Petrina was invited to take part in the #OYPHopehasaName challenge and share her thoughts on her experience below!
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By Petrina Lew, illustration by Isabelle Fuentes
As I was reflecting on what I hope to change in my family, I came to a realisation of the fine line between hoping and wishing.
As the oldest child in the family, all the unspoken expectations weighs on my shoulders. My dad, being the typical Asian dad, he says little to no words and I would have to try and figure out what’s on his mind through his facial expression and body language. This often results in my mum being caught in the middle as the messenger between my siblings and I and our dad.
Where is the Love?
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 safe management measures which has forced everyone to be stuck in the same space, there are weeks where there is very little communication amongst us. Through my work, I minister and work with children and families, which has allowed me to witness and experience the love that has been missing in my family. This made me come to a realisation of how much I long for what is supposedly the foundation of the family, – Love.
On the topic of God…
Even though I was brought up in a traditional cradle Catholic family, no one ever vocalises or shares about God or faith at home. Therefore, it has long been normalised that my faith and relationship with God is an individualistic and private one. Till today, the topic of God and faith is an uncomfortable topic to discuss even though my entire family attended mass together regularly pre-COVID-19.
Baby Steps
Sitting together with my family for dinner is easy but deciding to put my handphone away during this season of Advent has been challenging. Without my handphone on the table, it has meant that I have no room to escape opportunities for conversations. I see this as small step in being more present to my family members.
My Hopes
As challenging and awkward as it has been attempting these conversations with my family members, I entrust my family to God in hopes that my family will be more open, honest and life-giving in the way we communicate and share our feelings with each other. I pray that God will grant me the courage to share more about Him with my family and to encourage faith sharing within the family.
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Cor 13:13
