Our Journey of Grace

I'm blessed with loving parents who always put my brother and I before them. They aren't good at expressing their love in words but their actions speak volume.

31 months into motherhood, I've learnt how to appreciate my parents more and finally have a glimpse of what they have been through. However, it's more challenging for them as compared to us (Hubby & I) due to their hearing disabilities and limitations. 

Last year was nothing short of a drama but full of amazing grace.

Saved by Grace

I said the most desperate prayer and our family witnessed the power of God on a traumatic evening. It seemed something spiritual - we aren't totally sure what's behind all but God's certainly at work. After that fateful night, Mum accepted Christ on 27 Jun and less than 6 months later, Dad accepted Christ on 6 Dec. Praise the Lord!

I'm so amazed, thankful and relieved. God really does wonders and works in ways that we can't imagine.To be really honest, I've very little faith in bringing them to Christ as it's not easy to communicate with them and what more talking about something so significant. But God is good, he allows faith as small as mustard seed to move mountain. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. 

And this is not your own doing; 

it is the gift of God 

- Ephesians 2:8

Last 9 months, they have been faithfully attending church services with brother and I (with Hubby and Emma) even though they likely don't understand too much. However, I'm sure God is working and touching their hearts and souls in his amazing way. I'm also grateful to the support and patience given by the church leaders.

Our Journey of Grace

Towards the end of last year, I participated in Mrs Singapore World pageant and had an eye-opening experience. During which, many wonderful things happened and I had the opportunities to share some of our stories on The New Paper and 新明日报。

TNP online article

Every parents face different set of challenges at different phases of bringing up a child. Besides the standard challenges that comes along with children, some struggled with financial difficulties, some battled for work-life balance, some endured family/marriage issues and some gave their all for sick children. 

As for my parents, they have to overcome their hearing disabilities to raise both of us. They are down-to-earth, strong and persevering. I shared some anecdotes in both articles (click on the images and link if you like to read more). Many times, my brother and I wondered how did they do that. 

But now, I can confidently solve that little mystery - it's by God's grace and protection.

Looking back, God has been with our family, my parents, even before we accepted Christ.

Despite their shortcomings and the many times when my Dad lost his jobs, they managed to raise both my brother and I. They suffered much worries and stress quietly by themselves. While we have nothing very big to boast about, we grew up to be decent and fairly promising working adults. 

My brother and I grew up in a Buddhist family. When I was in primary school, I joined Girls' Brigade and I graduated from the school not knowing anything, apart from saying grace before snack (yes, I'm a big glutton), about Christianity. 

I got into Presbyterian High School not knowing that it's a Christian school. I didn't pay much attention to the daily devotion until the end of Sec 2 when I finally got to know Jesus. I brought my brother to church and he accepted Christ few months later. 

Our parents were mad but they came to accept the fact. Our church leaders taught us to seek God, took good care of us and always try to stray us away from troubles. We have many close friends and church brothers & sisters to walk with us. Our grandparents, aunties and uncles are always there for us when we need help.

Then over the years, we went on to bring them to church on special occasions like Christmas and Chinese New Year before they finally opened up their hearts last year.

His Perfect Plan

Clearly, God has his perfect plan and timing despite all the imperfections, worries, hardships and pain. We just need to trust, seek and follow him. He will make all things beautiful in his time.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 

lean not on your own understanding, 

in all your ways submit to him, 

and he will make your paths straight. 

- Proverbs 3:5-6

11 years on, I praise God for his salvation and blessings to be upon my family. I'm thankful for our challenged journey as I deeply understand what the bible says about weakness.

But he said to me, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, 

for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly 

about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

It never cross my mind to share their stories beyond people whom I know personally until last year. Yet, God open doors for me to honor and share part of his great works to a bigger audience through the papers in a timely and graceful manner. In fact, the family photo published on 新明日报 was taken on the morning of my parents' baptism at Church and the paper was out that very evening. It makes their baptism even more memorable and meaningful. With all these, I just have to share how God has worked throughout our journey.

A Walk with God

To end off, I give thanks for God's great love. I pray that our family will continue to grow in faith and shine for the Lord in every simple way. The walk ahead will continue to be full of ups and downs but we know that God is with us. When things get tough, may the Lord grant us more strength and wisdom to pull through. On the good days, may we not forget to give thanks. 

To you who pop by this post, thank you for taking your precious time to read this. Before you leave this page, I want you to know that God loves you too and may you get to know him more.

For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him 

should not perish but have eternal life. 

- John 3:16

All in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.