Upon National catastrophe, removed from our homeland to an
unknown country…The first item I would choose to take to represent my family
culture is my father’s Bible. Any Bible would be valuable but his is highlighted
and his thoughts written throughout the margins. The Christian legacy he and my
mom fostered is extremely valuable to me and continues to influence how we raise
our children. The second item would be a photo album with a spattered mix of
black and whites from generations passed, my own and my husband’s parents as
well as our own childhood and that of each of our children. The third item is a
memory book that I received several years ago and includes historical information
on both my own and my husband’s family to our own children with space to add
more information as the family grows. This book is special as it has sections
of comments requested of grandparents before they passed such as “describe your
wedding day” or “what was it like on the day ___ was born” Between this book
and the photo album, stories could be kept alive as the family sat around and
shared.
If I were told upon arrival that I could only keep one of
the three, I would feel angry and devastated having just left everything we
knew. When rational thought returned, I would choose the Bible. I believe that
with God, we can get through anything. We would have each other, and we believe
we will see our loved ones again in Heaven. We could still keep the memories
alive through storytelling, just as they did in the early days.
I did not realize how deeply engrained my faith is as a major
cultural influence. If all else were stripped away, it would remain. No outside
force can steal it from me. Though this exercise is disturbing to consider,
there is comfort in knowing that my family rests in a legacy of faith that
would sustain us.
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting to see the differences between our posts. I think it is wonderful that religion plays such an influential role in your life. You mentioned that this Bible was special becuase of the memories and comments it provided, and that it would act as a way helping your family to go on, whilst providing memories of your father.
It is interesting the difference in perspective about photos between us. From a religious perspective, you have the belief that you will one day see your family in heaven. Whereas someone of a different religous belief, may not believe the same thing. I had initially felt that being of strong faith, that one would hold on to the memories of their family, and not need the Bible, but your reasoning really opened my eyes further. This is a great spiritual response to that thought. This is just one simple way as to how differently people can the same items.
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteYou are deeply religious and this has reflected from your perspectives and reasoning.Your father's bible and its writings serves as a guide and encouragement for your future, this really encourages me. I am religious too, and believe in the bible very much and has learnt that the memories of our loved ones and their writings can serve as great source of hope and inspiration to us.