How can we learn to listen to God’s voice in a world that seems to get louder and louder? How can we clearly speak the truth when the world can’t keep quiet? In Listen Listen Speak, Jay Y. Kim writes on hearing God and being heard in a noisy world. Through Biblical reflections and personal stories, Kim helps anchor our faith when God’s voice seems to be drowned out in the world.
Listen
Part 1 starts by championing God’s timeless voice. I was most moved when Kim wrote about his personal background. Born in South Korea, he moved to the United States as a toddler – English was his second language. Kim confesses that at his worst, in his most shamed and unseen state, his career in communication – talking, reading, writing – is a way for him to feel and be seen. I was convicted by the fact that no amount of money can buy God’s attention. The church has the gift of showing God to the world.
Kim remembers at the age of 6 feeling judged for the kimbap his mom had packed for his lunch. He explains that we judge others to position ourselves above others and to protect ourselves from being exposed. We hide from others – and we hide from our own selves. I don’t want to spoil it, but Kim goes on to share a poignant story about how friendship can calm our fears of judgment and belonging.
Speak
Part 2 begins with why we speak the gospel to others. “To speak good news in a noisy world, we must see the possible good within those we engage with, which in turn helps us to see the good in them now.” He continues: “To do so also demands acknowledgement of our own past and present foolishness. Speaking good news begins on even ground, where we are all sinners in need of grace. And this even ground reveals itself to be solid ground, built on Christ our cornerstone, who does indeed save us from our sin and our foolishness.”
Kim shares a season in his life where he deconstructed his faith, reflecting on a hard life growing up as the only child of an immigrant mother, causing him to question the love of God. Older friends, those whom he casted aside, reached out to him – and Kim specifically cites their careful and confident use of Scripture to restructure and shape his faith. I was reminded of the strength and sufficiency of Scripture to reach and refresh our souls.
Cut Through the Noise
The book concludes with the call to be in constant communication – communion – with God. “God is interested in relationship, not reciprocal transaction.” I am challenged to stay attuned to hearing God’s voice amidst a noisy world. And I am encouraged to speak with boldness and love, knowing that the Word of Christ is enough – a sword that can cut through the noise.
I received a media copy of Listen Listen Speak and this is my honest review.