The exiles of the past once lamented, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:4 KJV)

There are circumstances that make it difficult to sing a song of praise. In fact, there are times when people do not even want to talk about the song anymore.

• How is it possible to sing during conflict and controversy? When the biggest concern is who is right and who is wrong, it is difficult for us to sing.
• When we are busy with life, stressed with work, burdened with anxiety, it is easy to forget the spiritual songs. A life of service just for making a living hardly generates singing.
• How can there be singing when the world is still witnessing and suffering the consequences of war and violence, of a difficult economy, of a divided society?

A philosopher once said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” I also believe that, without songs, life purpose is lost. How can I earn a living, take care of my family, contribute to society, build a future without music in my soul, especially amidst the turmoil of the times? We need to prepare and pursue a career with ideals. Knowledge, skills, and achievements lose their meaning when life is not connected with the purpose God has set for it.

In that spirit, the School of Innovation and Management (SIM) under UUC orients itself with the statement: “SIM prepares students for impactful professions and purposeful living in a changing world.”  This is the contribution to the next generation that we want to pursue.

It suddenly came to me that the above statement can be simply expressed, “Singing while studying!” Regardless, this is UUC’s sincere wish and hope – that many friends will join us in sowing songs for the rising youth.

Linh Doan, Ph.D.

UUC President

UUC Newsletter, Jan. 2023.