subject: Overcoming Gaps Between Faith and Family [print this page] Author: Ann Lim Author: Ann Lim
I was sent to a Christian institution which offered cheaper tuition fees that time. I spent 6 years there, until my parents noticed that we articulate on both poles of faith and religion. Then, they decided to transfer me to a Catholic school and I was easily at odds. I begged off to stay in that same school and opted to enroll in a public school; a school where a different faith is not set to admonition on a regular basis. Having to deal with conventional beliefs in a very conservative family is very challenging. And what made it more complicated is that my orientation was totally different. Ten years later, I saw myself seeking for a solid spiritual guidance and conversion. Breaking the conservative ways of familys rules was difficult. Now, you can imagine my whole life turning upside down: having to choose between intangible but character-molding faith and blood. I have no allies within my clan. The only weapon I have is Gods word. Prayers are my shield from sadness. I went on to attend a church where I found peace and love. I devoted a part of my everyday to read the Bible. This has been my oasis of strength. I grew really tired and weary of clashing with my mother, every single Sunday on why I chose the other way in propelling Christianity. I never expected mom to understand my choices in life in trouble-free ways. After all, she attended an all-girls Catholic school from kindergarten till college. With these barriers, I turned into being just a believer to a believer-doer with a mission; an undertaking to lead my loved ones to reading the bible and rediscover Gods love. What the Bible revealed to me has been liberating. I still remember that one passage the Holy Spirit led me to that gloomy day: I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). After a days work, I passed by a nearby bookstore and bought a Devotional Bible from the gift certificates awarded to me for being the top employee of the month. It is especially helpful for those who just started seeking Gods wisdom. Words are simple and easy to digest; without demeaning the original text. It is from experience that I got the same years back. This is such a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship. I left it beside the computer where my parents and brother would usually spend the entire day. I knew from dusts that they didnt touch the Bible since I placed it there a month ago. I then draw for more strength and will from the Lord. Surprisingly, after 2 more months, the Bible vanished from where it used to reside. I got really interested as to who took it from there. Then one night, one of my prayers has been answered: my moms reading it, finally. She asked me if she could keep it. I know it would be a lengthy process before we could even reconcile. But I have this enormous faith and thrill that one day, we would be whole again.About the Author:
