About the Author

Grace P. Cho is a Korean American writer, poet, and speaker. She believes telling our stories can change the world, and desires to elevate women of color’s voices in the publishing industry. Learn more at @gracepcho and gracepcho.com.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Grace,
    Thanks for bringing us into your 2020. Our family suffered a great deal of loss in 2019 and had labeled 2020 a “year of re-set”. As hard as this year has been (dumpster fire), I believe it’s still been a year of re-focus, re-prioritizing, and reminding myself of what’s important. In the heaviness of it all, my (almost) 2 year old grandson has brought laughter and hope to all of us. He has no idea what is going on in our world right now and he is growing in all the best ways right in front of our eyes. He makes me laugh! And laughter is good medicine for us all.

    • I love that 2020 has been that for you. Even in the dumpster fire that it is, it has been a clarifying year as well. And aren’t children just the best way to remember there is still good? I’m so glad you have the joy of grandchildren in your life!

  2. Your example of your son making you laugh reminds me of my own son. My son Izsak (which means “laughter”) is now 23, but oh my gosh…he STILL loves to make me laugh. The twinkly look in his eyes when he does is the BEST! And yes, laughter is amazing. It’s by far my favorite thing to do. Especially now. May you keep finding those moments!

  3. I find joy as a 72 year old widow with type 1 diabetes, by riding an adult tricycle or walking around the neighborhood. God’s world is filled with autumn colors and I can visit with neighbors keeping a distance. Exercise is good for the physical, but it is also good for the mental and spiritual. I can pray for people on my bike as they come to mind, as well as my family. The year 2020 has rocked our world and everyone has been affected in some way. Before this happened, I was given a Bible verse by another widow which is Isaiah 54:5-6. Remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your maker is your husband, the Lord Almighty is His name. Comfort & Joy

  4. Thank you for your honesty. For your willingness to share a glimpse into the tender parts of your life. I have suffered from bipolar depression and anxiety for over 15 years. I have been a follower/disciple of Jesus since 1997! I feel like the secular world believes that if you are a Christian you should not have these problems, heck, I think the Christian community for the most part thinks you shouldn’t either. But, like you, I know the truth is that we are all broken. We all struggle in different ways. The problem is when we allow the struggle to stay hidden in the dark like satan wants it to. This is where his power and stronghold is on us. This is where the shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and misunderstandings all grow. It is only when we do as you have done, share our struggles and bring them into the light, that their grip loses its strength! So, thank you!

    • Suzanne,

      I agree totally with what you said. The Christian community can be hardest on its people. They say things like just have more faith, or pray harder & it will go away. Not always the truth. Sometimes it can a chemical imbalance or some other physical problem. Often times therapy or medication will aid in the healing. Talking about your struggles not only helps you but others as well. They can learn that they aren’t alone. Praying you have more good days than bad & that 2021 is a better year for all of us.

      ((((((((Hugs))))))))

  5. This blog gives me joy! Every morning I’m taken into a wonderful place at (in)courage. Every single post brings me front and center with God. I laugh. I cry. I ponder. I pray. I clean my house. I call a friend. Thank you sisters…each and every one of you.
    Have a wonderful blessed day!

  6. Thank you. I felt as if I looked into a mirror when I read this, except that I haven’t allowed myself so much grace and love, or naps. A good reminder to do so. And, my 7yo son tells some great jokes as well.

  7. I’ve kept a gratitude journal for more than 3 1/2 years–just one item per day most of the time. There’s joy in the choosing (while I review possibilities) and in the writing. Even during these months of self-isolation and missing face-to-face, hug-to-hug contact with family and friends, even during this time of political upheaval and social unrest, there is still MUCH to be thankful for. Praise God for his faithfulness!

    • I hear having a gratitude journal is life-changing. I’m so glad it’s allowed you to find joy even in the midst of everything that’s going on now!

  8. “Laughter … a glimpse of the divine.” Love that, Grace.
    I call our dog, Minnie, my joy giver. Whether she’s snuggling close, snoring in her bed, or inviting me to chase her, she brings me joy.

    • We’ve come so close to adding a pet to the family because we’ve seen so many friends enjoy the companionship of fur friends. I’m glad you’ve got Minnie to bring you joy and comfort!

  9. Grace,
    Beautiful post! What’s giving me joy is being out in God’s creation. On my walk this evening, I truly enjoyed the leaves, the smell of fall, the beautiful temperatures.

  10. This post blessed me a lot, thank you for sharing. I too, am learning to “ask myself what I need and get help where I can” with health challenges and everything going on this year. I’m grateful that “God is here in the complicated mess” bringing joy and laughter.

  11. Grace,

    Life can be hard & challenging. 2019 was a year of change-some good some not so good. We lost my FIL Monday before Thanksgiving. Christmas was hard, but thankful MIL’s family was/is here to help her. This year has been hard in different ways. Hubby got furloughed for a few weeks, then several people quit his department making others work more. My job hours have flip flopped also. I seem to have lost my joy. I do what I can to stay focused on God because He can alleviate all this pain & agony we seem to be suffering. For me to get my happy back & stay on track I read the Bible daily, do some on line Bible studies. But what really helps is laughter. I start silly pillow fights with hubby. That will get us both laughing for a while & we feel refreshed.

    Blessings 🙂