Yung Suk Kim
Roots in Nature
I was born in the peaceful village of Kyungsan, South Korea. My only toys were found in nature—rice fields, rolling hills, and the wild landscapes that surrounded me. I was raised amidst this abundant beauty and loved it deeply. I enjoyed singing and talking, and the villagers knew me as a good boy and a caring son.
Childhood Shadows
However, shadows touched my life early. I recall a distinct sense of emptiness when I was about ten years old; after school, I would often hide my head in the folded blankets of my room. Then, at age 13, I lost my mother. She was a devout Christian, a single mother, and a model of faith and love. Her death was so sudden that I could not fully grasp its implications at the time. Yet, I remained positive. I believed that her passing would not defeat me because I trusted in God, and I even convinced myself that this tragedy would mold me into a better person. This early loss has impacted me significantly, knowingly or unknowingly, for my entire life.
At age 15, I came down with a severe fever. I assumed it was the flu, but two weeks later, I was diagnosed with meningitis. I lost three days of memory while hospitalized, but thanks to effective antibiotics, I stabilized. The doctor told me, "You are lucky. The survival rate for this disease is close to zero. Usually, 50% of patients are paralyzed, and the other 50% die." I realized then that God had saved me. This brush with death carved a deep desire in my mind to seek the ultimate meaning of life.
At age 15, I came down with a severe fever. I assumed it was the flu, but two weeks later, I was diagnosed with meningitis. I lost three days of memory while hospitalized, but thanks to effective antibiotics, I stabilized. The doctor told me, "You are lucky. The survival rate for this disease is close to zero. Usually, 50% of patients are paralyzed, and the other 50% die." I realized then that God had saved me. This brush with death carved a deep desire in my mind to seek the ultimate meaning of life.
Secular Ambitions and Early Setbacks
As time passed, I forgot about my past illness and turmoil, becoming full of secular visions and ambitions. After graduating from Kyungpook National University, I passed the interview for a promising company and felt genuinely happy about my first job. However, the following day, I received a call informing me that my medical exam revealed liver disease. The offer was rescinded. It was a bombshell that crushed my dreams, sending me to rock bottom.
I entered a dark period, focusing entirely on my health. The key to my recovery was complete rest, during which I wrote reflections on God, myself, and the world. Eventually, I showed resilience and returned to normal life.
I entered a dark period, focusing entirely on my health. The key to my recovery was complete rest, during which I wrote reflections on God, myself, and the world. Eventually, I showed resilience and returned to normal life.
Prospering in the Business World
I eventually secured a job at a larger company, Gold Star (now LG Electronics). I married a beautiful woman, and we were blessed with three adorable daughters. In 1991, the company sent me to its foreign operation in Panama, and later, we relocated to Miami to establish a branch office. I enjoyed my work, traveling frequently to Latin America and the Caribbean, watching the business grow, and learning about diverse cultures.
Transition to a Theological Journey
Despite my success, I looked back on my life and realized I was not truly happy; I found little lasting joy in my corporate work. My mind returned to my childhood religious experiences. Through ups and downs, turns and twists, I made a radical decision after consulting with my wife: I would attend theological school. Our family moved from Miami to Chicago—a three-day drive—where I earned my Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. Later, we moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where I pursued a Ph.D. in New Testament studies at Vanderbilt University.
A Second Career in Academia
After completing my doctorate, I began my second career as a professor at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Since 2005, I have enjoyed nearly 20 years of teaching and researching, publishing nearly 20 books. My family invested significantly in my education and choices, and I am truly grateful for their support. Life treated me well; I succeeded in my academic pursuits, and my daughters have all graduated, married happily, and are doing well.
Success, Sinking, and Rising Again
For years, I maintained my work successfully. Then, out of the blue in March 2023, I fell ill with severe anxiety. I know nothing happens without a reason; there had been stress from personal life and work, and perhaps other factors I cannot name. One morning, I woke up soaked in sweat, unable to breathe easily, and feeling drained physically and mentally. I found myself in a long tunnel of despair.
Unlike previous difficulties, this was a mental infirmity. I felt like a broken reed, dust, and vapor. Breathing was a struggle, eating lost its appeal, and the world felt frightening. I poured my heart out to the Lord like Hannah—journaling, crying, exercising, and singing.
Regaining Vitality
Gradually, my breath returned. One day, I dreamt of emerging from that deep ditch. I realized that God is everywhere and that living is simply breathing; every inhale and exhale is a miracle. Today is a gift, and while tomorrow is beyond my control, I trust the Lord is with me.
A few months later, I finished the final manuscript for my book, How to Read the Gospels. Writing it was a physical and mental struggle, yet I continued despite the adversity. This book is a testament to my journey through a wilderness test that lasted much longer 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.
A few months later, I finished the final manuscript for my book, How to Read the Gospels. Writing it was a physical and mental struggle, yet I continued despite the adversity. This book is a testament to my journey through a wilderness test that lasted much longer 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 am not vanity.
I am a gift of God.
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 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.
40 Meditative Poems