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 off on our tortuous journey.

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.

 

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.

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

   

Speaking (Jeonju 2024)

I am glad to have shared thoughts about the Bible and transformation in Jeonju City (Jeonju Joongang Church, Dec 12, 2024). I explored the importance of critical, contextual interpretation of scriptures and reiterated the power of the self in one's life. The self must be rooted in God's love without which one cannot stand. YouTube video

Spotify

 

Lecture at Ewha Womans University (Dec 4, 2024)

I had an excellent time lecturing and talking with these young brilliant students at Ewha Womans University. I will always remember it. Their questions were timely and sharp. My topic was Paul's Theology, Community, and Women. Professor Kyungmi Park extended an invitation to me. Long live Ewha! 

*Photo courtesy of So-Jeong Yoon (Teaching Assistant)

 

 

    

  

Lecture at Yonsei University (Dec 3, 2024)

My lecture title: "The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love (Luke 10:25-37)"

The idea that self-love is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan is not a typical trend, but there is a clue we can see it. Without true self-love, no true love of neighbor!

 

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation at Hanshin Church 

(성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈점검과 적용) 

Dec 2, 2024

Hundreds of people gathered to listen to me and my colleague. I talked about the importance of critical, contextual interpretation. Every interpretation is contextual and must be tested. Scripture involves transformative elements if engaged well. My colleague, Professor Heidi Park, talked about the power of scripture in a pastoral context.  

AAR/SBL Book Exhibit 2024 San Diego

My editor sent me this photo of the book exhibit at the AAR/SBL in San Diego. As I cannot attend in person, please feel free to drop by on my behalf and pick up a copy of my latest book, How to Read the Gospels.

Existential

Lately, one word has been resonating deeply within my mind: "existential." I am developing my own existential philosophy, distinct from traditional theology. I am increasingly drawn to existential thought, moving away from atavistic interpretations.