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

Happy Easter Weekend everyone! In the spirit of the occasion I thought I’d make a video that’s slightly different from the usual: why i'm still a christian despite having considered leaving the faith.
i've watched a lot of videos on KZbin about people either talking about how they converted to Christianity from a life without God, or why they left Christianity - but I wanted share a lesser told story, ie the perspective of someone who was in church since young, who neither had any earth-shattering conversion moment nor left the faith... but still discovered, in little ways, how my life has changed.
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - How I started going to church
1:26 - Things that made me question my faith
1:38 - #1 Feeling a lack of freedom
2:06 - #2 Getting hurt by people in church
4:33 - #3 Having questions that I felt could not be answered
6:09 - Things that led me to stay in my faith
6:15 - #1 Doubt is a necessary pitstop to faith
7:25 - #2 Christianity is about relationships, not rules
8:26 - #3 Hurt and imperfection is precisely why we need Christ
10:57 - #4 The gospel has given me the best explanation for forgiveness
14:51 - #5 I reconciled my identity confusion through Christ
16:14 - #6 I don't have all the answers, but that's okay
18:19 - Why I made this video
Hope you guys enjoy this!
Shot on Canon EOS R10
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[@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.

[@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".

[@thestaringenclave]

Thank you, Annette. I needed this.

[@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! :)

[@chuahchongthayk9554]

Thank you for sharing. Continue to shine on ❤

[@wundrstruck]

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

[@coelone]

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

[@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

[@marsch000]

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

[@MadelineNeo-ef8uw]

Thank you for your heartfelt sharing ❤ Powerful testimony

[@christygirl1993music]

Thank you so much for sharing this Annette! ❤

[@hyunhmyphuong3913]

a touching and courageous testimony. thank you for blessing us!

[@ordinaryobserver897]

Good one. Thanks Annette. More please.

[@tl3509]

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

[@jessiechui2161]

Thank you for sharing! Very encouraging to listen to your honest and real life sharing!!

[@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! :)

[@huiluantay793]

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

[@anthonywuu]

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

[@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!

[@deb681]

Thank you Annette for this wonderful sharing ❤

[@jeeray]

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

[@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."

[@ly33n]

I love this. Thank you for sharing Annette ❤

[@ruffles6378]

Thanks for sharing Annette! It was an encouraging video :”) God bless!

[@HelloYoutube70]

I love this ❤ thank you for your courage and faith in sharing this

[@jlmingj]

Thank you for such a honest heartfelt sharing! ❤

[@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!!! :)

[@meilin74]

Thanks for sharing your faith. It’s accurate, sincere and real. 😊

[@chongren8734]

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

[@paletrumpet]

thankyou for sharing! very relatable and very comforting to hear your journey

[@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.

[@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.

[@hstrymkr]

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

[@SAGOH1990]

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

[@RebeccaLeo-xp7kq]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing... so brave and so encouraging. Hope it ll bless many young ppl!

[@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

[@zjack22]

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

[@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!

[@faithalissang]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony ❤

[@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!

[@johankii6782]

Real stuff! Preach it, Annette! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@joesim2408]

Wonderful testimony and sharing. Authentic and helpful.

[@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!

[@sohzhenying3724]

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

[@zachwu8558]

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

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@reneefoo8145]

just wanted to thank you for sharing about your faith!! esp cos it’s so relatable- I’ve been through so many of ur thought processes too:,,) i was esp moved by ur sharing on forgiveness bcos it’s so tru that we have no right to judge others (n there’s no point harbouring resentment) given that only God can judge + deliver justice…agn THX SO MUCH for having the courage and conviction to share, and inspire others with your stories

[@cheehongong6395]

Courageous. Awesome!

[@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. 🙏🏻

[@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 :”)

[@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".

[@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!

[@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.

[@G.r.a.c.e.3]

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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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. ❤

[@lulunana4737]

Thanks for sharing this. It warms my heart also 😊

[@tofumonster8913]

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

[@carolinetan2887]

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

[@wanbeve2]

Thank you for sharing your testimony ❤️

[@astrolight5000]

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

[@dawnho7744]

You go, girl! You've just earned a subscriber. Your story isn't a unique one but it strikes accord with me as I had gone through similar phase in my church life. Bless you, sister!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! ❤️

[@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! 🥲❤❤❤

[@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!

[@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!!

[@sixes3100]

Got to love her authenticity, have a blessed Easter 🐇

[@aliciarachel4882]

thank you very much for this encouraging story ❤

[@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.

[@CyrusWongKiingChien]

Blessed Easter Annette!

[@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

[@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😔

[@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!💜

[@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…

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@pennelam1079]

It was good hearing your testimony for Jesus. I sure hope this will not be the last time you're sharing about your faith.. 😊 God bless.

[@jocelynnoelle]

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

[@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! 🙌🏻

[@janicechee3720]

Thank you for your testimony ❤❤❤

[@Meltthecream]

Love it so much. Thanks for sharing

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ElliottWong2024]

Thank you Annette for your story. I relate to your first point a lot (kinda wishes you had spent more time fleshing it out). It's nice hearing about the second-generation Christian experience from a fellow second-generation Christian. With love from across the causeway (Malaysia). Blessed Christmas.

[@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.

[@elinchan6718]

I hope many prodigals will hear you. Very good sharing!

[@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.

[@thepuffish]

Hope to see more, hope this isn't the last. All glory to God!

[@petrinameiern914]

💗love your story !!

[@fredtai8929]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Praise God :)

[@poeticised]

thank you so much for this!!