May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. It’s a start in a hopeful direction…
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. It’s a start in a hopeful direction in my opinion.
This post has been created as my offering to our community to learn more and start the conversations with each other, friends, neighbours, and people of Asian descent and heritage.
My daughter came home wearing a golden ribbon given out in her class explaining, “it’s about combatting Asian racism and Canada’s Asian Heritage Month.” As she is being formed in her own personhood, I was reminded that I have not been intentional enough to walk with her to help her learn and celebrate her diverse heritage. She is like many of her friends are Canadian and are of mixed-race and multi-ethnic ancestry. Thus, this post is my response to my own hopes for her and all of us.
I am Christian. I am an Asian/Pacific Islander male (second/third generation descent) born and raised in North America. My story is still in “formation” when it comes to my identity as a person of colour. Creating this space is a gift as I am still coming to grips with my own voice. The DNA of Asian cultures traditionally has taught us to not make waves, not draw attention to ourselves, and keep silent. As many of us are coming out of the woodwork to share, advocate, and champion our shared stories, I hope that it will be honouring and truthful. As all stories matter whether it be of triumph, injustice, pain, racism, or reconciliation.
As a believer, I cling to the verse, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” As that is probably the posture we need to take to let the light shine and awaken us all to where we can be people of Shalom.
Please return to this website post as I plan to share topics and resources that I consider interesting and intriguing. I hope topics like these will be beneficial to you:
For many who are of Asian descent, the metaphor of a meal and “open table” welcoming guests and strangers is something that is embedded in us. I think the origin comes from the story of the triune God as “other” and “stranger” being given a seat at a table set up by Sarah and Abraham. The meal was one that blessed generations to come. Who knows, by connecting with “others” we meet the face of God? I pray you will have friends at your table and find the blessing that ripples to those that follow us. May we all grow in understanding the “other” in us all. May you find bridges to connect and know each other better. May we make room for a shared life together.
As colonized a person, I am grateful for being able to express myself on these traditional lands first walked upon by the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
I hope you find it helpful and also my introductions to the various links or videos presented. If you want to have a call, coffee, or meal for a conversation about topics raised here, love to connect. (Kenton ML)
