An Admirable Woman

I have never been the least bit interested in politics.

Sure, Singapore is a nice and safe place to live in. Our leaders are competent and things work around here. Don't expect me to think though that we have leaders who love the country and would do anything for it. I just think everyone does what they do to achieve what they desire - whether it is money, power or self-actualization.

And so, I have little interest to ponder over and comment about the lives of our leaders.

But with the passing of Mrs Lee, one cannot help but read about her life because every other article on the Straits Times iPhone App during those few days was about her and her life.

A comment by her beloved husband really touched me.

"Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life."

This must be the ultimate compliment one can get from one's life-long companion. (Although you could read that sentence in a bad way.. which of course was not what he meant)

I felt quite touched reading that. It reminded me of another admirable woman I've read about:

"A wife of noble character who can find
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
there he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

-- Proverbs 31

The above is, of course from the Bible and the woman that is being referred to is often called The Proverbs 31 woman.

How amazing and wonderful it is to be that someone who "brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life."

This will be the image of Mrs Lee that I'd carry with me from henceforth - an admirable woman and wife, who brought with her everything good into her husband's life.