I was reading the Straits Times, 16 Jan 08, and came across a very inspirational character – Natashya Yong (a HIV carrier).

She’s just 27 years old, and her work is to travel around the world to tell young people that youth doesn’t prevent them getting HIV.

Natashya got the disease 8 years ago, in 1999, when she was just 19. I believe it must be devastating for her to find out. She acknowledged that it was a result of her actions but embraced herself, not wallowing in self-pity, thus carrying on her mission.

She become one of the youngest of the eight non-governmental organization representatives on the board of UNAids. It was three years ago that she started working with Ford foundation-supported project to provide art therapy for people with HIV/Aids.

Though she has been giving talks in schools in developing countries, advocating the message that whatever actions bring consequences, her greatest wish is still to reach out to Singaporeans, however, hindered by the conservatism and discrimination.

Finally, she summed up her life: ” Que sera sera; whatever will be will be.”

What I have learnt from Natashya – Do not wallow in self-pity and do what you can, You don’t know what the future can bring. Whatever things that come, thank God, let His will be done.

At the end of the year, reflect – Have you abandoned self-pity and do your best in what you can, trusting God to unfold His Will?