The stories that shape us

Hmong memory and Mennonite faith in intercultural community

Abstract

Song Moua, my father-in-law, endured unspeakable tragedy and loss, much like many other families affected by war. Sadly, he has not been under the same roof as his three siblings since they all fled Laos nearly fifty-six years ago. Last summer, however, this long separation was about to end, as all four siblings were invited to our home for a grand reunion. It was a touching and monumental reunion, with each sibling providing their perspective of what had happened to them when teb chaws puas (when the Laotian Civil War unfolded). My father-in-law, typically a man who rarely displayed his emotions, shared his journey of loss and hope with tears rolling down his cheeks, revealing all of the deep pain and hurt he had experienced.

The reunion of my father-in-law and his siblings reminds me of the profound impact that sharing our stories can have—not only on those who speak but on everyone who listens. Witnessing their vulnerability and courage brought our family closer together. It created space for grief and healing, and it made the abstract history of our people tangible and deeply personal. Our experiences as immigrants, shaped by displacement and resilience, intersect with our faith by calling us to act with gratitude, humility, and justice in the world around us. In the same way, the Mennonite church has the potential to cultivate spaces where difficult stories are heard and honoured, where communities can bear witness, offer support, and grow together in understanding.