I Am First His Son
I’ve been living in New York City for over three years now, and during this time I studied in a master's program and also worked full-time at a startup company. I’m sure you can imagine just how crazy busy life was for me!
Even though the last three years have been very fruitful and enriching for me, it was also very stressful and isolating. Though I went to church every week, I didn’t join any small groups or develop any deep relationships with other people in the church the way I used to back in Taiwan.
As a man, I thought I needed to keep all of my burdens to myself and not bother anyone else around me with my struggles. Though I felt I was carrying a heavy weight, I didn't share this with my friends and sometimes, I didn't even know how to share the pressure and stress I felt with my wife. Perhaps this was also due to my Asian cultural background that has always emphasized that a man must be able to stand on his own and carry his own weight.
But thank God, He did not leave me there. A few months ago, God led me to a church retreat exclusively for men. It was my very first time joining this kind of church event in New York and I wasn’t sure what to expect. During the three-day retreat, God spoke to me and reminded me that I am His son, I am loved, and my aim is to please Him. Before I become a man, I need to first learn how to be His son. It was a powerful spiritual breakthrough that released a lot of the burdens I’ve been carrying.
I was also surprised that my teammates, all of whom I met for the first time at this retreat, were so honest and open in sharing their struggles, pains, bad habits, and stories with me. It really encouraged me to share my own needs and ask them to pray for me as well.
God’s message to me was loud and clear: I’ve got a TEAM! My wife, my church, my brothers, and most importantly, Jesus 🔥
Each of us who went on this amazing retreat are all now back to our “normal” lives, facing the many challenges of everyday life; nevertheless, I know that I am not alone and I have a team that I can always feel safe to share and pray with. Now my wife and I aren’t just simply attending church every Sunday, we’ve also joined the service team, a weekly small group, and are developing deeper relationships with other people in the church.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” - Matthew 3:17
Jason T.
Brand Director
https://www.behance.net/jasontaijed85c
New York