The type of person that I am, I tend to have to process events for a few days before responding. I thought it might be appropriate to put down my thoughts about Charleston in a blog because there are many angles that one can talk about.
When I first heard about the deaths of the members of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, my immediate thought was honestly, "What, another crazy lunatic?" And sure enough, Dylann Roof was another crazy lunatic. I did felt a great sense of hurt but I didn't feel any "shock" to it. Why?
I come from a different perspective. Sure, it was a horrible act of a person who is White to shoot nine innocent African-American church members. But from an early part of my Christianity, I was exposed to Christians being persecuted in other parts of the world, in countries that do not welcome those who believe in Christ. The persecution is real. You might have heard about terrorist in the Middle East beheading Christians. I've heard of Christians in Far East Asia being executed for their faith.
So, I didn't have quite the shock factor that most Americans felt. It's just another day for Christians to be persecuted whether in U.S. soil or overseas.
What I really felt was shame for our country. "We are better than this. We should know better. How could you do this? Did you not remember 911?" Racism is still real in the U.S. no matter where you come from in America. It saddens me as a person for this nation that we always want to fight the good fight of terrorism but the real enemy is sometimes ourselves. If we cannot help ourselves, how are we expected to help others overseas?
But through this shame and grieving, there is hope. A hope only found in Jesus Christ. I think when I heard about the initial trial and the responses from the families of the victims, I thought, "I am so at peace with my Lord that our brothers and sisters can respond in forgiveness." Forgiveness should be a natural response if we are growing in faith in Christ. I greatly praise God that we have the power to forgive others and continually love those who wrong us.
It doesn't matter how we all feel; it doesn't matter what political message we get from this. The responses of Christians is to pray for those who have been hurt: the families and the universal church of Christ. To love those who are our enemies. To hope that we come to an understanding on how to help someone like Dylann Roof.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Fly
In times when I have a chance to quiet my mind from a busy week or weekend, I often think back on what has happened over that period of time.
I attended an awesome conference called, "IF: Gatherings", a ministry that inspires and equip women of today's generation. It was actually a stream from Austin, TX, where my local church Mosaic Church Charlotte hosted a group of about 70 women to watch the stream.
Throughout the conference, the story of Joshua and Caleb was told, intermingled with stories from women who have had their struggles and victories that relates to the Joshua/Caleb story. In the Book of Joshua in the Bible, the Hebrews finally made it to the borders of the promised land. A leader of each tribe of Israel went out to scope the land. When they came back, they described the land flowing with "milk and honey" but 10 of the 12 then said there were giants, that the Hebrews should stay. This brought moaning and groaning amongst the people, but Joshua and Caleb said, "Nope, let's go charging in."
Once they came in, the first obstacle was getting through the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6). God said to Joshua to tell his people to march around the walls once a day, for 6 days, while the priest are blowing trumpets. On the 7 day, march around it 7 times, and then after the march on this day, Joshua commanded them to shout. The walls of Jericho came tumbling down, as the song goes,
After taking over the Promised Land and defeating many of the "giants", Joshua chapter 24 talks of the renewing of the covenant with Israel. Many times in the Bible, an altar is built simple of laying of big rocks or stones. So, towards the end of the conference, each woman were given a stone and we were told to write whatever God has laid on our hearts. "What is your next step of faith?"
So, the word that God gave me was "fly". God is telling me to fly with faith. There is a story behind it. Over Christmas and New Year, my dad, brother, and I flew to Hong Kong to visit family. We arrived on December 26th and then two days later, an airplane crashed between Indonesia and Singapore into the sea. Flying back to the United States over a week later, I was scared. We were flying over China, Russia, and close to the North Pole (icy waters) before flying over Canada and then to the United States. 17 hours in an airplane is a long time. I've never been afraid of flying until that day we were flying back. After landing in Newark, NJ, I felt a bit relieved but also very very sleepy. I thank God that we got to the United States safe.
When I was sitting at IF: Gathering, God told me to write "fly" on my little rock. It became clear what He was telling me. God said, "If I have kept you safe on a long flight from Hong Kong to the U.S., I will keep you safe if only you fly with faith." Sometimes faith has to be childlike. I used to love going on trips and getting on the airplane. I used to love flying. I had no fear of the plane possibly crashing into land or sea below. (Matthew 18:2-4)
I ask God, "Where am I flying to?" No answer yet. Just fly... Praying that God will show me where to fly next.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Mixed Religion: Perspective of Growing up Agnostic (Part 1)
Wandering through my 30's as a single adult, I tend to take have time to think and reflect back on certain aspects of my life that shaped me into the way I am today. As most of you know, I am still single. Not married. Nowhere near it, I think. So, I find myself sometimes with a lot of time to just think...
In my latest thinking, I always wonder, "If my mom is from a Christian background and my dad is from a Buddhist background, how did I end up to be where I am?" There are many points in my life that could have steered me in other directions. I could have been completely atheist. Or just agnostic like my parents. As you see, both my parents were never religious people. My mom came from a Christian background and my dad came from a Buddhist background. I think at some point in their 20's, they stopped practicing their respective faith. Well, I remember my dad will do something on Chinese holidays but nothing like I would say "religious".
I remember as a 7 or 8 year old, "Where did I come from? How did I get here?" I had many metaphysical moments growing up, questioning about existence, if what I'm seeing is real, if any of the religious stuff was what they say. I used to be very melancholy about my life, always wondering what my purpose is, always thinking I was meant for so much more than just studying in school, making the grade, getting into a good college and getting a good job. I've always been fascinated by religion though, and I always knew then that there is a God...
When I was in college, I became a Christian. One of the lessons I've learned early on in a conservative church was from this verse from the Bible: "Don't be yoked by unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). In the case of a young student in college, specifically, don't date or marry someone who doesn't believe in God and Christ. In a very post-modern explanation of Corinth, which the letter was directed to, Corinth was messed up. The Ancient City of Corinth was a metropolis and a meeting point of trade routes between the East and West. Paul had his ministry in Corinth for about two years and saw many converts. But because it's a big melting pot of different backgrounds, it was full of misuse, misinterpretation, and church divisions. Paul, the author of both 1st and 2nd Corinthians, laid it on them in many ways, including the verse in the above paragraph. (There are many other letters from Paul that were much more softer in tone but it depends on what that city was going through... Paul purposely wrote to each of these regions and cities based on what the city was going through; each letter from Paul was not the same in content and tone.) Judging from the letter to the Corinthians, these folks were probably involved with the wrong crowd that were pulling the young Christians away from their initial zealous faith. This verse really speaks to the Christians as in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
I think I get the point. Don't hang around bad company. Don't be influenced by the world's
In my latest thinking, I always wonder, "If my mom is from a Christian background and my dad is from a Buddhist background, how did I end up to be where I am?" There are many points in my life that could have steered me in other directions. I could have been completely atheist. Or just agnostic like my parents. As you see, both my parents were never religious people. My mom came from a Christian background and my dad came from a Buddhist background. I think at some point in their 20's, they stopped practicing their respective faith. Well, I remember my dad will do something on Chinese holidays but nothing like I would say "religious".
I remember as a 7 or 8 year old, "Where did I come from? How did I get here?" I had many metaphysical moments growing up, questioning about existence, if what I'm seeing is real, if any of the religious stuff was what they say. I used to be very melancholy about my life, always wondering what my purpose is, always thinking I was meant for so much more than just studying in school, making the grade, getting into a good college and getting a good job. I've always been fascinated by religion though, and I always knew then that there is a God...
When I was in college, I became a Christian. One of the lessons I've learned early on in a conservative church was from this verse from the Bible: "Don't be yoked by unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). In the case of a young student in college, specifically, don't date or marry someone who doesn't believe in God and Christ. In a very post-modern explanation of Corinth, which the letter was directed to, Corinth was messed up. The Ancient City of Corinth was a metropolis and a meeting point of trade routes between the East and West. Paul had his ministry in Corinth for about two years and saw many converts. But because it's a big melting pot of different backgrounds, it was full of misuse, misinterpretation, and church divisions. Paul, the author of both 1st and 2nd Corinthians, laid it on them in many ways, including the verse in the above paragraph. (There are many other letters from Paul that were much more softer in tone but it depends on what that city was going through... Paul purposely wrote to each of these regions and cities based on what the city was going through; each letter from Paul was not the same in content and tone.) Judging from the letter to the Corinthians, these folks were probably involved with the wrong crowd that were pulling the young Christians away from their initial zealous faith. This verse really speaks to the Christians as in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
I think I get the point. Don't hang around bad company. Don't be influenced by the world's
standards. Yet, you have to acknowledge that there are many couples, married, dating, or in a union, who have come from vast backgrounds and just made it work, just like my parents. There are a number of so-called Christian couples who have had their marriages fell apart and they eventually divorce.
(To be continued...)
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The Art and Heart of Traveling
Most of the time, I love traveling.
I think I inherited this love from my parents. My mom went to Australia when she was in her early 20's and then later immigrated to the U.S. My father lived in South America for a time before coming to the U.S. I have been up and down the East Coast, and a few spots in the West Coast. I have been to and through places like China, S. Korea, Israel, and Canada (yes, of all places). I was born in another country, Hong Kong!
It is sometimes a challenge to travel. Jet-lag, early mornings, delayed flights, figuring out transportation, and getting sick can really stress a person.
But one thing God has taught me on my endeavors is to find a center. What is my purpose here, besides working or having a vacation?
I realize over the past several years that no matter where I go, I always find kind-hearted people. God made us relational people. We seek ways to connect with people, even when we're in a strange land with strange people. But you realize, these people are not so strange or weird as they seem.
For instance, my travels this time took me to Portland, OR. This is probably been said as the capital of "weird". There is even a dedicated saying or group "Keep Portland Weird."
I wandered downtown of Portland with my colleague/friend over the past weekend. I saw some interesting culture here. But the first thing I felt when I first stepped out of a train into Pioneer Square is, "Wow, this place really have some kind-hearted people" without having met anyone yet. Sometimes I can feel the energy of the people. There are some places I have been where I can discern, "This is a pretty depressing place."
My discernment has proved me correct over the past few days of being here. People here are truly nice and friendly. In some ways, it puts the South into shame.
God made us in the image of Him (Genesis 1:27). When you put that in perspective, and take to heart that God loves us and He wants us to love people, you begin to see the heart of people the way God sees them. I often tell my friends, "God loves you no matter what/if you..." then I insert whatever they are going through. It's the truth I learned and to show that Christianity is not about rules, it's about connecting and having relationships and finding true beauty in the friendships that you build.
I think I inherited this love from my parents. My mom went to Australia when she was in her early 20's and then later immigrated to the U.S. My father lived in South America for a time before coming to the U.S. I have been up and down the East Coast, and a few spots in the West Coast. I have been to and through places like China, S. Korea, Israel, and Canada (yes, of all places). I was born in another country, Hong Kong!
It is sometimes a challenge to travel. Jet-lag, early mornings, delayed flights, figuring out transportation, and getting sick can really stress a person.
But one thing God has taught me on my endeavors is to find a center. What is my purpose here, besides working or having a vacation?
I realize over the past several years that no matter where I go, I always find kind-hearted people. God made us relational people. We seek ways to connect with people, even when we're in a strange land with strange people. But you realize, these people are not so strange or weird as they seem.
For instance, my travels this time took me to Portland, OR. This is probably been said as the capital of "weird". There is even a dedicated saying or group "Keep Portland Weird."
I wandered downtown of Portland with my colleague/friend over the past weekend. I saw some interesting culture here. But the first thing I felt when I first stepped out of a train into Pioneer Square is, "Wow, this place really have some kind-hearted people" without having met anyone yet. Sometimes I can feel the energy of the people. There are some places I have been where I can discern, "This is a pretty depressing place."
My discernment has proved me correct over the past few days of being here. People here are truly nice and friendly. In some ways, it puts the South into shame.
God made us in the image of Him (Genesis 1:27). When you put that in perspective, and take to heart that God loves us and He wants us to love people, you begin to see the heart of people the way God sees them. I often tell my friends, "God loves you no matter what/if you..." then I insert whatever they are going through. It's the truth I learned and to show that Christianity is not about rules, it's about connecting and having relationships and finding true beauty in the friendships that you build.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~Colossians 3:12~
Monday, October 13, 2014
Why I don't want a wedding and other untraditional things...
The Non-Wedding
Just like most girls, I once had this dream of my wedding.
What dress I will wear.
What colors I will have.
What flowers will I used to decorate.
What kind of cake I want to eat.
But attending many weddings in the past many years, I suddenly realize something: No matter how big or small, how much money was poured in, how much drinking and dancing were to be had, I only had fond memories of only probably three weddings. And I have attended a lot of weddings. Sure, most of them were fun. Some of them were terrifyingly boring or too emotional for me. One was just downright awkward.
I have thought it through over the past year or so. I realize, why spend $10K to $30K on a wedding
I'm eloping...
But I am throwing a small wedding party after the elopement. ;-)
Bottom line: It's about the marriage. I realize I shouldn't care about the dress. It will disappear one day. Nor the cake. That will get eaten. The flowers will wilt. The table clothes will get soiled and used for another event.
But one thing I do want to last is the marriage. It's a strange relationship between man and woman, husband and wife. It's an interesting relationship. As Paul wrote, "This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." ~Ephesians 5:32-33~ Paul knew the struggles between husband and wife. Women easily love. Men easily respect. Why would Paul write that a husband should love his wife and that a wife should respect? It's hard. Men don't easily love. Women don't easily respect (except for Aretha Franklin - R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!).
Engagement Ring
I never liked diamonds. Yes, they are nice and shiny,but clear and white (and kind of boring to me). But once a upon a time, they were not valued as they are now. I also have this fear that I will receive a blood diamond.
You know what kind of rock I want?
An amethyst! It's purple. I always like it. If it's lined with Swarovski crystals, I'll be happy. :)
Hint to men: It doesn't cost as much as a diamond ring, I swear!
The After Party
Forget the schmancy stuff. Since there is no wedding, there is no real reception. But there will be a party, none-the-less. With wings and beer and bar food. Beers all around. And wine. And maybe a cake, I don't know. :)
Okay, maybe one traditional thing: The Honeymoon
Yes, I want to go to Hawaii. And this is not a SNL skit.
Let's spend that $10K on the honeymoon. Get a nice expensive hotel. Drink all the wine we want. You know, honeymoon stuff.
Okay, now that I got this out of my chest... :)
Just like most girls, I once had this dream of my wedding.
What dress I will wear.
What colors I will have.
What flowers will I used to decorate.
What kind of cake I want to eat.
But attending many weddings in the past many years, I suddenly realize something: No matter how big or small, how much money was poured in, how much drinking and dancing were to be had, I only had fond memories of only probably three weddings. And I have attended a lot of weddings. Sure, most of them were fun. Some of them were terrifyingly boring or too emotional for me. One was just downright awkward.
I have thought it through over the past year or so. I realize, why spend $10K to $30K on a wedding
I'm eloping...
But I am throwing a small wedding party after the elopement. ;-)
Bottom line: It's about the marriage. I realize I shouldn't care about the dress. It will disappear one day. Nor the cake. That will get eaten. The flowers will wilt. The table clothes will get soiled and used for another event.
But one thing I do want to last is the marriage. It's a strange relationship between man and woman, husband and wife. It's an interesting relationship. As Paul wrote, "This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." ~Ephesians 5:32-33~ Paul knew the struggles between husband and wife. Women easily love. Men easily respect. Why would Paul write that a husband should love his wife and that a wife should respect? It's hard. Men don't easily love. Women don't easily respect (except for Aretha Franklin - R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!).
Engagement Ring
I never liked diamonds. Yes, they are nice and shiny,but clear and white (and kind of boring to me). But once a upon a time, they were not valued as they are now. I also have this fear that I will receive a blood diamond.
You know what kind of rock I want?
An amethyst! It's purple. I always like it. If it's lined with Swarovski crystals, I'll be happy. :)
Hint to men: It doesn't cost as much as a diamond ring, I swear!
The After Party
Forget the schmancy stuff. Since there is no wedding, there is no real reception. But there will be a party, none-the-less. With wings and beer and bar food. Beers all around. And wine. And maybe a cake, I don't know. :)
Okay, maybe one traditional thing: The Honeymoon
Yes, I want to go to Hawaii. And this is not a SNL skit.
Let's spend that $10K on the honeymoon. Get a nice expensive hotel. Drink all the wine we want. You know, honeymoon stuff.
Okay, now that I got this out of my chest... :)
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