Barriers that Bind: Defining the
Asian American Dream
Why Asian Americans are not obeying the Great Commission...
Parental Barriers (what parents say):
Filial Obligations:
- We came over here to make a life for you. Look how much
we sacrificed.
- You need to be able to support us when we're older. (Pressure
for sons.)
- If you're over there, how will you take care of us in
our old age? (Pressure for daughters.)
- You're going to cheat us from getting to see our grandchildren
grow up?
Expectations:
- You need to go to grad school and get a Masters first.
- You need to get married.
- You need to buy a house (it's a good investment).
- You need a retirement fund (401K) to fall back on.
If this is what is holding you back, you are seeking the
Asian American Dream.
Personal Barriers (what I say):
- I can serve God here... Why go there?
- I need to get married first.
- I don't have the gift of evangelism.
- God is not calling me.
- I have a Masters/Ph.D.; God wouldn't want me to waste
my intellect on the field, would He?
- I like my car, my house, my friends, my fellowship and
having everything I want when I want it -- with ease.
But these are all excuses.
What would happen if we were willing to go out on a limb
by casting these obligations, expectations and personal desires
aside and offer ourselves as true disciples ought and say,
"Lord, please have my life and use it any way you choose"?
I guarantee God will clear the obstacles, answer the doubts,
and use you to do great and amazing things...
Look how much HE sacrificed.
And it wasn't just for you.
If these objections and doubts sound familiar to you,
I assure you that you are not alone! I have heard many of
these excuses from my parents and from myself. And yet, God
heard my prayer of surrender, changed my parent’s hearts,
helped me die to self, and now here I am serving Him full-time
and taking regular missionary adventures. Really, God can
do just about anything!
It all begins with prayer.
-- Mary Ann Nguyen
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