♡

I just watched a video about navigating change. It includes a movie called Inside Out. Someday, we'll watch this movie together as a family.

I have experienced a lot of transitions in my life and it was difficult to handle it alone. But God gave me the right people to process those emotions and thoughts I had through the church community.

For my parents, crying may seem a form of weakness. Every time we experience something sad, we are required to put up a strong front and prevent ourselves from crying. But my tear ducts say otherwise. My tears are easy to be triggered. And I had to embrace that part of myself. I had to feel what I felt at the moment and embrace that feeling. I had to learn to accept my emotions while not sitting on it for too long.

I may not have the luxury to process my emotions with my parents, but I want to give you that opportunity to have your family as the first people who can help you navigate change and handle your emotions in a healthy way. My prayer is that your father and I are the first people you can feel comfortable to for you to be vulnerable. May you trust us enough for us to see the vulnerable parts of yourselves.

I knew I wanted to name you Noah because of God's revelation to me last Sunday. He gave me a Word about my calling and my family—even if it doesn't make sense yet, wait anyway.

My only desire as you grow into the man that God has called you to be is may you be like Noah, who obeyed everything that God has commanded him (Genesis 6:22).

As Noah built the ark without any background in architecture, engineering, nor carpentry, may your creativity be inspired by the Lord. With everything that you will create with your hands, may you only glorify God and be a bringer of good news of great joy to everyone.

In the middle of great flood, may the heart of your leadership be anchored on the One who can walk on water and can make the raging storms calm down. May the true captain of your ship be God alone so you can navigate turbulent waters with unwavering faith.

And during the times when there's no water, may you remain steadfast in your faith knowing that your God is the provider of Living Water. No matter how long the drought may have been or no matter how long you've been traveling through the desert, I pray that you'll be reminded that the rain will come.