it without full consideration of the future, which in turn could lead to poor upbringing of children.

Parenting and educating our kids is important business in society. Teens are vulnerable to influences. If they can't find the love and acceptance at home, they may end up seeking it in the wrong places. One generation can affect the next creating a domino effect and the vicious cycle can be perpetuated if nothing is done to rectify negative situations. For one, I feel that marriage must be taken seriously, and parenting needs to be given priority in our paper chase society today. Social problems stem from such root causes. Schools need to support this process of bringing up our children with proper guidance and sensitivity to the needs of youngsters today--how they think and feel. The government needs to be more in touch with the ground not only to know how to craft policies at the top level but also to renew their passion for what they are fighting for--the good of our people and nation.

We can't prevent many things. Growing up is a tough process. Not everyone will have smooth-sailing lives like I have, but it's how we brace ourselves and bounce back after being hit. Resilience is so important in a world where speed is gaining on us and things are becoming more and more complicated. I realise how much the salvation message of Jesus is so essential today. People need to know that there is a God that loves them. And God's "rules" are there for a purpose. He for one does not endorse divorce and I believe one reason why is because it doesn't lead to positive outcomes but many related social problems. Finally, many people are looking for opportunities to serve God, to go on missions, but right here at home in Singapore, there are so many needs waiting for us to go lend a hand in meeting them. The youths in the boys' and girls' hostels and homes, kids whose parents are in prison, ex-inmates released who need a second chance...all these people should be reached and they deserve to know about God. I really hope youths in good families and schools will appreciate their circumstances.