Author: Frances Chow (周郭巧儀)
Narrator: Joanna Chow Liu (劉周恩怡)
Storyworth.com 2021
Background Music: 兩小時【靈修音樂 Quiet Soaking Music】無間斷等候神純音樂｜讚美之泉「靜」系列 (經讚美之泉許可使用)
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.
Summary:
Words matter. Over the years, I’ve encouraged my children to keep meaningful written messages—from parents, teachers, friends, and others—in an expandable accordion file. These notes and letters carry reassurance, guidance, and love, becoming quiet companions during different seasons of life.
To my great joy, my children have also expressed their love and gratitude to me through writing. In this audio recording, I share selected correspondence I’ve written to them, along with letters, notes, poems, and cards they have given me in return. Together, I see these writings as a tapestry of love—woven with joy and pain, trust and hope, and a shared love for one another and for God.
1. My Letter to CC Upon Receiving His First College Acceptance Letter
2/3/1999
Dear CC,
Yesterday, when I read the letter of acceptance offered to you from the University of Michigan, tears streamed down my cheeks. I have always known that you are a strong student, and I expected you would be accepted by many top-notch universities. However, receiving this acceptance letter ushers in the beginning of a new phase in your life — one that will offer you countless opportunities to explore, discover, soar, and find fulfillment. This change also means that, as your parents, Dad and I have to learn to let go and trust you with your future. We pray that you will lead a life that is in tune with God’s leading. It’s a challenging experience for me, especially because we have been very close as a family. I understand that I must learn to trust both you and God. Please know that regardless of which school you ultimately choose or where life takes you, we will always be a family and we will always love you.
The past two years have been incredibly tough for us. I believe God is testing our faith and refining our character. I hope the following verses offer you comfort during this time, as they have helped me tremendously in the past.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5 &6).
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
I am aware that any decisions Dad and I will make regarding our ministry, as well as the decision you will make for your college education, will impact all of us. That’s why it’s so important for us to seek and obey God’s will. Sometimes following God’s will may require us to give up something or even “suffer some loss.” However, when we are obedient in faith, God ensures that no one ultimately loses anything from our obedience to Him. I understand this may be a difficult faith lesson for you to grasp, but both Dad and I have experienced this truth many times. Let’s hold on to this promise: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Love,
Mom
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