Day 13 – Danielle Kim

1. What do you do for a living? (occupation/field of study)

I am a speech language pathologist, currently working at a middle and high school.

2. How do you like to spend your free time?

I watch a little too much T.V. I also like to read and eat desserts. But mostly, I love talking about the books and shows I’m watching to whoever wants to hear.

3. Share one interesting fact about you that most people don’t know!

I’m a really picky eater. I would rather starve than eat something I don’t like. I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty ashamed of this. But the shame has led me to try more foods. I can proudly say, I’ve expanded my food inventory throughout the years.

4. Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? If you do, which one is it and why?

My favorite book has to be Esther. Every time I read it, I get so inspired. I’ve always struggled with courage, and Esther is a perfect example of what God’s courage can do for a person. Throughout the book, Esther continually fails to walk with God. Out of fear and her own comforts, she ends up just doing whatever those around her tell her to do. But when asked to put her own life at risk for the sake of her people (with a little bit of convincing) she show’s incredible courage. I relate a lot to her, and I always question if I could ever be that brave.

It's comforting to know that despite her failures, God still gave her opportunities to succeed. She also exercised her courage when it mattered most. I hope I will do the same.

5. Is there a verse/passage in the Bible that has significantly impacted your life? If so, which is it and why?

John 8:10-13 “Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.””

I’ve always loved the story of the woman caught in adultery. I remember when I first read it, I was so struck by Jesus’ kindness. I know that I can be pretty hard on myself, and my own expectations and guilt can really gnaw at my heart. I feel like I should be treated the way the teachers of the law and the Pharisees treat this woman. But instead, Jesus’ words both silences the voices in my head and forgives me. These two verses always clear my head from the lies of the enemy and remind me that not even Jesus condemns me.  

6. Is there a prayer request that has been on your heart recently? If so, please share with us.

I have been praying for more courage (no surprise). Even now I hesitate to ask for courage, fearful of what that might entail. But I know that is what God has been pressing on my heart.

7. Tell us about how you met Christ? (feel free to share a brief testimony)

I can’t really say I know exactly when I met Christ. I grew up in a small church with a tiny youth group. Since there were so little people, everyone was expected to serve. It was on one busy Sunday that I started to resent my fellow youth group members. I felt indignant because I was doing more work than them. My pastor rebuked me and lovingly told me that God cares more about my willingness to serve than how much I serve. I remember feeling taken aback from what she said. It was the first time I had to really reflect on who I was serving.

My heart slowly changed after that. I wanted to know more about God, and why he was worth my time. Although I was serving with the wrong heart, God still used my faults so I could truly know him.