Faith & Life

A Good Person

Merchant of Death Dies This was the headline in a French newspaper in 1888, reporting the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite. The article, however, was a mistake. The person who had actually passed away was Nobel’s brother, Ludvig Nobel. Still alive, Alfred Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in the newspaper. What unsettled him even more was being labeled a “merchant of death.” It forced him to confront how the world saw him. This incident is said to have prompted Nobel, shaken by the realization, to establish the Nobel Prizes. There’s a saying that how a person lived becomes most evident after they’ve passed away. But even before death, we can get a glimpse…

How Plantago asiatica Lives

Plantago asiatica is a common wild plant you often see growing by roadsides or mountain paths. Because it lives along paths, it's constantly stepped on or run over by feet and wheels. Yet, this harsh environment actually works in its favor when it comes to survival and reproduction. Most leaves are soft and tear easily under pressure, but plantago asiatica’s leaves are reinforced with tough fibers that keep them from ripping, even when trampled. What’s more, when crushed, the plant springs back up with resilience—and cleverly turns being stepped on to its advantage. It attaches its seeds to passersby—whether the feet of people and animals or the tires of vehicles—so they can be carried far and wide. Unfazed by its…

Sincerity Speaks

On December 7, 1970, at the National Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt stood solemnly before a memorial dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Nazi regime during World War II. After laying a wreath, he suddenly dropped to his knees on the cold concrete ground and bowed his head in silent tribute. Photographers at the scene rapidly clicked their shutters, and the powerful image spread across the world. Witnessing Brandt’s sincere apology and remorse, many Europeans who had harbored resentment toward Germany began to open their hearts. The global press described the moment with these words: “It was one man who knelt, but an entire nation that stood up.” Sincerity has the power to reach hearts—no…

Why He Called the Chef

Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of a world-renowned company, often dined with his employees at the company cafeteria. One day, the lunch menu featured beef steak. While most of the employees were enjoying their meals, Chairman Matsushita barely touched his food. After the meal, he called his assistant over and said, “Please go and bring the chef.” The assistant, noticing that more than half of the chairman’s steak was left on the plate, felt uneasy but went to fetch the chef. The chef, visibly nervous, approached carefully and asked, “Was there something wrong with the food?” The chairman gave a warm smile and replied, “No, not at all. The steak was excellent. I simply wasn’t feeling well today and couldn’t eat…

Endurance Hunting

Before humans invented and used weapons, how did they hunt animals that were faster and stronger than themselves? One of the simplest hunting methods—requiring no tools at all—is called “endurance hunting.” In this technique, a hunter selects an herbivore that has fallen behind the herd and pursues it relentlessly. Regardless of the distance or number of days it takes, the hunter continues the chase until the animal collapses from exhaustion. If the prey slips out of sight, the hunter follows its trail by reading signs such as droppings or chewed leaves. This method is also known as “persistence hunting” or “tracking hunt.” Wild animals can run very fast over short distances, but this comes at the cost of rapid energy…

At the Brink of Death

“Right now, I feel like I could embrace and love every person I’ve ever met. It wasn’t until I faced death and began saying goodbye to those I hold dear that I finally realized: life is a gift and a joy. Every moment can be a moment of happiness.” At the age of 28, a man convicted of anti-government activity stood on the verge of execution. He was granted five final minutes to reflect on his life. Facing death, the biting winter wind no longer felt cold, and the chill of the ground beneath his bare feet felt precious—beautiful, even. Regret overwhelmed him: Why hadn’t I realized this sooner? But just then, a command came through: the execution was halted.…

The Victory of the Army That Abandoned Its Spoils

An army that had been winning battle after battle suddenly saw its combat strength drop sharply. The general was puzzled to see his once agile soldiers—who used to scale steep ridges as if they had wings—now struggling even to walk across flat ground. He ordered the soldiers to open their packs. Out spilled piles of valuable spoils of war. Ignoring the soldiers' reluctance and regret, the general had all the spoils burned. From then on, the army regained its strength—and its victories.

Unfailing Love

As we walk the path of faith, there are times when we don’t understand why certain things happen, only to realize later that those very moments were filled with God’s hidden blessings. Whenever I’m tempted to rely on my own thoughts instead of trusting in God’s will, one verse always comes to mind: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Ps 107:8–9 Reading this passage, I am reminded once again that Heavenly Father and Mother love us with unwavering constancy and always fill us with what is good. Looking back on my journey of faith, I see how…

Shin Jun-hee from Suwon, Korea

One Meal vs. Twenty Thousand Meals

It was a day I cooked for my father. Though I was tired, it was nothing compared with my father, who had come home late and hadn’t even had lunch. So I quickly washed the rice and set it to cook. “Thanks to you, I didn’t miss one meal today. Thank you.” After finishing his meal, my father said this with a smile. I felt proud, but suddenly found myself reflecting: “How many meals have I not gone without thanks to him?” As I thought back over the years I’ve lived, it must be well over twenty thousand meals. In that moment, I was struck by how much love and care I’ve received throughout my life. Seeing my father express…

Ju Yeong-ho from Seoul, Korea

Class President Campaign Promises

At the beginning of the semester, my second child—now in third grade—decided to run for class president. Here is the campaign pledge he wrote: If I become class president, I promise to be like a school supply for all of you. First, like a ruler, I’ll always adjust to match your needs. Second, like an eraser, I’ll help wipe away bad thoughts. Third, like tape, I’ll build strong and lasting friendships. Fourth, like a pencil, I’ll leave a meaningful mark in the history of class presidents. Please vote for me! As I read his pledge, I found myself reflecting on my own faith and making a renewed resolution. I want to meet my brothers and sisters where they are, keep…

Kim Deok-sun from Busan, Korea

Like a Doubles Match in Tennis

As I’ve been learning tennis, I’ve come to some realizations I’d like to share with my Zion family. In tennis, there are two main formats: singles and doubles. A singles match is played one-on-one, with players exchanging shots across the net using their rackets. Doubles, on the other hand, features two players on each team. While the basic rules remain the same, doubles places greater emphasis on teamwork and coordination. In singles, success depends largely on a player’s individual skill. But in doubles, while personal ability still plays a role, what truly determines the outcome is the chemistry and rhythm between teammates. One player typically positions near the net to handle short balls, while the other stays in the back…

Hwang Su-dong from Incheon, Korea

A Beautiful Exile: The Story of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (I)

“Is there no book in the house? Do you have no talent in yourself? Are your eyes or ears not bright and sharp? Why are you trying to give up on your own?” From a letter Jeong Yak-yong wrote to his two sons Jeong Yak-yong, a reformer and scholar who systematized 18th-century Silhak (practical learning) thought; he is also known by his art name Dasan. At the age of 22, he passed the state examination and seemed to be walking a smooth path. However, after King Jeongjo, who cherished him, passed away, he was exiled for a staggering 18 years. For a government official, such a long exile could only be a time of hardship and thorns. But Jeong Yak-yong…

The Fledging Operation of a Kestrel Family

About a month after birds hatch, they leave their nest to begin life on their own—a process known as fledging. I once watched a program that followed the story of a kestrel family preparing for that moment. For reasons unknown, a pair of kestrels had built their nest on the balcony of a 13th-floor apartment, where they lovingly raised six chicks. Then one day, seemingly no different from the rest, one of the chicks flapped its wings more vigorously than usual. With quiet determination, it lifted into the air and left the nest. A few days later, another chick began scratching at the floor with its feet, flapping its wings anxiously. From across the way, the mother and father kestrels…

Yun Eun-ju from Goyang, Korea

Longing for Our Heavenly Home

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. . . Heb 11:13–16 As a newspaper reporter, I had many opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. Among the most memorable were interviews with individuals who were incarcerated. I asked them what life in prison was…

Mira M.C. from Patna, BR, India

Chosen by God

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” Jn 15:18–20 This year, I turned twenty, a first-year university student, just beginning a new chapter of life. Before entering university, I often found myself worrying: “What if my classmates or seniors don’t like me because…

Jahng Su-ji from Seosan, Korea

After Conscious Sedation Endoscopy

I had a stomach endoscopy for the first time in my life. My husband had previously undergone the procedure without sedation and said it was difficult, so I chose to be sedated without hesitation. The nurse administered the sedative. One second, two seconds, three . . . and my memory faded. When I opened my eyes again, the procedure was already over. I was filled with gratitude to God for allowing me to go through it without any pain or discomfort. While I was resting in the recovery room, the doctor came by for rounds. But instead of mentioning the test results, he talked about something entirely unrelated. When I asked him about the results, he looked surprised and said:…

Kim Hyeon-im from Suncheon, Korea

Patience

The dictionary definition of patience is “enduring pain or hardship without giving up.” But beyond this meaning, many people have defined patience in their own ways: “Patience is the art of holding on to hope.” “Patience is the key that unlocks everything.” “Patience is a confident attitude that promises future rewards by choosing not to give up now.” “Patience is not just endurance—it’s preparation.” “Patience is the willingness to wait until the right moment comes for what you truly desire.” “Patience is the ability to maintain a good attitude while enduring.” Those who are patient will eventually receive something in return. But in order to gain something good from enduring, one must first overcome the desire to give up and…

The Waiter Rule

Not long ago, an executive from a major corporation assaulted a flight attendant on an airplane. Because of his absurd behavior, rooted in a sense of entitlement, the company he belonged to saw its carefully built reputation collapse in an instant. The executive was eventually dismissed from his post, and the company had to scramble to manage the aftermath. “If someone treats you well but acts arrogantly toward a waiter, he is not a good person.” This is a well-known saying in the United States, often referred to as the “Waiter Rule.” Among business leaders, there's also a common belief that “A person who mistreats waitstaff cannot become a successful manager.” It’s not just about how one treats a waiter;…

Emulsifier

Among the ingredients used to make cakes or cookies, there is something called an “emulsifier.” This emulsifier prevents oils and water, which normally do not mix well, from separating—helping the batter come together smoothly. While butter and water are essential ingredients in a delicious cake, the emulsifier that brings them together is just as indispensable. There are also people who play the role of an emulsifier among others. When conflicts—big or small—arise, they find common ground between opposing sides and help bring them together as one. Wherever such people are, harmony always follows.

Patience and Waiting

Patience means to endure pain or difficulty without giving up. People often talk about needing patience when calming their anger, exercising, dealing with a child’s tantrum, or staying awake when sleepy. On the other hand, waiting means to hope for a person or a time to come. You wait for uncooked rice to become a meal, for a friend to arrive, for a flower to bloom, or for wine to ferment. Patience focuses on the pain involved, while waiting emphasizes the belief that something will surely happen. Yet because both look toward a good outcome in the future, the two are often used interchangeably. True waiting always involves patience. If a farmer only wishes for a harvest without doing anything,…