#article Archives - Page 3 of 3 - An Asian American Christian

God’s Presence in Romantic Love

Published by andrewleewrites on September 11, 2020

I have to say, I’m a little new to this whole “romantic love” thing. My girlfriend and I have been dating for about a year and a half now. She and I can both attest to it—the relationship is not 100% joy and sweeping each other off our feet all the time. The relationship is not constantly filled with exciting conversations, burning attraction, and romantic starlit evenings together. The relationship is not even always positive or easy. But we still have those moments—or at least, I do—where I understand the meaning of deep connection that people seek when they say they are looking for “love.” When people yearn for being known by someone and not just employed for physical or sexual desire. I’ve experienced those simple stretches of a couple seconds where we just gaze at each other in silence and feel totally comfortable and content.

Love as Commitment

Love as Commitment

Published by andrewleewrites on September 1, 2020

Everyone loves the popular biblical verse from 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” But as I have been reading through the Old Testament and musing on real life scenarios, there are plenty of alternative dimensions to love that this popularly quoted New Testament passage seems to be missing.

Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing Yourself to Others

Published by andrewleewrites on August 18, 2020

There are lots of parables throughout the gospel of Matthew that explain the nature of the “kingdom of heaven.” The one that has been brought to the forefront of my mind recently is “The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard,” from Matthew 20. It reveals the error in our innate “human sensibilities.” And, it also helps demonstrate why living under God’s reign is both radical and freeing.

Let me begin by saying that I am always so tempted to compare myself to others. It seems to be instinctive human behavior. The only problem with this mentality—that’s not how God sees us.

God Cares About Changing Laws

judgement scale and gavel in judge office

God Cares About Changing Laws

Published by andrewleewrites on August 3, 2020

Has anyone ever noticed that God cares about justice? As I’ve been reading through the first couple books of the bible again (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and now Deuteronomy), I’ve been noticing just how much of the text by sheer volume is dedicated to societal laws. When Yahweh, the God of Israel, calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt so that they might live a different way of life, in worship of him, he calls them to be a radically different society from the one they were just in.

How the Model Minority Myth Helps Me Respond to BLM

How the Model Minority Myth Helps Me Respond to BLM

Published by andrewleewrites on July 23, 2020

I’ll admit it. I always hated history growing up. It was my least favorite subject. But I have come to realize that identity and history must go hand-in-hand. As a second-generation Chinese American, the Chinese part of my identity requires that I recognize and honor my family origin. At the same time, the American part of my identity stipulates that I take the time to understand the history and policies that have shaped the very society that I live in.

We Need a Systemic Solution for Racism

We Need a Systemic Solution for Racism

Published by andrewleewrites on July 14, 2020

The human body is a complex system. Physical therapists do the work of helping you pinpoint not just the symptom but also the root cause. Because the body compensates for weakened or injured muscles by exerting more strain on other muscles around it, it is totally possible that the root symptom of back pain is from a muscle elsewhere in the body entirely. I’ve started to understand that systemic racism is the same way. There is a root problem nestled deep into the fibers of this nation that surfaces pain through the repeated and forceful impact of bone against unforgiving concrete.

Initiators, Followers, Opposers, and Bystanders (#GeorgeFloyd)

Initiators, Followers, Opposers, and Bystanders (#GeorgeFloyd)

Published by andrewleewrites on June 13, 2020

It’s been a long week. When I first started out with this blog, I hadn’t quite yet anticipated what I would be writing about regularly. My goals were to explore my identities as a Christian, an Asian American, and a writer. #GeorgeFloyd and surrounding events, news, and personal conversations have given me a lot to think through and process. As a writer, I write to understand my own thoughts. I also write to share and invite discussion. As a Christian, I care deeply about the sanctity of each and every human life born in God’s image.

Combative vs. Active Listening

pensive ethnic man listening to answer in paper cup phone

Combative vs. Active Listening

Published by andrewleewrites on June 7, 2020

In light of our current conversation around racial injustice, rage and lament circulating about what our proper response to systemic racism should be, debates around protests/rioting/looting, and arguments around law-making and policy proposals among other things… I believe that active listening is more important than ever right now. I don’t know about you, but lately I see and am a part of so many conversations that start off innocently enough, but then move quickly from mutual listening and sharing to full on “fight-or-flight” response.

Category: #article