Can you believe life.
-- Jae (The Church of Abundant Life)

Importance: In "The Church of Abundant Life," Soo is shocked when her husband comes into their shop talking about an old mutual friend, Ki-tae. When Jae says the above line to express his surprise, Soo realizes that his words perfectly capture what she is feeling. Hearing about Ki-tae again after so many years makes her feel like she is encountering the specters of her past. This moment encapsulates the complicated wonder Soo experiences throughout her life, as many of her experiences prove other than anticipated. The line also speaks to the author's subtextual explorations concerning destiny, fate, and the passage of time.

And how dare they? How dare they move so lightly and recklessly into the future . . .
-- Narrator (The Church of Abundant Life)

Importance: In "The Church of Abundant Life," Soo and Jae stand outside the church after the revival and look at the stars. The evening's experience has surprised Soo in a multitude...