My Mom's Legacy: The Enduring Power of Her Influence (Happy Mother's Day!)

And Happy Mother's Day to my wife too!

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child” (Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty)

Dear mother, Kuin anak Ladom,

Since your love is so special and so real, I want to take a moment to tell you how I feel.

You’re the best sister in the family. In the past, you had to let go of your own future to take care of your younger brothers and sisters. You’re the best daughter—worthy of a place in the Malaysia Book of Records. You obeyed your parents and feared them just a little less than you fear God (Though some people may not agree, isn’t my opinion the one that matters most to you?)

You’re the best wife any man could ever want. Like the woman described in the last chapter of the Book of Proverbs (31:13–27, NCV), you are indeed “far more precious than jewels.” “She likes to work with her hands” is the perfect description of your philosophy in getting things done. Because of your living example, I have no problem washing my own clothes and doing the dishes after every meal. You “get up while it is still dark and prepare food” for your family. When I was a kid, you would disturb my peaceful sleep and wake me up with your signature motherhood attitude. (Yes, even with your pink apron around your neck and a kitchen ‘tool’ in your right hand—you ruled, Mom!)

Though you didn’t literally “burn your lamp late into the night,” you showed your superhuman ability to wake up early and sleep late.

Though you didn’t literally “make thread with your hands and weave your own cloth,” you were great with that old-school sewing machine.

Though you didn’t literally “make linen clothes and sell them, and provide belts to the merchants,” if that culture had existed in our country, I know you would’ve done it!

Most of the time, you “speak wise words,” and since verbal communication isn’t your strongest suit, your actions amazingly “teach others to be kind.” And last but not least, if I could interview angels to testify about you, they would probably say: “She watches over her family and never wastes her time.”

You are the best mother in the universe. What today’s children call ‘abuse,’ you called discipline. What today’s generation calls ‘spoiling,’ you called love. What today’s parents see as ‘troublesome,’ you gladly accepted as responsibility. You didn’t just feed us with rice and breast milk—you fed us with love, obedience, faith, and integrity. The best things a mother can teach a child are the ABCs and how to pray. And you taught us – me and brother – both.

I thank God for giving me you as my mother. Our Father in heaven never makes mistakes—He chose the right mother for a troublemaker like me (and for my brother too). If some parts of this letter have errors, exaggerations, or too much praise, forgive me. But this much remains true: There is no mother who could give love as true as yours, and there is no son who could love you more than I do.

Happy Mother’s Day!

On behalf of me, Richard and brother Warren

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

If You Will Actual Read It, Then Buy It! #LeadersAreReaders April 2025

 

If I had to steal books just to keep reading, I might! Luckily, I can buy some of the best books ever written for just a few ringgit on places like Shopee or secondhand bookshops. But let’s forget about money for a second. Reading isn’t a luxury. It’s not something extra or fancy. It’s a necessity. Erasmus once said, “When I get a little money, I buy books. If there’s anything left, I buy food and clothes.” That’s how important books are.

Books are also an investment. Some people say, “I’m planning to buy this book,” but why wait? If a book grabs your interest, get it. Don’t let money, time, or laziness stop you. Don’t wait for the cheaper version or thinking you can find it elsewhere. If it’s a book you’ll ACTUALLY READ, it’s worth it now—not a year from now. Read now. Learn now. Grow now 💪

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Explore Other Topics through Different Formats, Not Just Books #LeadersAreReaders March 2025

 

Reading books is a great habit, but focusing on only one type of book can limit our perspective. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that most of the books I read are Christian books. While they are meaningful and help me grow spiritually, I realize I might be missing out on learning from other areas of life. It's like eating only one type of food every day—it may be good, but it’s not enough for a balanced diet.

To balance this, I try to explore other topics through different formats. I don’t read many books on science, psychology, or history, but I enjoy listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos on these subjects. Occasionally, I watch documentaries as well. These platforms help me learn new things and gain broader perspectives, even if I’m not reading them in book form. Listening to experts explain how the brain works or learning about world history gives me a deeper understanding of life. It also helps me relate better to people who think differently. As Christ followers, I believe it's important to understand the world around us. It helps us become wiser, more thoughtful, and well-informed.

While Christian books will always be my main source of reading due to my vocation, I try to be intentional about learning from other genres too. Whether it’s a podcast on mental health, a video about space, or a documentary on ancient civilizations, these small efforts help fill in the gaps and support my growth as a well-rounded person 💯

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Why Reading Books Makes You a Better Thinker #LeadersAreReaders February 2025

Imagine two people: Bunyau, who reads books regularly, and Bugau, who spends hours scrolling through social media. One day, they see a viral post claiming, “Drinking tuak (rice wine) makes you live 10 years longer!” Bugau instantly shares it with all his friends. Bunyau, on the other hand, remembers reading a book on food and beverage, so he double-checks the claim. Turns out, the post twisted the facts - 'tuak' has health benefits in smaller portion, but it’s definitely not going to make you live longer!

Books sharpen critical thinking. Studies show reading boosts comprehension, problem-solving, and decision-making, while social media encourages quick reactions. A Stanford study found frequent users struggle to separate facts from opinions. Fiction broadens perspectives, and nonfiction builds knowledge—like a workout for your brain! ...Meanwhile, Bugau keeps believing every clickbait headline he sees. Bunyau? He knows better. So if you want to be a sharper thinker and avoid getting tricked by bad information, put down your phone for a bit and pick up a book and READ 📖

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

If We Don't Keep Learning, We Risk Becoming Stuck #LeadersAreReaders January 2025

Do you want to grow or stay the same? I was sitting at Starbucks after a long day of ministry, sipping my Americano (cheapest) coffee and flipping through a Bible commentary. Across from me, my friend James*, also a full-time worker (but of different organization), scrolled through his phone. "Why do you always read so much?" he asked, looking up. I smiled. "Because I want to keep growing." James sighed. "I don’t really have time for books. Ministry is already busy enough."

I glanced at an open-air chicken rice shop nearby and asked, "If a chef never sharpens his tools, what happens?" "His tools get dull," James replied. "Exactly," I said. "And if we, as full-time workers, never sharpen our minds and hearts, our ministry becomes dull too. Reading exposes us to wisdom from others. It helps us understand people better, communicate the Gospel effectively, and refresh our passion when we feel tired." "But doesn’t the Bible have everything we need?" James asked. "Of course!" I nodded. "The Bible is our foundation. But God also gives people wisdom to write books that help us apply His Word in different situations. Even Paul asked for books and parchments (open my pocket Bible to 2 Timothy 4:13). If Paul valued reading, shouldn’t we?"

James was silent for a moment, then nodded. Ministry is a journey. If we don’t keep learning, we risk becoming stuck. But when we invest in reading, we grow, and our ministry becomes more effective—even creative! So, which kind of worker do you want to be—the one who stays the same or the one who keeps growing? 🤔

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.