Two sides of uncertainty

Uncertainty arises from all kinds of precarious life situations.
No one has exceptions because life is full of unpredictability one way or another.
All are faced with unequal levels of uncertainty or anxiety.
The question is how one responds to it.

If properly handled, it may be a moment and space for awakening leading to steady progress.

But we cannot ignore its negative impact on our souls, especially minors or vulnerable souls. 

When this happens, there must be an extreme process of healing, which may not be achieved once and for all.

Parables of Jesus

I love Jesus's parables because they provide alarming insights into how to live justly, individually, and communally. There are 27 videos in the series.

Walking through Dark Valleys (memoir)

I remember that day when I was about 10 years old. Life seemed empty. After school, I would hide my head in the folded blankets in my room. At age 13, I lost my mother, who meant everything to me. It was so sudden that I did not know the full implications of that event. She was a devout Christian, a single mother, and a model of faith and love. However, I was positive and thought the sudden death of my mother would not defeat me because I believed in God. I even thought I would become a better person through this challenging time. Obviously, this early childhood experience has significantly impacted me knowingly or unknowingly for my life so far. It will continue to do so. Continue to read

New Year Hope

Uncertainty as a Gift

–Yung Suk Kim

I perceive an amazing azure sky

with glistening dazzling trees coated in snow.

I find hope amid uncertainty.

Embrace uncertainty as a cognitive tool for rethinking

and as a time and space for awakening and progress.

Don't stick to what you already know.

In effect, you think you know something.

But the reality is bigger than you.

Wonder about the mystery and miracle of life.

*Meaning of Education and Uncertainty

new year poem "uncertainty"

Uncertainty

–Yung Suk Kim

Human life is filled with uncertainty.
We all are born with crying — the first acknowledgment that we are nothing.
We cry for help.
By crying our soul starts to function.

We smile, seeing the scary world not so much as a threat but a malleable one.
But soon our comfort zone evaporates since things are not going how we wish.
We lament and seek justice.

In lament, we falter to the ground, hard breathing and seeing no hope in ourselves.
We are listless!
But there is insuperable power surrounding us and the world: the irresistible grace of God.

In lingering uncertainty, I am not crushed.
I am I.
I find regeneration through the power of uncertainty.
Feeling on the edge, I sense a greater power than me.

I feel safe sailing not because there are no storms or tempests
but because I know there is a way of grace beyond me.
I am reborn with turbulence.
I move with uncertainty, through which I am alerted and awakened, and find the true light for a path forward.

New Year 2025

This year comes to a close. It's like a single day. I am brimming with optimism for the next year, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and energy. In August 2025, my teaching career will have reached 20 years. My new term begins on January 13. On another note, I have been invited to lead a special Bible Study session at a local United Methodist Church, which I find thrilling. The pastor contacted me requesting that I teach one adult Bible study session in January 2025. Interestingly, she asked me to teach them about parables and justice, which is the topic of my ongoing book project. Given the church's proximity to my residence, I gladly accepted the invitation. Today, I prepared a comprehensive 14-page slides. Happy New Year!

Thanks to God!

Thanks to God, a new book project was conceived based on my lectures in Korea. I extend my gratitude to my colleagues and supporters who attended those lectures. This book will honor their hopes.

전주특강: 성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈의 점검과 적용 (Korean)

The recap of my travels to Korea (Dec 2024)

I just returned from my travels to Korea. I blogged about my experiences there. Thanks to all my friends, colleagues, and participants in Korea.

1. Hanshin Church https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/blog-post.html
2. Yonsei University https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/lecture-at-yonsei-university.html
3. Ewha Womans University https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/lecture-at-ewha-womans-university.html
4. Jeonju City https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/speaking-jeonju-2024.html
5. Politics https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/dec-14-2024.html

Visit to Korea 2024 Dec

I had a truly memorable experience during my visit to Korea. The stability of democracy is dependent on the active participation of ordinary citizens, with a particular emphasis on young people. I am reassured to see Korean democracy avoiding a return to the instability that characterized the country 45 years ago when a military coup traumatized me. The impeachment of Yoon is a significant development. On a separate note, it is noteworthy that young people, primarily those in their 20s and 30s, are becoming increasingly awakened. This generation witnessed the tragedies of the Sewol Ferry and Itaewon Crowd Crush. Moreover, they are the children of parents who fought against military dictatorship. Han Kang asks: Can the past help the present? Can the dead save the living? The answer is Yes. Those who sacrificed for democracy saved people in the present.

Short video

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4