“Learning From Tragedy”
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Mona Sun writes:
I was cursed from the moment of birth. Born into a traditional Hong Kong Chinese family that treasured boys, I was the third girl.
Uninspired, and having no good reason to even try, I was labeled “No Good.” Life was miserable until my 4th grade teacher, Ms. Tai of St. Stephen’s School, with understanding and loving kindness, brought about my salvation.
I graduated high school with honors, and won one full scholarship after another to study in Post-war Japan and America. After my S.T.M. degree from Yale University Divinity School, I married a Microbiologist from Columbia University. By 1970, we were proud parents of five sons and five daughters.
In 1981, the United States entered into diplomatic relations with The People’s Republic of China. My husband fervently brought his only surviving older sister Yunyun from Mainland China into his family. My sister-in-law, however, was vitriolic, possessive, mal-adjusted. Her presence created havoc with our heretofore happy home.
Within four months, my husband suddenly died from a massive heart attack–brought about from the oppressive domestic atmosphere by my sister-in-law?
My surviving family struggled to learn lessons from the tragedy. The loving God communicated with and shepherded me. My faith sustained me.
I found fulfillment in working with emotionally disturbed children of various nationalities, who, when understood, cherished and guided, had been capable of turning around, and “let their light shine before man.”
Our ten young children sang from their own experiences: shepherd, and be shepherded; love and be loved; goodness begets goodness; evil begets more evil; only goodness overcomes evil. Trust in the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on November 21st, 2007 and filed under Hope, Your Stories, Struggles.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:26 am
Mona, wow, you are good surviving in such turmoil.
Indeed,you know, God’s work at those who put trust in Him shall transcend everything you can imagine. Maybe next time you could put it more in detail. I like your story. Take heart for the Lord Jesus we trust is king of kings.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:50 am
Mona Sun, thanks for sharing so vulnerably.
I’m sorry that when you were growing up you received the message that you were “no good.” It must’ve been hard — and perhaps it still is — to live with that message. Thank God for Ms. Tai, for her healing love … what an enormous gift.
And I’m sorry about your husband’s sudden death. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been.
It sounds like you’ve been on a beautiful journey of healing and recovery. Praise God for that. You sound like a beautiful person, Mona Sun — your faith and your heart inspire me.
And I love how you leaned on God as your shepherd. I think Psalm 23:1 is one of the most powerful and profound verses in the Bible. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Thanks again for sharing, and blessings to you, Mona Sun.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I’m truly touched by your story. Sad though but your sustained faith in Him have surely seen you through this situation(s). What really lifs my spirit is the way in which you reacted not allowing situations to make you feel worthless. So sorry to hear about your husband. This must have been very difficult; in His word, our Lord says that He has prepared a better place for us.
The words of Bishop TD Jakes is so much applicable here: “I have never seen anyone that’s exceptional that was not exceptionally low at some time in their lives”. You are an exceptional person and I thank God that we can share our experiences as a testimony of His word. Deon
December 19th, 2007 at 12:55 am
Dear Deon:
Being pretty new to this web site, I have just realized that I could respond to gracious comments such as those of your good self here.
It refreshes my soul with your “exceptional” commentary so much in tune with that of a theologian/philosopher.
Yes, heaven above is “a better place.” But I do enjoy my days here on earth as there is so much I want to do for and with my family, friends and the world, yet still have much left undone.
Thank you wholeheartedly for your encouragement.
May GOD ALL MIGHTY Bless you;
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008,
Mona (Mary) Sun.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Dear Tan Up:
It appears that my response to your kindly comment on my humble story above did not come through.
In any case, here it is, more or less, again:
Being pretty new to this web site, I have just realized that I could respond to gracious comments such as those of your good self here.
Yes, my innate “trust” in my TRIUNE GOD ALL MIGHTY’S EVER PRESENCE, LOVE and GRACE has ‘transcended everything I could imagine’in good times and adversities.
Praise I “the Lord Jesus we trust is king of kings.”
Thank you wholeheartedly for your generous encouragement.
I do have a completed manuscript of a novel based on my humble life experiences, and hope to find a publisher. I should be happy to send you Attach File thereof for your perusal and critique should you be interested.
May GOD ALL MIGHTY BLess you and yours;
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year 2008,
Mona (Mary) Sun.