Faith When Grief Abounds: Witnessing Surrender in Suffering

Surrender in Suffering Witnessed

On December 31, 2025, life ended for 5 year old Micah J. Kim. Due to a medical emergency, he was hospitalized. His dad, Paul J. Kim shared the fight for life on social media and cried out for prayer for Micah and his family. The response was global. People from around the world came together to pray for healing, for strength and for God’s will to be done. Although our prayers don’t always receive the answers we hope for, we can take comfort in Psalm 34:19,  “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” (usccb.org) Just as Paul and his family did, we can surrender in suffering.

As a witness from a distance, I can attest to many things. The Kim family has a deep faith, a deep relationship with God and they are not afraid to share that faith even in suffering. Paul provided a living example of what surrender looks like and what authentic faith means. Through his prayer requests and updates, he not only demonstrated trust in God but also gently catechized others in the Catholic faith during a time of profound pain.

The Fragility and Sacredness of Life

It is easy for us to assume tomorrow is guaranteed. We often take for granted that our loved ones will be here another day. The truth is, we do not know when our time will end nor when our loved ones’ time will end.  Take this time to pause and truly treasure the relationships and moments you have.  Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” (usccb.org)

Life is a gift from God. It is not something we control. When we truly live, we live beyond ourselves. We live for others, and ultimately, we live for God,  just like Acts 17:28 tells us, “For ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’” (usccb.org) Life can be taken away quickly. Let this be a moment to pause, to embrace life, and to cherish both your own life and the lives of those around you. Offer up your challenges and your illness to help you surrender in suffering.

A Father’s Witness: Surrender in Suffering Without Answers

Paul J. Kim displayed his public posture of surrender during his son’s eleven day battle for life on earth. To witness a father enduring such unimaginable suffering while continuing to trust God was both heartbreaking and holy. During his updates and requests for prayer, he allowed us to be witnesses of his faith and trust in God, often saying “your will be done.” He acknowledged that Micah’s body needed a miracle, but his soul already belonged to God. After all, Micah was, and is, a child of God.

Surrender is a difficult concept and even more difficult to live. It does not eliminate pain; it entrusts it to God. When you surrender, you allow God to lead you, no matter the outcome. It is trusting that what God has planned for us is good. He will ensure we are taken care of beyond our own capabilities. So trust in God as Proverbs 3:5 instructs us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;” (usccb.org)

The Communion of Saints: St. Carlo Acutis and Childlike Faith

In moments when words fail, the Church remembers that we do not walk alone. We are called to pray for one another and to lean on the communion of saints. James 5:16 reminds us of this, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.”  (usccb.org) 

Intercessory prayer can be used as a companionship in suffering. Saints walk with us, they do not replace God. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” (usccb.org) 

Paul often turned to St. Carlo Acutis for intercession. He is a young saint who understood suffering, devotion and joy. As the first millennial saint who died at a young age, he understood suffering, holiness and trust. He had a deep love for the Eucharist and was known for saying, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” Carlo’s witness reminds us that holiness is possible at any age and that childlike faith is a powerful testimony.

The Power of the Body of Christ United

It was remarkable to witness how many people and organizations publicly prayed for the Kim family. Although the family is Catholic, prayers poured in from many denominations and from people across the world. This demonstrates Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (usccb.org) There is power in numbers, even in prayer. 

Even when the outcomes are not what we hope, prayer is never wasted. Being present with each other and for each other in front of God is what matters. Galatians 6:2 tells us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (usccb.org) The mere fact that  people come together to pray changes things. It changes hearts and intentions. Conversions can be sparked. It can help us to surrender in suffering.

Faith That Does Not Require Explanations

We often think that Christians shouldn’t suffer just because they are Christians. That just isn’t true. Suffering is part of life. Christians are not immune to it. In fact, our suffering should be offered to God. Lament is an act of faith. Faith means staying with God even when questions remain unanswered. 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us that even though we may not understand or we may not know, God does, “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.” (usccb.org)

Having faith is believing without seeing and sometimes knowing without understanding. It does not need to be explained. It just is. When I took part of the Kim family’s eleven day journey by watching and listening to Paul J. Kim’s updates and cries for prayer, I witnessed surrender. I witnessed a deep and unending faith that God’s will be done. 

Surrender in Suffering: What This Witness Awakens in Us

You are invited to reflect on the following questions:

• Are we living aware of life’s sacredness?
• Do we turn to God instinctively or only when desperate?
• Are we willing to trust God with what we love most?

We are called to live a life of surrendered trust. We are directed by 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” (usccb.org)

A Gentle Invitation to Prayer

Let’s come together in prayer, remembering Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” (usccb.org)  Let us pray for grieving families everywhere. John 11:25 reminds us, “Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”  (usccb.org) Hold space for those suffering silently. 

A Novena of Intercession

Paul J. Kim asked publicly through social media, for people to ask for Micah’s intercession through prayer and if your prayers are answered to reach out to him. Let us all pray this nine day novena he offered:

Lord, we thank You for the example of Micah Joseph Kim, whose short but radiant life reflected your joy and goodness to all those around him. We ask for the grace to grow in childlike faith, hope, love, and purity of heart as Micah did; and that the following intention would be answered through his intercession:

(Mention your specific prayer intention)

We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Our Father., Hail Mary, Glory Be.

Conclude with the St. Michael Prayer (Micah’s favorite)

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.