why i chose to keep my faith | Glowing Up Ep 18

[@danielleong6615]

"what is it to you? You follow me." The summary I needed. Thanks Annette

[@VerreButterfly]

What a coincidence, I was thinking the same thing! 😂❤

[@ronkong8085]

​@@VerreButterfly u replied to your own comment?

[@lawrence9456]

@@ronkong8085 looks like 2 different people with the same name. Tap their name to see the username, it's different.

[@iantan6056]

So glad to hear a story of someone who encountered the faith not by some crazy miraculous circumstances but by the slow revelation of answers and His presence throughout years of growth. Thanks for the real talk, Anette.

[@RaphJonathanTan]

wow another influencer stepping out, thank you so much for your courage and bravery. its not easy im sure but many will be blesed from this. never knew you were of the same faith, your struggle is so relevant and relatable. as a 2nd gen christian, i agree with you wholeheartedly. thank you for sharing. happy easter

[@zrw2820]

Christianity, just as many other religions, is a self-fulfilling logical loop that goes round and round. Question that leads to another question that eventually ends with "I have faith". Hence you guys always "struggle". If it's natural just like air and sunshine, there'd be no need to "struggle".

[@RaphJonathanTan]

@@zrw2820 to each their own, keep it to yourselves

[@jasminezero145]

@@zrw2820 Beg to differ, its almost impossible to "self-fulfill" Christianity - a faith which involves thousands of years of prophecies and revelations, via extraordinary circumstances and various characters; all alluding and culminating to the person of Jesus Christ (i.e.) not a loop. It is faith-based though, like all things, including - arguably - science. Hence, I'm comfortable with the concept of having faith, in which inevitably, will lead to challenges or "struggles" due to its own definition. However, at the end of the day, this process will hopefully guide my decisions, provide wisdom and answers to larger questions. I believe people do struggle with natural occurrences as well. Aside - all these cerebral rationale and logical conclusions goes out of the window once you encounter God - it is unexplainable, undefinable and incomprehensive but you're sure that you're sure to the extent that you will want to tell others. I hope and pray that you ZRW will have this experience. Happy to share and chat more if you're keen, please feel free to PM me anytime.

[@magthemightymouse]

@@zrw2820 it’s interesting that you brought up struggles. What struggles have you heard that Christians have with their faith?

[@noobestofdamall]

@@magthemightymouse Anyone remotely logical/rational would see the tremendous amount of mental gymnastics required for any religion.

[@brianfung5924]

Pride gets in the way to prevent people from acknowledging the fact that they are sinners and need to repent to God, myself included. This is a gradual process and we certainly need the Holy Spirit to help us leave side our prides and confess and submit to Him. I do agree that there is no way for us to earn our salvation or even counted righteousness before God. Once again, thank you Annette for sharing your faith journey. Jia you!

[@luanne-yen]

Hi from Malaysia🎉 I love your sharing so much! It's not very often we come across sincere videos like this. I find this so relatable being a 2nd gen Christian...was reminded once again abt a quote from c.s lewis, "i believe in Christianity as i believe the sun has risen. Not because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else." happy easter! ❤❤

[@genie5000]

CS Lewis. Thanks for sharing this quote.

[@AnnetteLeeMusic]

that quote by cs lewis is one of my favs too! :)

[@ivanchong1364]

Thank you for this video. Appreciate the message you brought across, especially on Good Friday. I was struggling with my faith for a bit over the past few years: wasn't tuning in to sermons, and was "lazy" in general. I was using the pandemic as an excuse for my absence, and I felt both helpless and anxious at the same time during that period. Towards the end of last year, I felt God was trying to steer me back to Him. One of the signs was my non-believer friends and colleagues asking me about church, and I found myself stuck when explaining my non-attendance. Figured I should stop giving excuses, and start praying about what I should do. I returned to church and discovered that building the relationship with God was what I was looking for. Long story short, praise the Lord, and I am looking forward to Jesus' help in my walk with Him. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter weekend!

[@zrw2820]

Christianity, just as many other religions, is a self-fulfilling logical loop that goes round and round. Question that leads to another question that eventually ends with "I have faith". Hence you guys always "struggle". If it's natural just like air and sunshine, there'd be no need to "struggle".

[@balling89]

Amen! Did you even realize you just preached an anointed Christ-like sermon in this video? Christianity is about relationships, not rules. No one can keep the laws, that's why we need Jesus, His unmerited Grace. The world needs to hear this. Thank you Annette for abiding in the small still voice leading you to do up and share this video. I'm sure you're planting seeds into many people lives, whether they know it or not, and these seeds shall come to fruition some day in the right time, right place. Be blessed sis!

[@jasonwes77]

Keep it up Annette. Relatable. Grew up in church. Went through these phases. Stayed. Pastor now. Still amazed at His faithfulness. Have a blessed Resurrection week 🙌

[@mamamememoo]

That’s awesome.

[@yenfong2564]

Holy shit. This TED talk really opened my eyes. Not a Christian btw, but I do agree with your points on forgiveness. Can truly relate to it. Thought of it before too. Very practical too. I like how you try to break down the reasons cos in most religion we are not supposed to doubt our religion, but having an answered doubt would very likely strengthen the conviction.

[@lzh4950]

Met an elderly person who had a negative view on Christianity as he felt it was a religion for people who wanted to be forgiven for their sins, so maybe he thought it's for people who didn't want to take responsibility for their actions & face the consequences. Actually when I was in primary school my classmate also promised to me that I'd never go to hell if I converted to Christianity

[@mabelmadeline4864]

thank you for sharing ur faith and voicing the struggle of many cradle born christians! it's hard to see God in the here and now (tho we try), but with reflection, He shows up in such unexpected and consoling ways! ptl that u gave Him the attention and opportunities to reveal to u how He shows up for u:)

[@zrw2820]

Christianity, just as many other religions, is a self-fulfilling logical loop that goes round and round. Question that leads to another question that eventually ends with "I have faith". Hence you guys always "struggle". If it's natural just like air and sunshine, there'd be no need to "struggle".

[@yeamshinyen2832]

Respect you annette for being so bold to share your testimony aloud to such a wide audience of people and still are not afraid of the judgements. Really inspired by your story to be proud of our faith and stand by it. What a great revelation

[@yvonneyeo305]

Believing when you dont have all the answers is called Faith 😊 Being a Christian is really about our relationship with God. Thanks for your beautiful sharing ❤

[@alui5362]

Be unapologetic, Annette. Bear good witness because it's our job. Too many bad apples get the limelight, so more good representation is needed. Just because you're sharing doesn't mean you're preaching! Hope you find the courage to share more in future.

[@zrw2820]

So do Muslims and Buddhists say. Of course you'll need more followers, otherwise the religion loses its influence.

[@alui5362]

@@zrw2820 not sure what you're trying to say bro, though I see you preaching elsewhere in the comments section, so roughly get a sense of where you are coming from. yes, to be honest, even as a Christian, I'd love to see more Muslims and Buddhists coming out and sharing their faith and how they found peace. this isn't a religious war where we have to struggle (as you say). it's a personal relationship with God.

[@zrw2820]

I'm trying to say that you guys are trapped in a self-fulfilling logical loop. Your beliefs are based on what's said in a book, and when people ask you questions which you cannot answer, you just say "oh I have faith". Life is short and life is precious, don't waste it on a fallacy.

[@alui5362]

@@zrw2820 ah.. it's okay. one day you will get it too, God willing.

[@zrw2820]

No, I'll not get it and I don't believe what you make yourselves believe in. You guys behave like you're so convinced that you are right and others are wrong. Lol.

[@Behold.G]

I love how the reason you wanted to share this video sets you apart from others that like you said, shared how they left their faith and not how they stayed in the faith. It definitely makes you stand out which seems to be who you are. Because of this, God will surely honour you through your work because you are willing to put it on the line for Him. Keep up the good faith!

[@will.i.am188]

Totally relatable as someone growing up in church, being told what to do and what not to do. Eventually found out there are just too many hypocrites, saying church is for the sinners so expect it won't be perfect (somehow disgusts me). I still consider myself Christian, as I still believe in GOD.. Finally, I agree with your points that Christianity is not about rules, but relationship! Thanks for sharing!

[@lzh4950]

Am not Christian but I grew up holding & praying our deceased ancestors with joss sticks & I was curious about why I was doing that although I'm a freethinker & not Buddhist/Taoist. Then my parents explained that this is a Chinese cultural practice rather than something that's exclusive to Buddhism & Taoism. However they had some reservations about Christianity as Christians don't typically hold joss sticks (@ least from what I've seen), so they fear that if we convert to that religion, Chinese cultures can no longer be passed down to future generations. My parents will also probably be quite upset that they will then also be deemed less important than God, which might be seen as a violation of filial piety. Probably compounding their fears are stories like my colleague's relative/friend boycotting his church for celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival

[@srsfriends]

Thanks Annette for sharing such a compelling & personal story! It was very well put and as a Christian, it definitely encouraged me and reminded me to keep pursuing God despite never knowing all the answers and to spur those around me toward him! :)

[@soehian]

Thank you for sharing this and releasing this on Resurrection Weekend. Not many artistes would put their faith on the line as you have and I thank you for having the courage for doing so. So true, how all of us are imperfect people needing the grace of God, then taking that and making the world a better place. May God continue to give you the wisdom to make us laugh and yet walk the path you need to walk in.

[@chongren8734]

Human beings are imperfect, and so am I. That's why I need Jesus. He understands when people don't. He loves me when people don't. So I also need to love the people who are not lovely because Jesus did so to me.

[@rinky_dinky]

right now i have both my children in sunday school , they are 4 and 3.... i will keep in mind these things

[@thecloudchaser1]

Thank you for sharing Annette…what you shared about especially being hurt in church; I can really identify also as a slightly awkward teen back in youth

[@chingcharles5933]

Thanks for the sharing. As a Christian myself, i can relate to many things you shared. Keep the faith. I like your conviction. Not just believing for the sake of it but to study and understand what you believe in.

[@visual_honey]

We are all broken people. 😊❤ That's why we need Jesus. Thank you for your testimony Anette, I had prayed for you and your family and it is such a wonderful surprise to see you sharing your journey. God is so Good. And asking questions and journeying with God is how our faith grows indeed! God bless you.

[@visual_honey]

It is a relationship and not a religion 😍 Amen Amen!

[@chongren8734]

Happy to hear that you keep your faith😊 God bless us. The more we experience his grace, the more we love him.😊❤❤❤

[@coelone]

Blessed Good Friday! Really appreciate this sharing. Relates much and it's truly encouraging! Thank you! ❤

[@j-1339]

thank you so much for making this video - as a person brought up in church, you voiced so many of the things I've felt but never expressed and it's encouraging to know I'm not the only one

[@jojihye]

omgg my story n experience is sooo similar to yrs! now ive overcomed my doubts on this faith, and im so happy that i didnt leave church n stayed!!! i still go through trials now, but ik that i can overcome it as God won't give me more than i can handle. thank you for making this vid annette! its sad to see ppl, esp youngsters, leave the faith because they dont agree w the teachings or theyve been hurt by sm1 in church b4😔

[@yuen102]

thank you annette for speaking on this! it always hurts me when people speak about being hurt by the church, because i know that its not God, its just that people are all broken. i pray that those who have experienced hurt will find healing in God as you have :) blessed holy week!

[@sixes3100]

Got to love her authenticity, have a blessed Easter 🐇

[@huiluantay793]

Thank you for sharing! God bless you. ❤ Don’t let this be the last time! 👍🏼

[@tofumonster8913]

Praise the Lord for elevating you to a position of influence and be salt and 💡

[@tamakachi]

Thank you for such heartfelt sharing ❤️ what convince me to stay in this faith is also the realisation that Christianity is not about dos and don'ts, what I can or cannot do, but it is simply having a relationship with God 💕

[@marsch000]

Thank you Annette for sharing. May God bless your work.

[@melsgh]

Was reading a book on 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV 1984) 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, This verses came, may this encourages you to be bold. God Bless

[@esthertan8771]

Thank you for sharing your own experience with God, not a second gen Christian (a first gen) but definitely relate to the experiences on hurts/forgiveness etc bc truth is all of us are really broken and sinful people and only Jesus can save us.. not by our own works but His grace through faith. Rlly thank you for sharing, it brought much encouragement to my heart!!

[@visionmakers283]

Annette, i believe your story is very relate for 2nd Gen Christians like myself. I appreciate how you shared so openly and and posted your story online for all to hear. I am encouraged by your sharing and I believe many of my 2nd Gen christian friends will be as well. God has let you be a content creator/public figure for a reason. I hope you can post more content like this. 🙏🏻

[@aclp003]

Thankful for your sharing :)) The LORD bless you and family and continue to use you to be His light in the increasingly dark world.

[@wethejays]

Hey Annette, this is Jas here. Not sure if you remember me but we used to telepathy match our clothes during the Weave days LOL. Just want to say I’m so glad to know you’ve kept your faith, if not even deeper, many years later. Especially in the world of content creator and freelancing. God will honour you when you honour Him. Keep going!!!

[@MatthewSC93]

Great video! Don’t let this be the last video about your faith. It makes it even more genuine when you are sharing as a normal person!

[@sharonchiasj]

Amen! Thank you for sharing. This sharing brought so much tears because it speaks to my heart and relatable to most of us here.

[@song1522]

Thank you for this video Annette. Currently in a phase where I’m doubting God and who He is and what His motives. So many questions unanswered and it’s making me doubt if i want to continue being a Christian. This video came just in time and there are many points mentioned that made me rethink if i have been blinded by what i want to believe and not what God wants me to see. Thank you!

[@brendarachellee7802]

Wow your sharing really hits home for me as well. Grew up as a cradle Catholic going to church since a baby, and I’m truly glad I came across someone like you who also found it hard to be yourself authentically especially in youth groups becuz I resonate with it too. Most of the time, I found myself being unable to mingle well or ‘fit in’ like normal young ppl both in school and even in youth group cuz I grew up as an awkward teen too, and the indirect unpleasant treatment from others just made it more obvious. For a teen like me, it’s hard to not really have anyone whom you can relate to or laugh about life with. Growing older, I started questioning my faith too in the sense of whether I’m meant for something more, whether my somewhat dysfunctional family can be ‘better’ in any way, whether it’s a shame to just be myself without any expectations, whether God truly hears me and knows my pain, whether it’d be better if I’m not in this world and many more. But what I’m most astonished about is how despite all these doubts and hurt caused by others, I never really thought about leaving the church, and it was becuz by God’s grace and mercy, I slowly came to understand that my faith is really about my relationship with Him, not about what or how others portray Him to be. You articulated about the importance of forgiveness really well also! At times, I also question whether forgiving someone who has hurt or wronged you deeply is worth it at all. Revenge always seems to be the more gratifying option. Why be kind to the person who only ever thought of being mean to you? Later I came to understand (and still learning now) that the actions and words of ppl who hurt and speak ill of others all come from a place of hurt. So they wound others who don’t deserve it, and the cycle of hurt and unforgiveness continues. It’s this reality that keeps me grounded and reminds me that I’m not better or more righteous than anyone, and that I’m really a sinner who needs Jesus’s salvation just like everyone else. It’s then that I find the strength and compassion to forgive, though it ain’t easy. Thanks for authentically sharing your experience of growing up in church and the reality of it. Love your videos btw!💜

[@shiannegoh]

Thank you so much for sharing this video Annette :”) it made me very emotional listening to the reasons you stayed because it really really resonates with my journey with Christ and really PTL for your journey!! Praying that you will continue to keep your eyes on Jesus and find comfort in all his eternal promises for you ! And that all us Christians, will the help of the Holy Spirit, will continue to lift each other up and encourage and love one another the best we can even though we are sinful and imperfect :”)

[@sohzhenying3724]

Thank you Annette for speaking up as a Christian and being so real!❤

[@deesaur]

i think regardless of religion, there's something to learn for everyone from your pov, e.g. letting go of certain stuffs. it's a good video, thanks for sharing!

[@AnnetteLeeMusic]

thank you! i do hope that even if someone doesn't share my beliefs they can share in something i've learned :) some of my best friends aren't christian but i love that we can still have great conversation and learn from each other

[@anthonywuu]

Amen! Thanks for Sharing Annette! I love how the synchronicity in timing of thurder when you shared about key points! 🙌

[@eureka1007]

Now, that's authentic Christianity!

[@zjack22]

That’s an amazing testimony! It’s great to know it’s not “blind” faith and it’s a relationship!

[@Roselle_its_me]

Wah this is so awesome! I would like to affirm and thank you for sharing the spirit of the gospel, the reality about the struggles which I think I related quite abit, but also using this platform to share to those who may need to hear this, the Hope and Love that the Jesus continues to offer. This is Lord allowing you to be His instrument to those He desires to Love! Don’t be afraid to share this area of what the Lord has done for you, whether through social media if he invites you to, or IRL with others! Because I am sure you dont need to be a pastor or someone atas for others to recognise the Christ in you :) “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions or even at their difficulty, as at the love we do them.” - St Therese of Lisieux Praying for your journey! 🙌🏻

[@Beccaibecks]

Thanks Annette! Teared a little listening about your journey while took a walk down memory lane on mine with Jesus… indeed God has been and IS good! 🥲❤❤❤

[@coleroro]

thank you Annette for this... 🦋 thank you for being so vulnerable and authentic. & thank you for leaving us with such a good concluding message - "what is it to you? you follow Me."

[@zer0sg]

I think you're courageous. Well done Annette 👏 . I'm uplifted and enboldened to make it a point to share my faith - in a more outright manner - to those around me. May His Spirit be with you.

[@jen5138]

why the need to compare? LNX shares a lot about his testimony too.

[@zer0sg]

@Jen Hi Jen, just to highlight the aspects which I really found to be commendable (i.e.) Annette being more explicit and forthcoming. I found it to be refreshing without taking anything away from the others (hence the disclaiming premise).

[@jimw8615]

@@zer0sg u missed the whole point. Don’t compare. Nobody is better than anyone. We are all sinners in the eyes of God.

[@zer0sg]

@jim w Just wanted to use a point of reference to express admiration for this video though. Comparing has such a negative connotation. However, in light of the current season and in the interest of all participating, my initial comment referencing other similar local celebrities' has been edited - although; SG Aunty be like: "aiyah, same same lah. My ah girl study arts and yours study medicine, both also NUS what. Good school can get good salary can liao." Later... Same SG Aunty: "eh my ah girl got handsome rich boyfriend, so many people ask her out. How come your ah girl still single ah? So poor thing leh" End

[@ryanwjchan3175]

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony!! So encouraged by this!!! And please don't be discouraged to not share your testimony again!!! :)

[@wundrstruck]

Thank you for sharing your testimony, very blessed and can relate!

[@addyted]

So inspiring. Totally can relate with all the points you made, especially about doubting being a necessary pitstop to strengthening one’s faith and the power of experiences. I once had a very public argument with an anti-Christian, and he threw me a question about how anyone can believe in miracles and how I can prove them. I just told him I am the proof because I had lived them, and he shut right up.

[@Dalziel45]

More like he gave up lol. Nothing against your first sentence though.

[@wanidakok]

Thanks for sharing this, in a time when it’s not popular to proclaim your religion. I can relate a lot to what you shared, and truly, it makes me feel so much more secure going through life with god. how lonely would it be to go through life’s challenges without him? I’m getting baptised tomorrow, though I’ve known him almost all my life. It makes me so joyful to proclaim that he is my saviour. May our faith continue to grow…

[@AveiroHo-zd9jc]

Amen! With flesh, we are weak. It's only through the Spirit that we can overcome our weakness/temptation.

[@jeeray]

Thank you for sharing the other side of the story often not told, Annette. You are doing something really brave :”

[@SAGOH1990]

Thank you Annette for sharing so genuinely… you spoke straight into this season of my life

[@ordinaryobserver897]

Good one. Thanks Annette. More please.

[@thestaringenclave]

Thank you, Annette. I needed this.

[@limcynthia2106]

Thank u for this video - experienced similar many "doesn't make sense" & ugly incidents in church & growing up as well. We r not alone. Still staying with our heavenly Father. ❤

[@nadialok2478]

Thank you for sharing, Annette! A very relatable sharing for 2nd gen Christians, no ‘extravagant’ events but little transformational moments with God. Blessed Easter!

[@vincentser97]

thanks for sharing your faith! it’s really encouraging and a great reminder of why we believe in Him. really bold and courageous of you to share so openly and I’m sure people who watch and listen to your video will be blessed 😊

[@christinedalida6163]

I am currently in the doubting phase… Thanks to your video! Something I can ponder on

[@astrolight5000]

Jesus loves you!

[@Koalarix]

me too, many questions to work through

[@vivianlee9930]

Thanks for the sharing. I felt the same although not a cradle. There seemed to be more ‘elegant’ Christians and veteran Church volunteers than me, I once concluded. I moved and joined a church near my new house. went on to help on one event - I'm totally ignored and seemed transparent. All the veteran just left me at the counter I was manning albeit trying to get to know them indicating how excited I was to join this area. then I realized, there is nothing wrong with how I look or smell :) and perhaps we all have different expectations... and that I should just move on to focus on my relationship with God our Father, the everlasting covenant He made with Abraham and his descendants... Blessed Easter everyone..

[@astrolight5000]

Wouldn’t mind if this isn’t last time you talk about it 🤍 because the world needs the hope you now have 🤍

[@Brenda-jd5uo]

Thank you for sharing!! Because like you, I do not have a big conversion story. I always felt like I’m a mediocre Christian who doesn’t have any world shaking testimony as I’m also a second generation Christian. But your videos are always so genuine and a blessing! ❤️

[@isaac-thepromisesofthelord5490]

Praise the Lord. We are so blessed to be at a church filled with grace. The reason I am a “Christian” is because I know what I’m capable of and it’s the Lord Jesus, knowing me full well, still loves me and died for my sins in my place. We are great sinners whether in or outwards. Amen 🙏 go ahead and share of your relationship with Him.

[@joelliew5676]

Thanks for your heartfelt sharing Annette! Very relatable and relevant knowing the struggles that a 2nd gen believer face be it whether being "perfect" or being judged by others. I'm indeed blessed by it knowing we're all on this journey together. I liked one of the points you shared that Christianity is a relationship and not about rules. Keep it up!

[@mayonnkonrad8926]

Thank you for sharing your faith. I too grew up in church and is still keeping my faith. My prayer is that we will continue to keep our faith till the day we meet our Savior. Let us run our race and keep up the good fight of faith. God bless you.

[@Dorcasyangjx]

Really admire you for being outspoken about your faith online! As a second-gen christian I found this personally relevant, so thank you 🤍

[@cheehongong6395]

Courageous. Awesome!

[@carolinetan2887]

May God use you to impact n be a blessing to many Annette!

[@AaronHo05]

May the love of Christ keep you going, and doing what you're doing, dear sister! Have a blessed Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday!

[@jamesjuze]

thank you for your transparent sharing. growing up as a second gen Christian is a struggle on its own. you've put together this so well.

[@thefairplayer]

Thank you for this honest sharing. You are not alone! I’m kinda in the same boat as you. This is awesome encouragement for many to rethink our faith!

[@spencerchapmanbarra7888]

Thanks Annette. A very personal and relatable testimony that speaks way more than bible bashing! Well done.

[@jacksonpurwati7192]

Thanks for sharing your journey. Yeah - heard of friends who left & some even "hate" the church due to some 'bad' apples. Thanks for bringing it up and the need to do better. And also the sharing about questioning. It is the questioning and the journey that led to the encounter with Jesus. It is often the ONE encounter that cements the relationship as I have witnessed so far. God bless.

[@samz9121]

Fellow attendee of church and Hillsong College student here! :D One thing I've seen during my time here is how seemingly ordinary people with a revelation of Jesus step out and share their stories. While the office of pastor is certainly one that one may seem like the "official" to get answers from (rightly so because they do more study and prayer than the rest of us, etc) I have come to believe that wherever we are, should people come to us with questions, the best thing we can do is to point others back to Jesus. That our platforms are either on stage putting our craft out there, in front of a camera, or the unseen conversations over a coffee table. Grateful for all that you do and the bursts of creative joy your projects have brought thus far and many more to come. Believing you will find yourself at the tight time at the right place to meet the right people. :D

[@CalvinCheah]

Thanks for being so candid with your faith - I think it shows in your life and work. Well done!

[@AriellePng]

First of all, thank you and well done for using your platform and making this video. It must have taken courage to post this, but I just wanted to let you know that in doing so, it gives me courage to speak up more about my faith and Christian journey too. Your journey is so relatable and addresses so many misconceptions about Christianity, but in a very honest and authentic way. So thank you. Also the comedic timing of that thunder was 👌😂 God has a sense of humour

[@chuahchongthayk9554]

Thank you for sharing. Continue to shine on ❤

[@hstrymkr]

Thank you Annette , I applaud you for sharing the truth and being real

[@zachwu8558]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with Christ! It’s really brave of you!

[@teriliew8145]

Thank you for such a candid sharing from a parent who had shuttled my children to sunday school. 2nd generation Christians have to find their own conviction on why they believe.

[@tl3509]

Well shared.. Needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@ilovecheesecakee]

Thank you for sharing this! I related a lot to how as humans / more creative people, we want to fit in and stand out simultaneously. I really appreciate how you verbalised it. Growing up in church + an imperfect Christian family as well, I think I went out of my way to "find an extreme struggle" so that my testimony wouldn't be so "boring" (which led to a lot of unnecessary hurts). I really appreciate you sharing your honest testimony and it's a humbling reminder that all our testimonies are valid and it's not to bring glory to ourselves but to God. It is very refreshing and encouraging to hear a "why I stayed in church" story because there are no lack of sharings of "why people leave the faith + the church" and sometimes it feels like if I have doubts/hurts, the inevitable next step is to leave. Appreciate you linking it to forgiveness and a personal relationship (: God Bless!

[@elioraryu]

Hi Annette, I really felt that you had touch all the key points on our faith. It's a job for all believers. Thanks for your wonderful sharing and happy motherhood to you!

[@justine4373]

I am so glad to come across this video. I have 2 teens and it is so important to hear this testimony coming from more young people so that they too, can have the courage to step forward to be unapologetic about their faith. In this day and age of cancel culture perpetuated by aggressive activists pushing their agendas, we need to have the courage to speak up (with gentleness and humility) for our relationship with God. You expresses it well Annette. Thank you❤️❤️

[@justine4373]

expressed*

[@taydavid2376]

God is good all the time. Praise and thank the Lord for Good Friday. Thank you Lord Jesus for dying on the cross and forgiving my sins. But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies , we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5: 8-10

[@jocelynnoelle]

I enjoyed v much listening to this video. Thanks for sharing❤

[@karenliew3534]

Thank you! Praying the lyrics of this song over you.. O may all who come behind us find us faithful, May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey.

[@jeremypee4128]

As a 2nd gen christian, I can relate to a lot of things you mentioned. When one begins to question why you are a christian in the first place, it brings them through a valley of doubt, faithlessness and distance from God, and even from the Church. But when we look back and see just how much Jesus loves us, and how much God has shielded us even when we were unfaithful to Him, there is this sudden awakening and realization that we really need God in our lives. Here is my personal experience: I am the son of a pastor, and I serve with the worship team. You'd think that I would be a very good christian, but in all honesty, I am not. In fact, I did not even do consistent devotions until recently. During the pandemic, I had to live alone in SG away from my parents and church (I grew up mostly in Johor) to complete my NS and continue my studies. I began to distance from God, since during that lockdown period I couldn't go to church. Although I didn't do the things associated with 'bad' people in general, I was in no way 'good' either. I swore. I degraded others. I was judgemental. I was a liar; I promised my parents I would go to church here in Singapore, and I even told them I went to church although I never did go. I felt really lonely and empty at times. I was truly unlike a christian. My faith and my God became things at the back of my mind that I completely disregarded for more than two years until the borders reopened and I could visit home again. But when I came back to church in April last year and began serving with the worship team again, I slowly began to see just how present God still was in my life although I silently rejected Him. For starters, I was a medic during NS. This allowed me to work as a vaccinator which secured my finances and my meals throughout the border closure. My skills as a worship musician had not been lost either, despite a severe lack of practice. Rather, I actually bought and picked up a new instrument, which I now use to worship at home. I did not realise it, but God was there, providing and keeping me full every step of the way. The turning point came when I returned back home, and subsequently back to church. I began serving again, and I am really glad my church welcomed me back despite my inability to come home during that period of time. And when I looked back on my life during those two lonely years, I realised how much God's grace and mercy has been on me. Recently, I attended a course in church about shaping my spiritual life, and I am completely different now. I have cultivated a habit of having Quiet Time with God every day, I have begun to pray in the Spirit a lot more (almost every day, around half an hour or more each day), my worship attitude has changed, my service in church is now much better and I have stepped up to fill more roles. My outlook on life has changed, my belief in my Saviour is now solidly anchored in the promise that He gave me when he bled for me and took away my sin. Of course I am not perfect, Far from it. I still have loads of problems and issues that are works in progress, some of which are worse than others. But I cannot deny the work God has done in my life, the grace and mercy he has shown me, even when I distanced myself from Him. It really means something to be saved by grace. Most 2nd gen christians (probably including me) never really understood what it means to be wretched, broken and lost, and the humble gratitude that comes with the graceful and merciful salvation presented to these people. But I like to think I at least had a taste of what it is like to be saved by grace. And when we begin to develop a fresh personal relationship with God, following Him instead of just blindly following the people at church (Not saying its wrong to follow the leadership of our church folks, but we need to understand why we follow, and what not to follow.), we begin to really experience what it is like to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to have a close relationship with God, and it is indescribable. There will be life outlook changes, experiences of random bursts of Joy, feeling the tangible presence of God so close that its like Jesus is sitting right beside you. Theres a peace we cannot describe as well. You begin to look forward to going to church, and even serving in church. The atmosphere around you changes. You have Quiet Time with God every day, without fail, because you want to maintain your relationship with Him. And it just feels really awesome that no matter how much we fall and fail, God is still faithful to His covenant with you, made with the blood of Jesus. My Key Takeaways from the Video: 1. Understand why we believe in God and go to/serve in Church. Know firmly why we have and maintain a relationship with God. 2. Empathy. Love the unlovable, which includes those who hurt you before. Not with your own love, of course, but with God's love. Yet, do not judge those who anger, betray, or hurt others. Other than them not being perfect, we have to remember our own imperfection and show grace and love to them, just like how God shows us His grace in our iniquities. 3. Do not base your worth and identity on what people think is cool or uncool, or what people say and think about you. Also, do not base your identity on what you were before you knew Christ. Instead, you are born again in Christ, and assume a new identity : A Child of God. 4. Nobody is able to follow the rules set down by God. Human nature is Sin. That is why we all need God's grace and mercy shown through Jesus Christ. Do not focus on the weight your sin; focus on God instead. Focus on the redemption God has given you from the very moment you accepted Jesus as your Redeemer and pled the blood of Jesus over yourself. 5. Forgiveness is done out of Love. God-given Love. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that we may all have eternal life. Trying to forgive by God's standards using human love is impossible; but forgiveness in God is understanding that we need to acknowledge our negative feelings and inability to forgive on our own initiative. Then, we ask God to fill us with His Love, and help us to show Grace to those who have wronged us. Just as much as Jesus loved the very soldiers who nailed Him to the cross. And remember, forgiveness is not done just for the benefit of those you forgive, but also to relieve yourself of the emotional burden you carry through refusal to forgive your transgressors. And when you finally move your expectation of comfort through closure (aka, apology from your transgressor) to God as your source of comfort, that feeling of pure relief is so overwhelming and freeing. It's indescribable honestly. 6. Pride is a huge stumbling block. Especially when we begin to judge other people for falling down, without realising that our human nature makes us all the same. We are all sinful by nature. Only by God's grace are we who believe in Him set apart, and called Righteous and Holy. Not because of how good we are as people, or how many good deeds we have done, but because Jesus made us whole again. Jesus associated and ate with tax collectors, thieves, people who were generally disliked and even hated by society. He loved them, God loved them. The one thing He did not do was judge them. Likewise, we have no right to judge others for their wrongdoings either. We should instead love them with God's love. 7. Submission in uncertainty. This does mean following God's instructions even when they do not make sense, as but here I want to emphasise on surrendering yourself to God: even when you don't understand why you should. This applies when you get hurt, when things/people in your life go awry, and any form of situation that is unpleasant. When you surrender to God, you are relinquishing control to God and admitting that you cannot handle the situation. The bible says that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness; therefore God is absolutely willing to take charge by turning you and your life into a living testimony, therefore exemplifying His strength as shown during your weakness.

[@johankii6782]

Real stuff! Preach it, Annette! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@phyllischew7283]

I respect you for sharing this very honestly & willing to be vulnerable in sharing your hurts, past & faith. There are indeed many who will feel encouraged watching this:) Just wondering, why does this have to be the last video about your faith? You don’t need to be a pastor to share more about your faith 😉 Your fans love your works & who you are. If your faith is going to encourage & offer hope to others, pls continue doing such videos!💗☺️

[@timhou-we5ck]

Thanks for giving a voice to the 2nd gen!

[@AliceALong]

Love ❤️ it Annette! What a great testimony. May God continue to be your guiding light and that you will continue to shine for Him and find His peace in all your endeavors!

[@mickyk6347]

God bless you Annette. You will find as you get older, your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ becomes priceless as the things of the world fade away. Thank you for your sharing.

[@yihui31]

Felt so seen by your sharing, and really encouraged and moved. You have a gift of simplifying even profound concepts of forgiveness, parables, and hope you continue to shine this light for Christ ❤️ thank you!

[@eunicegabriellatan9140]

Same, 2nd gen Christian too and struggled through those phases of doubt and also hurt from people who are supposed to be kind because they are Christians..then again I realized the church is not for perfect people, everyone is a sinner that is why we need Jesus and if Jesus can forgive and love those people who have hurt me..I can too. Struggled through those phases and stayed because the tomb is empty HE IS RISEN. also look at nature around you, and our own bodies and all the subconscious functions, if it hasn't been intelligently designed by the Creator..this all certainly didn't come about by a big bang. I marvel everyday at His works🤯