Fruits of Grace

She took it bad when our suspicions became a reality. Till today, she still does in some way, though God is helping her gradually to become more forgiving and gracious. But then, back in late 2001 when we had gone to see her during her convocation, my sister took the news that we had a half-sister pretty bad.

Forward to present day, we not only have her, but we also have a half-brother. My parents were divorced sometime around 1998, but me and my sister had seen it coming since we were little children. He remarried and has a new family.

I must admit, that although I didn't take it as badly as my sister (a surprise, due to my temperament), we were still both not very kind with our views on them. I am not proud of my old self, when I labelled them as the 'lower breed' and ourselves as the untouchable 'higher breed'.

But with Jesus, everything changes :) If there is anyone who can change a person, it's God. Since that time, and since coming to Christ, I've been much better with children, I spend a lot of time with them, talking and playing and caring for them. It was no surprise then, that recently, when I got to see my 2 half siblings again, they instantly warmed up to me. It helped also that they now understand English as they are older. Chin Peng (the girl) is 6 and Chin Yue (the boy) is 3.

When I was little, I always wanted my mum to give me 2 more siblings - a boy and a girl. How 'naughty' God is sometimes with granting our wishes :) My sister still struggles to be around kids (she 'dislikes' children! Haha), but I know the children love her too. Slowly but surely, God is helping my sister let go of the anger and disappointment. It sometimes is still hard for her.

Mum's the most amazing lady ever. She is another walking testimony of God; forgiving and gracious. She has accepted and forgiven my dad and his new wife, as well as taken into the children with absolute love since day 1. That's God's Grace right there if you asked me!

My dad and his wife are both very blessed too. Dad didn't marry a psycho lady who was not understanding and possesive, the kind who'd tear families apart. His wife however, has never been ostracized whenever she's met us or the times she's met extended family; especially during Chinese New Year recently. My mum even goes out of her way to make her feel at home and involved in conversations.

I've been asked by my aunts, on how I felt about my half-siblings. This is what I can say - It is NOT their fault, what has happened in the past. They did not ask for this to happen and as children of God, I'll love them as anyone else should, the way they deserve to be loved as children. Yes, I used to have stigma towards them. I don't anymore. When I look at them, I smile. Although they aren't my siblings in full, they have the same blood as I do. I am their older brother nevertheless. At the end of the day, this is NOT my will, but His.

They are not, and never will be the same as us in many ways. Although my sister detests being labelled a 'family' including them still, we are however all one in God's Kingdom. That's the best way I can think of it.

Nothing can change the past mistakes. But God has been gracious to whomever are concerned. That includes me and my sister.