Un-LEash

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 (ESV) I'm starting 2023 in a new country, a new job and with a new mindset. But if it's one thing I'm clear about, there's an old and yet enduring principle that guides this new season. It's this: higher heights require deeper roots. Or using another analogy, deeper foundations. This house that I am figuratively building, cannot stand up if it's done in my strength and with my tools. But if I build as God instructs and with His tools, it can stand up to any storm.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Matthew 7:25 (ESV) There is a Rock on which I'm building. Steady, unmoving, dependable, sure, and more. It's great comfort to me as I navigate this new season.  With that said, I'm making a commi...

It's safe to say that the past year and few months have felt like some of the longest, at least in my lifetime. The pandemic raged, and we were forced to try and survive the best way we know how. But behind the scenes (so to speak), there were scientists working hard and fast. Some were studying the behaviour of the virus, others the impact on people, and others still, how to vaccinate the world. I admit that I was not very keen on being among the first to be vaccinated. And by that, I mean I would prefer to wait a few years when more is known about the virus and any long-term effects a vaccine may have. But the luxury of such a wait seemed too high a price. Waiting meant being more likely to be exposed, and unfortunately, there is no predicting whether I would be among the fortunate to recover. So I decided, even before a single drop landed on our shores, that I would take the vaccine. There was one condition though - I had to be sure that it was sufficiently safe. Many different ...

One thing that has been constant about the COVID-19 pandemic is loss. Many have died; some have lost senses (smell and taste); others, the ability to connect and touch loved ones. But one thing I have also learned is that it has taken away the ability to grieve as we have come accustomed to. In December last year, we got the shocking news that my uncle passed suddenly. He was about his business, picking up groceries. And then everything went downhill. He would never leave the hospital alive as he did numerous times before. We said our good-byes at his funeral just before the end of the year. And because of the pandemic, we had to watch virtually. Just a week later, not yet a full week into the New Year, two more relatives passed, each one day apart. Both were my granduncles; one my grandmother's brother, the other my grandfather's brother. One was overseas, one was right here at home. And both died very suddenly. It was after the 2nd death that I really felt heavy and the tears...

A year ago, I would not really need to think about how to greet friends and family. Some with hugs, some with kisses. A year ago, a handshake was expected when meeting someone for the first time or seeing a colleague. That was then... It still sometimes seem surreal when I look at just how much has happened in a year. Life as we've known it is, well, gone! And the way we greet each other has also suffered. Reverting to the past ways without knowing whether you or the other persons are free from the highly contagious COVID-19 is risky behaviour. Not only are you putting others at risk, but yourself as well by simply hugging or shaking hands. As a low-risk or risk averse person (all depending on the circumstances), I have been doing what I can to balance life while being safe. I wear my mask, and even spray it with alcohol from time to time. I keep my distance. I do the elbow bump or on occasion, the touching of the feet greeting. On occasion, I would do an air-hug or even blow a kis...

 There are times I feel unworthy of blessings, and a few days ago was one such day. I went to visit a family member in the Matt Mobile. On exiting the car, I saw one of her neighbours. In the past, he has asked for help financially and I assisted. I had in the back of my mind that once again, he may be asking for money. I did chat with him for a little, but then made my way to visit my family. On the way back down, he was now seated, and I suspect was waiting for my return. I hurriedly spoke with him again, wished him well, and was on my way.  I confess I sensed that he wanted to ask for help. But instead of seeking God for wisdom, I allowed fear to rule. I told myself I was hurrying to get back home before the rains pelted us again. Except that was not the real reason. I discovered how bad the need of the gentleman was when my family mentioned it to me later in the day. He went to them asking for food because he had nothing and often goes days without something to eat. What's...

October 22...The day I officially met Matt. How did it start? For 11.5 years, I had Libby. I got her at time when moving from place to place was important for my mental wellbeing. She got me from home to work and back, to church, to events in and out of town and more. She wasn’t always the smoothest ride, but she was there. She was known to many and became an identifier of my movement. Her brightness was hard to hide. But after those numerous years, her age started to show. In September, it was out of commission for more than half the month. She kept shutting off and the reason wasn't initially clear. Then after that, the radiator gave up the ghost...with a puff of smoke no less. It was during this time that I advanced plans to purchase a new vehicle. I no longer felt comfortable being on the road in Libby, more so as I end up driving by myself a lot. As hard as it was, changing the car became necessary. And in this season of change, I need to embrace this. It’s not easy beca...

 

For a long time, and even at present, change for me meant stepping into an unknown and unpredictable dimension that could go one way or another. And instead of revving excitement, it evoked fear which for far too many times was allowed to rule. Thankfully, the other times were spent pursuing what I wanted or needed despite the fear. And I am realising now more than ever that life needs change, lest we die. My past seasons were about building relationships and pursuing purpose with passion. Were they successful? To some degree, I would say. Is there more to do in those areas? Absolutely! And more than likely these areas are aspirational throughout my life. But what became clear to me in the past few weeks is that a new season as emerged. A change is in the air. I reflected on why change came into my spirit as the new season. Perhaps the easiest reason is 2020. Yes, 20/20 vision helps us to see things clearly. But the year 2020 has forced the world to change in ways never before seen by...

Everything happens for a reason. That is a popular saying but there is merit to it, especially if we believe that there is a Divine force that allows things to happen or not happen for our benefit or growth. And one particilar incident this week confirms what I already knew - "God 'ave mi back" (English translation: God has my back).  A few days ago, Jamaica had "Nomination Day" to formally nominate the candidates who will be vying for our votes come September 3 (choosing orange or green). It was also a day I was home. Recognising that I needed to get food and a few other items, I planned to make a quick trip during what I considered good timing. It would be right after an online meeting and just before the lunch crowd. Great plan, right?  I got dressed, grabbed my bag and headed to the car. I drove out of the parking lot. I got to the automatic gate...except I didn't get all the way through. The car shut-off with my back bumper not yet beyond the gate. It w...

 I recently watched a video by a comedian who was talking to herself in the past. She was trying to brace her not much younger self for what would be a most interesting 2020. As funny as the video may be, though, it got me thinking - what would I say to a younger me? Looking back, I can see that I have grown a lot. I surprise myself sometimes when I think about how much I have changed. I can see a lot of missteps, and mistakes that make me question my sanity among other things. But they all served a purpose - they made me stronger and built my character. So what then would I say to younger Le? In no particular order: 1) It's OK to falter. Making the wrong moves will take you closer to the right ones. 2) Keep being you. Ironically, being your true self is not easy when you perceive other's expectations as important. But in the end, there is no better you than you. 3) Take risks. The only way to grow is outside your comfort zone. And you will be out there a lot! 4) Continue bei...

The Stone that the builders rejected... Rejection...never an easy word to internalise when it applies to our lives. In one way or another, everyone of us has faced rejection. And conversely, I suspect that we have also done some rejecting ourselves. It could be a job, a relationship, a training opportunity, a school, a party, wedding, banquet...hearing a "no" when we ask, apply, seek, reach out or anticipate can leave us feeling deflated, hurt, heart-broken, sad, angry, jaded...the list goes on. I have found myself thinking about this concept of rejection more and more in recent time. I reflect on my own life and can count numerous ways that I have felt this way. In doing some spring-cleaning, I found letters sent by companies telling me I didn't get the job. I recall the "not accepted" from my application to med school. Feeling rejection in my familial and friend relationships is perhaps among the most memorable or more accurately, the ones that cut the deepest...

Silent the river runs… Far the reaches of its depth, Deceptive to the unlearned; Danger lurks below the surface. Better the enemy one can see, And even know its traits But that which from sight hides, Fear, desperation and defiance breeds. Despite the valley of fear, death and disease, Hope still lives! Soon it will, like the sun, rise to meet our sight! ‘Til then, let’s keep faith alive while night tarries… Dawn is waiting and sure to come! Written 20.3.2020 (revised 22.3.2020)

2020... If someone has 20/20 vision, they can see well. And perhaps in the most ironic way, 2020 is giving us clarity in ways none of us could have predicted.  2020... Ringing in the New Year felt off somewhat. To be clear, I went to church, I danced into the year, and I was certainly grateful to be alive. But something felt off. I assumed that perhaps it was celebrating solo after a friend and her mom left, unlike the previous year where another friend and I celebrated at the same church where I rang in 2020. I enjoyed the music, the fireworks.  2020... The year started off without much drama. For work, it was relatively light (ie, not break-neck speed), but like a ball going downhill, things quickly picked up. And before we knew it, there was one thing that also picked up - a novel coronavirus. 2020... To be fair, the COVID-19 epidemic began in 2019. And I recall reading about it and some having concerns about it. Then in 2020, things took a turn for the absolute worse. Coun...

Since this new phase of building relationships begun, I continued to cultivate habits to build the most important relationship I have - with God. See previous post on this. But as I evaluated where I hope to be, there are some things which I need to take account of. I had greater clarity in what I need and where I should be focused. In this new season (i.e., phase II), I want to grow beyond my comfort zone. I want to take chances and stop making excuses. I want to have a space condusive to the types of relationships I want and need. I want to continually remember that humility and forgiveness are fundamental to all relationships and to actively practice them everyday. I want to be the friend that is there, night or day, and feel burdened for my friends when they are burdened. I want to show love without even having saying those three words. I want to know when to let go of some relationships and which ones to strengthen. I want to know when to back off and when to step up. I want to u...

There are some moments in life I will never forgot, and the day my grandma passed is one of them. I was away from home, in Semester 2 of my Masters programme and trying to do my best to maintain good grades and my scholarship. It was a Saturday morning, and I was at my temporary home. The minute the call came in I knew. I remember crying on the bed and feeling so incredibly sad and alone. February 9 will always be a day I'll remember. But the December before that fateful day I will also never forget. I came home for Christmas, and grandma was celebrating her 80th birthday. There is one particular moment that stands out. One night, she was lying down and I was beside her. She did what she used to do when I was a child - she sang hymns. And I sang with her. It was hard because it was at the fore of my mind that that could be the last such moment I would have with her. It turns out I was right. A part of me wanted to be elsewhere, but I chose to remain and bear it...I am so very glad...

Christian or not, Job is one of the most controversial books of the Bible. I know I've had my fair share of questions - Who really wrote it? How did the author get such prime access to Divine happenings to know what happens in the heavenly realm in such fine detail? And how is God's response to Job so well documented? I can't say I have all the answers, but in faith, I am believing that the book is true...after all, that why it's faith! In preparation for my Sunday School class, I read through a part of Job again, specifically Job 38 and 39. I've read these chapters several times before, but it was only today that it hit me - God used his Sovereignty over science (primarily nature) to give Job the perspective he needed! Job had gone through a lot - he lost his wealth in the form of livestock, he lost servants, and lost his children. To add insult to injury, he then lost his health - sores and boils of the worse kind. His friends went through a slew of reasons why...

A few months ago, I started to recount my time in the Philippines - that was Part 1 . Let's now conclude the story with Part 2. By Thursday, W had been released from the hospital and was cleared to fly. Yay ! This was an answer to prayer, because I had already discussed with the planning team an extension to my time there just in case W needed to remain longer. But that wasn't necessary. We had sessions and a field visit from Mon to Thurs, and on Friday, we prepared to go home. Our flight was in the night so we had to day to ourselves. One of the Jamaicans - AH (not among the original team as he got days before) was my company for the day. We went exploring on foot, chilling and chatting. It was a good little impromptu tour. When it was time to head back to the hotel, it rained but we managed. We did get to eat different types of food and pretend to play the piano though. Keto cake Final meal in Manila Pretending to play the piano at one of the fanciest malls ...

I am a part of a church that tries to make a difference in whatever way we can in a downtown community. We do it by building relationships with the people who then allow us into their personal space. Only then can lasting and impacting change take place. Today, we met for our community walks...only today was a little different for me. I have options in terms of where I drive, and today I chose to drive one particular way, even though I was wondering why I would choose to go that way. I then had all sorts of alternatives in my head as to how I could avoid going where I was headed, but after a while I just drove as planned. When I was almost at my destination, I came upon an accident. It seem to have happened not too long before I got there. One car was in a light pole, and another was half way across the road, blocking one of the two lanes of traffic. I noticed that a lady was sitting on the side of the road, while some gentlemen were walking around, talking etc. I pulled over to see ...

In 2009, I started a journey of building my professional career, growing my character, and gaining confidence in a job that I enjoyed. I was the first person to work in that post, and I feel as though I did justice to it despite whatever challenges I have had. I met some wonderful persons and helped to build a culture of environmental sustainability. But after almost 10 years, I left. One may wonder if it was because I wasn't being fulfilled, or I didn't like working with the persons there. That couldn't be further from the truth! The opportunity to change jobs presented itself, I applied and successful! I struggled with whether it was the right move, particularly because such major changes are not easy for me and I loved what I did before. But in the end, I took the dive in faith! I felt as though God was saying that the time had come, and with that, I started my new post in October. Other reasons for the change was the increase in salary and the fact that change may be ...

THE BEGINNING: I've been to over 20 countries, most of them because of my job. But I can hands-down say I've never had a more adventurous, tiring, character-building, adrenaline-pumping trip than the one I took to the Philippines in May of this year. This post is going to be long, so I decided to do it two parts. My being nominated to go to the Philippines was because boss and manager in the division were both unable to go. No issues here! I've never been there and it was seen as another opportunity to see another part of the world. I also was to present on an area that I had to do research; it was a challenge, but I was up for it. I discovered that it would be four of us going including someone from my office (let's call him LJ). He had his itinerary first, so I changed mine to match his. Others - another female (let's call her W), and another male (let's call him J). It was therefore an even split of males and females. UP IN THE AIR AND IN-BETWEEN: The d...