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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Comments

  1. I am grateful I have had the opportunity to make some major changes in my life. But more importantly, the fact that I am forgiven! This made me think back to times when I was young to times not so young. But with age came wisdom and finally an understanding of what I needed to feel whole. I am far from perfect many days, but I try to be a better, more understanding person and to hold my tongue (which has been a challenge!) The outcome is a happier me.

  2. Grace, you once again live up to your name! I’m impatient & want the maturity without the time it takes to ripen. To relax that I am being ripened by the Master Gardener is a great comfort! I’m not who I was. Not yet who I will be but am being ripened into Christ-likeness! Thank you Grace. Just what I needed to meditate on today! Blessings

  3. Thank you for your beautiful authenticity, Grace! The analogy with a persimmon will stick with me long after today. I appreciate this reminder that growth takes time. I want to extend this same kind of patience to others and myself.

    • Yes once we can do it for ourselves it will be easier to do it for others. Or maybe vice versa.

  4. Amen, and thank you, Grace for reminding me that “I couldn’t have become who I am now without having lived as I had.” And thank God, he’s not finished transforming us!

  5. Thank you Grace. As I was reading the rain was dancing outside reminding me of all the seasons “of slow ripening” we and nature go through. I too “want the maturity that comes with the slow ripening of character and soul.”
    I will add… “my wrinkles” can take their time…lol
    Thank you for such a beautiful piece xoxo

  6. Grace, you have brought on such feelings of love and empathy in this post. I very closely identify with my past self being not the person I am today and major guilt and feelings of shame over the girl I was. Thank you for this present-day grace that I AM a new creation and that HE has begun a good work in me and is still working.

    ♥ Christine

  7. This spoke volumes to
    Me today. I can identify with almost all parts of this piece. Thank you for saying these things to me and for me.

  8. Grace,

    Loved this! Know fully well God has & is doing a work in me. He has brought me through trials that have shaped my attitude. My faith & trust muscles are stronger than ever. Want even more maturity coming from slow ripening of character. That might mean a few more trials but in the end it will be worth it.

    Blessings 🙂

  9. I have absolutely loved this! Thank you. There is no hurry or rush in the ripening process. And what a mystery to proclaim: Somehow in those childhood days of bullying, God began His good work in me, and He’s still up to that work today!