February 19, 2002
this past saturday i was able to hear stephanie fast tell her story.
it was quite amazing. all the suffering she went through, as a child no
less, was tragic. i couldnt believe my ears when she said some of the
things she went through. there were many moments during her account that i
teared up. but not all of the times i was moved was because of the pain she had
to endure--the abandonment by her mother when she was 5, the abuse of
others who hated her for her mixed heritage (american father, korean
mother), and more--half the time i was touched by the love she
experienced--especially through the swedish nurse and her adopted parents.
their steadfast love and care for her was amazing. the Lord's providence
was particularly obvious throughout her life, as she was able to survive
significant malnourishment and living as a beggar throughout her childhood
years, and come to live with a family that was God fearing. what was even
more amazing was her attitude towards her situation. clearly, it was a
long time ago, as she is now close to 50 years of age, and time has healed
wounds. but her attitude of forgiveness and complete lack of bitterness or
hatred towards those who mistreated her, and the korean people in general
throughout her account was nice to hear. it is just amazing to see how God
is able to work in the lives of people in healing them and, in Stephanie's
case, creating a heart of love and life when there was not before. His
influence was so clear.
Thoughts Index