DEAR readers,
Happy Chinese New Year! May this year bring you joy, prosperity, and the courage to pursue your dreams.
To all my Muslim friends, Ramadan Mubarak! As you engage in fasting during this spiritual month, may your hearts be filled with peace and reflection.
And for my fellow Catholics, as Lent approaches, let us take this time to truly introspect and grow in our faith.
As we dive into this exploration of living courageously, I’d like to share a thought that resonates deeply with me as February unfolds: “Life can be in full colours… if we want it to be.”
February, often associated with love and renewal, encapsulates the vibrant hues of human experience. Just as the beautiful red of roses symbolises passion and romance, it serves as a reminder of the innate courage required to embrace life, with all its challenges and triumphs.
This sharing is also an introspective journey for me.
As you read this, I may be airborne on my way to Beijing, or I may have already landed on a new journey of hope and healing.
I am about to check into a renowned cancer hospital, where I will spend two months — 60 days of recovery and restoration.
My return to Malaysia is scheduled for April 25.
For the past 12 months, I have been navigating the complexities of living with cancer, ever since February 2025. Through all the unknowns, I have chosen to respond to my situation with unwavering faith.
I trust and entrust everything to the Lord, our God, firmly believing that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
This perspective has given me strength, urging me to see my circumstances as opportunities and blessings for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
In this journey, I have learned to pay deeper attention to my body, which has been calling out for help. Neglecting it was never my intention, yet this year has compelled me to truly listen to its needs.
I have experienced God’s grace more profoundly than ever before. It feels as though He is carrying me through this daunting path of the unknown.
One truth resonates in my heart: God has a plan for me, and all things are working towards His will.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Adopting a mindset of trust and entrustment has illuminated my path. I consciously chose not to engage with terminology like “fighting” or “battling” cancer. For me, those heavy words only weigh us down.
Rather than view my situation through a lens of war, I prefer to experience the lightness of embracing grace. I see my journey as fluid — as gentle and powerful as water flowing in a stream.
It might seem paradoxical, but I have found peace in the gentleness of God’s love, which has carried me through the most challenging times.
Courage has stemmed from my prayers and the intimate connection I share with God.
This union, nourished by His love and mercy, has become my anchor during tumultuous moments.
While suffering often reveals itself as synonymous with pain, I have realised that it can also transform into gain and grace when seen as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
Every moment of pain can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us.
Each day, I am filled with immense gratitude for the relationships blossoming around me.
My health journey has highlighted the preciousness of life, prompting me to connect and reconnect more deeply with myself, my family, friends, and the community that supports and uplifts me.
I find myself smiling wider than ever before, embracing each moment as if it might be my last.
The urgency of appreciating and treasuring life has been my guiding principle since I was young, and since February 2025, I recognise that waiting for “next time” may not be a guarantee; therefore, I strive to give my best in every interaction, living wholeheartedly in the present.
February — the colour red. As I reflect, red signifies many things: love, passion, courage, urgency, and strength.
Culturally, red is a symbol of good fortune and joy in Chinese tradition; while in many spiritual contexts, it embodies vitality and life.
It is a colour that reminds us of the heart’s unwavering spirit, pushing through pain to embrace happiness and fulfilment.
Red’s symbolism aligns beautifully with my journey. Just as a flower blooms bravely from the ground, my experiences have compelled me to rise from challenges, to be resilient, and to embody the spirit of God’s courage — all of which I choose … now, not sooner nor later.
In moments of trial, we can choose to invite His light, allowing hope to saturate our hearts.
It is these vibrant colours of life that fuel my healing process, amplifying my belief that the outcome of my treatment and recovery in Beijing rests in God’s hands.
As I move forward, I will take the utmost care of myself, honouring this body that serves as a holy temple (1 Corinthians 6:19).
My relationship with God inspires me to nurture my health and wellbeing, which is my way of showing love for Him, for myself and my loved ones, and gratitude for this precious life.
In reflecting on this journey, I would like to close with a brief poem:
In the shade of red, I find my flame,
A colour not of fire, but of hearts unafraid.
With each brave step, I embrace my fate.
Resilience blooms in love’s sacred glade.
Life is a canvas brushed bold and bright.
Dancing shadows enfold my pain.
In this journey toward healing light,
God’s guiding hand wipes away the strain.
So let our story be a beacon’s call,
A testament of faith, hope’s endless might.
For every fall, there’s courage to stand tall.
In life’s full colours, we shall find the light.
Dear readers, in this journey, I embrace the uncertainty, but I know that every step forward is filled with purpose, and every moment alive is a blessing.
As I embark on this new chapter in Beijing, China, I remain trusting and entrusting, surrendering to God’s will, nurturing my body as the holy temple that it is, and cherishing the life I have been granted.
May each of you find your own courage and resilience in whatever challenges you face. Remember, living courageously means immersing ourselves in life’s full spectrum — where every feeling, joy, and pain contributes to our unique journey.
May we all be inspired to shine brightly in our own stories of resilience, embracing life in full colours.
Thank you for journeying with me in this exploration of courage and love during this last week of February! An apt moment for us all to blush … to turn red some more.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
