Yung Suk Kim
I was born in a peaceful village called Kyungsan, South Korea. My only toys were found in nature—rice fields, small hills and mountains, and wild landscapes in various forms. I loved nature deeply and was raised amid its abundant beauty. I enjoyed singing and talking. The villagers knew me as a good boy and a caring son.
Childhood Memories
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. This early childhood experience has significantly impacted me, knowingly or unknowingly, for my life. It will continue to do so.
At age 15, one day after school, I came down with a severe fever and thought it was just the flu. However, about two weeks later, I was diagnosed with meningitis and lost three days of my memory while I was hospitalized. After three days, I got back to normalcy and stayed in the hospital for about a month. Antibiotics worked very well. Everything returned to normal. The doctor told me, "You are lucky because the survival rate for this disease is close to zero. Usually, 50% of patients get paralyzed, and the other 50% die." I realized that God saved me from that disease when I was 15. I thanked God and reflected on his care and will for me. Again, this experience has carved me very much, pushing my mind to seek the ultimate meaning of life.
Growing Up with Secular Visions, Ending Up with Turmoil, and Rising Again
Much time has passed since then. I forgot about my past illness and turmoil. I was full of secular visions and ambitions in life. I graduated from college (Kyungpook National University) and passed a job interview and test for a promising company. I got a medical exam and felt genuinely happy about my first job. However, the following day, I received a call from the company informing me that I had been found to have a liver disease. As a result, I was denied the opportunity to work with them. I was utterly disappointed. It was a bombshell to my dream and crushed me to the bottom.
Then, I needed to focus on my health for some time, going through a dark period. I eventually recovered. The key to my recovery was complete rest. During this time, I wrote reflections about God, myself, and the world around me. I showed resilience and returned to a normal life.
At age 15, one day after school, I came down with a severe fever and thought it was just the flu. However, about two weeks later, I was diagnosed with meningitis and lost three days of my memory while I was hospitalized. After three days, I got back to normalcy and stayed in the hospital for about a month. Antibiotics worked very well. Everything returned to normal. The doctor told me, "You are lucky because the survival rate for this disease is close to zero. Usually, 50% of patients get paralyzed, and the other 50% die." I realized that God saved me from that disease when I was 15. I thanked God and reflected on his care and will for me. Again, this experience has carved me very much, pushing my mind to seek the ultimate meaning of life.
Growing Up with Secular Visions, Ending Up with Turmoil, and Rising Again
Much time has passed since then. I forgot about my past illness and turmoil. I was full of secular visions and ambitions in life. I graduated from college (Kyungpook National University) and passed a job interview and test for a promising company. I got a medical exam and felt genuinely happy about my first job. However, the following day, I received a call from the company informing me that I had been found to have a liver disease. As a result, I was denied the opportunity to work with them. I was utterly disappointed. It was a bombshell to my dream and crushed me to the bottom.
Then, I needed to focus on my health for some time, going through a dark period. I eventually recovered. The key to my recovery was complete rest. During this time, I wrote reflections about God, myself, and the world around me. I showed resilience and returned to a normal life.
Prospering in a Business World
Later, I found a new job at a bigger company called Gold Star (now LG Electronics), married a beautiful woman, and had three adorable daughters. Our family life seemed happy. A few years later, in 1991, my company sent me to its foreign operation in Panama, and our family moved there. Later, we relocated to Miami to establish the company’s branch office. I enjoyed my work and life with my family. I traveled frequently to Latin American countries and Caribbean islands. I saw business growing and learned a lot about diverse cultures.
Transition to a Theological Journey
Transition to a Theological Journey
Looking back on my life, however, I was not very happy. I pondered the future and realized I did not find much joy in my work. Then, I thought about my childhood religious experience. Through ups and downs, turns and twists, I made a big decision after consulting with my wife. That was to go to a theological school. This decision was the most radical one in my life and family. Our family then moved from Miami to Chicago, which took three days to reach by car. After earning my Master of Divinity (M.Div) from McCormick Theological Seminary, I pursued a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Vanderbilt University, and our family moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
First Second Career Job as a Professor
After completing my doctoral degree, I landed my first job as a professor at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, marking the beginning of my second career. I have taught for almost 20 years since 2005 and have written nearly 20 books. I have enjoyed teaching and researching.
Over the years, my family has invested significantly in my education and choices, and I am truly grateful to them for their support. Life has treated me well; I have been successful in my academic pursuits, which include teaching, researching, and publishing. All of my daughters have graduated from both college and graduate school. They are now happily married and doing well in their lives.
Success and Sinking
Success and Sinking
Over the years, I have been maintaining my work well and successfully. However, out of the blue, one day, I fell ill with a severe form of anxiety. It was March 2023. I know nothing can happen without a reason. There has been stress and adversity caused by personal life and work. There may have been other factors that I cannot name properly. One early morning, I woke up but could not breathe easily, being soaked with sweat. I felt drained both physically and mentally. I found myself in a long tunnel of despair. Unlike other difficulties in my life, this time I had an issue of mental infirmity. When I hit rock bottom, I felt like nothing—a broken reed, dust, and vapor. Breathing became difficult, eating lost its appeal, and everything around me felt frightening. Each day stretched on without relief, and the prospect of tomorrow felt like hell. Oh, Lord, the world no longer looked the same. Movement was a struggle, seeing felt pointless, and speaking was burdensome. I went through a long tunnel of personal soul-searching, pouring my heart to the Lord like Hannah. I journaled, cried, exercised, sang, and taught myself.
Thanks to God: Regaining Energy
Gradually, I started to feel my breath returning. One day, I dreamt of emerging from that deep ditch. I regained my vitality, and the world began to look different. I realized that God is everywhere, and the miracle of life is everywhere. Living is simply breathing; every inhale and exhale is a miracle. Today is a gift I have been given, and tomorrow is beyond my control, but I trust that the Lord is always with me. I was reborn with turbulence, and now I try to see things freshly through the eyes of this humbling experience.
A few months later, I finished my final manuscript on the book How to Read the Gospels and wrote the Acknowledgments.
I want to express my gratitude to God for allowing me to write and complete this book. During the peak of my writing, I encountered a physical and mental struggle unlike anything I had experienced before. I found it challenging to manage myself and my time, yet I continued to research and write despite these adversities. I poured out my soul to the Lord, much like Hannah, and committed to both physical and spiritual exercise while reflecting deeply on myself and the world around me. Gradually, God lifted me from this seemingly insurmountable challenge. I regained my vitality and returned to the rhythm of my life. This book is a testament to my journey through that wilderness test lasting more than 40 days.
My journey continues. I don't know how my life will unfold. But I know I am not in vain.
Like a vapor, I am evanescent.
Like a reed, I am wavering.
Like dust, I am small.
But I'm not vanity.
I am a gift of God.
I created a page on my blog called Mental Health because of my experience.
2/2/2025
Yung Suk Kim, PhD
*Based on my previous experience, I have read many books related to the mind, including topics in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, and mindfulness. I plan to continue exploring interdisciplinary studies. Currently, I am reexamining the Lord's Prayer from a fresh perspective.
Some time after writing the above, I wrote the following books.
Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind
A Journey into Healing
Yung Suk Kim
This book explores the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and the quest for identity. It invites readers to consider the challenges related to mental health, particularly in the context of anxiety and self-discovery. At the crossroads of anxiety and faith, many individuals often feel disoriented and overwhelmed. Yet, within this struggle lies a significant opportunity for growth, understanding, and renewal. Through various strategies, individuals can not only learn to manage anxiety but also engage in a deeper exploration of self. This book integrates insights from biblical studies, cognitive science, and other psychological theories.
Poetry
Navigating Life's Tapestry
Yung Suk Kim
This poetry book represents the author's heartfelt endeavor to reflect his journey as a biblical scholar who cherishes the profound insights of wisdom. Poetry is a powerful means of communication—not only with himself but also with the world, including the divine and all beings that inhabit it. Filled with his innate curiosity, the book explores the intricacies of life itself. Life, in all its complexity, is both beautiful and challenging. The world I navigate can often be tempestuous, yet it remains a place where I find meaning and purpose. Poetry speaks to me in a language that transcends mere words, and in return, I engage with it as a trusted companion. Through the lens of poetry, I explore the myriad experiences that shape our existence. This poetry book serves not only as an expression of his thoughts but also as an invitation for readers to partake in a dialogue about life and the world we inhabit. Each poem within these pages delves into the multifaceted aspects of life, addressing adversity, embracing hope, and fostering engagement. They pose thought-provoking questions about our struggles while illuminating the glimmers of hope that can be found amidst our challenges. This poetry book resonates with readers, providing both enjoyment and a stimulating conversation about the rich tapestry of life.