Kim Ji-yeong's Rosy Life 김지영의 장밋빛 인생

                                                      

       (written in 2008)

 Kim Ji-yeong's "Rosy Life," a touching testimony of faith in eight chapters, was published by Pauline, a publishing company run by the Daughters of St. Paul. Many people will probably be familiar with Kim, a well-known talent and actress who has appeared in over 200 dramas and movies over the past 50 years. Among them are "Invited People," "Our Happy Time" and "Mapado 2."

 She made her debut at the age of 18 and didn't mind playing minor parts. These days, her natural and familiar appearance--like a neighborhood grandmother—makes us smile.

 Kim looks peaceful as if having never known to suffer, but her life was filled with pains and struggles. Looking back, she remembers the suffering, various miracles, and moments of forgiveness she experienced.

 Her father remarried, while her mother suffered from poverty. She married at the age of 21, but her husband enjoyed drinking, which eventually led to the deterioration of his health.

 In spite of her difficult situation, she did her best to support him and help him to recover. It took 12 years for him to get better, and by then she was finally able to buy a house for the first time.

 What is worse is, he began to drink again and his health became worse than before. In the end, he died. At the moment of his death bed, she asked him for forgiveness, and he suddenly struggled and wept endlessly. At his funeral, she was baptized in the name of Mary Magdalene.

 Bereavement with her husband, forgiveness, and reconciliation with her remarried father brought her a new beginning. Many people suggested she appear on stage; so she did--12 times a week--not taking even a day off for 10 years.

 Forgiveness and reconciliation presented her with true happiness, entrusting everything in the hands of the most merciful God. Through her ups and downs, Kim learned not only about appearing on stage but also about proclaiming love and forgiveness to people around her.

 Her son was severely hurt in a traffic accident, but an operation brought about good results, with the help of her sincere prayers. Her daughter's father-in-law, who was unconscious due to lung cancer, was kept alive by her constant prayers. In this way, she experienced the presence of God's almighty power.

 At present, she is very faithful in her mission based on her various experiences with the grim realities of life. No matter what acting role she takes, she always keeps practicing until she becomes natural and perfect. When a new role is given, she enjoys studying to digest the character.

 There was time for her to substitute a cup of cold water for rice. Learning to enjoy every sip of water, she knows how to pray "Thank you, God!" in spite of the quality of the dish.

 Appreciating each moment, she confesses that“I'm so grateful for my being that everything in the world looks beautiful." 

 She is happy to greet people on the street, by saying “Always be happy! Take good care of yourself all the time!" Drinking a sip of water or coming and going out of the room, she is used to saying, 'I love you, Jesus!‘

 Some of her sayings are as follows:

 “The first way to gain peace is to recognize our own faults. When we accept our faults and change our attitude, we can naturally be grateful.”

 “When we wholeheartedly love God, we can be gentle to our neighbors and share with others the love welling up in our heart.”

 “In a word, faith is the opening of the heart.”

 “If you haven't fallen into love with the Lord, why don't you try now? It's so sweet and mysterious. We become so filled with joy that we are enlightened as if we are young and spirited. We can't compare it with falling in love with a person. It's so sweet, like honeyed water!”

 I'm sure this touching testimony of faith will touch your heart and lead you to feel the presence of God who always opens the way and accompanies us even in the midst of darkness and suffering.

 God always leads us to goodness and gives us strength and courage to begin every moment again.

 

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2008/01/137_16975.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Jan. 10, 2008