Narrator: Joanna Chow Liu (劉周恩怡)
Storyworth.com 2021
Background Music Performance: Chihwei Julie Li
Background Music: 『詩篇23篇』鋼琴原創作品 Original Piano Piece by Chihwei Julie Li – Psalm 23
Video: Yuling Deng
Series Introduction:
In 2020, our children gifted my husband and me Storyworth subscriptions for Christmas—a truly meaningful and unforgettable present. Each week, Storyworth sent us prompts to share stories from our lives, which were thoughtfully compiled into a keepsake book titled My Life Story at the end of the year. I filled its pages with cherished memories.
My story begins with how God started shaping me within my family of origin—a traditional Chinese family. From there, you will read about my journey to faith, receiving God’s calling, pursuing a Master’s degree in Religious Education at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, marrying Leon, and embracing my roles as a pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother.
You will also discover how my ministry experiences and two decades of service as a school psychologist and supervisor in the U.S. public school system intertwined, enabling me to serve the Lord more effectively.
In addition, this book reflects on how Chinese and American cultures have profoundly influenced my life. Besides capturing the cherished memories we shared, I hope this book will serve as a lasting legacy for my children and grandchildren. I also hope my readers and listeners will be inspired by my faith and the rich cultural heritage that has shaped my life.
Summary of this recording:
My father Ping Kee Kwok (郭炳祺) was born in Guangzhou, China, in 1921 and went home with the Lord on March 10, 2007, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Usually, Chinese names have meanings and often express parents’ wishes for a child. My father’s name Ping (炳) in Chinese means remarkable and brilliant, and Kee (祺) means to have a successful future. Though my father had to overcome many adversities in life, he was able to achieve the attributes that were described in his name.
My father was the oldest of nine children. He was the only child of my grandfather and my grandmother, who was the lawful wife. In Chinese culture, the oldest son of the lawful wife usually is the favored child and occupies a prominent position in the family. Upon his father’s death, the oldest son would inherit most of the family’s fortune. Unfortunately, this is not my father’s case.
Please see the full article of this recording HERE