Giving birth to the Heavenly World
Over the decades, I have kept a particular photograph close to my heart. When I close my eyes, I can clearly see it. It is of a woman, with a little girl on her back, holding the Korean flag. It was taken in the market of Anju, my hometown. The woman’s face is flush with desperation, and it looks as if she wants to grab onto someone and plead her difficult situation.
The image is of my maternal grandmother, Jo Won-mo, carrying her daughter—my mother Hong Soon-ae—on her back, as she took part in the independence movement on the first day of March in 1919. My maternal uncle used to tell me stories as we looked at that photo. Unfortunately, we did not bring it with us when we fled the North. It is probably safe, somewhere in my hometown.
And there was a very similar photograph of grandmother Jo waving the Korean flag. But this one was taken August 15, 1945, and in that photo it is me she is carrying on her back. This time, her face is filled with joy, and she looks ready to embrace everyone she meets. Her expressions in those two photos contrast the sorrow of losing one’s nation with the joy of gaining it back. Our sorrow over having lost God’s world is soon to transform into the joy of gaining it back.
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From the moment I could understand speech, my maternal grandmother told me, “God is your Father.” Her words formed the core of my faith. They set me on the course I had to walk. My husband, Father Sun Myung Moon, and I have lived our whole lives for the liberation of God’s homeland. We have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to hide. I have never looked back, nor to the left or the right; I have only looked at the path ahead. I never became attached to my circumstances. Night or day, there has never been a moment that I did not keep Heavenly Parent with me. In the Kremlin, we said to the leaders that they should remove the statues of Lenin and accept God. In the presidential residence in North Korea, we spoke out. On that foundation, President Mikhail Gorbachev and Chairman Kim Il Sung opened their hearts. We never wavered for the sake of the liberation of God’s homeland. Whenever crises arose, Heavenly Parent guided us with pillars of fire and cloud.
September 15, 2012: Holy Seonghwa Ceremony for Father Moon, who ascended September 3 at the age of 93. Some 250,000 people from around the world came to pay their respects.
Standing before True Father’s holy body in 2012, I promised in tears, “By the end of my days, I will absolutely bring about the settlement of Cheon Il Guk on this earth!” Whenever the opportunity arises, I repeat these words. After True Father’s ascension, I set forth like a female Don Quixote spreading our teachings and embracing the world. I have lived every day with my promise to Father Moon in mind.
February 22, 2013: Mother Moon proclaiming the coming of God’s kingdom of Cheon Il Guk at the Peace World Center, HJ Cheonwon, South Korea
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The Republic of Korea did not honor True Father at his Seonghwa Ceremony. That is why I publicly committed to restore seven nations by 2020 and open the new Cheon Il Guk as a gift to True Father. With that accomplished, the providential opportunity has returned to Korea. The call of the Pacific hyojeong culture of giving and giving again must take root and show visible fruit in this nation. This door will not remain open forever.
In 2018 on New Year’s Eve, members from all over Korea gathered at the Cheongshim Peace World Center to pray for the Settlement of the Era of a Unified Heavenly Korea. From the evening until the small hours in the morning of the new year, 2019, we beseeched God in tears to restore the Korean nation and liberate our Heavenly Parent’s homeland.
That winter and spring I addressed five Rallies of Hope in South Korea. In Seoul, 100,000 people attended. We promoted the unification of North and South Korea under the theme, “Inherit Heavenly Fortune, Bring National Unity.” We also held a rally in honor of the United Nations troops that came to Korea’s aid during the Korean War. In Chungcheong Province, our rally was themed, “The 100th Anniversary of the March First Movement and the Movement for Peace between Korea and Japan.” In Gyeongsang Province, we held a “Rally for Town and Community Leaders,” and in the Honam region, the rally theme was, “New Life Centering on True Mother and the Settlement of the Era of the Pacific Civilization.”
In Gangjin County, there were villages that had not heard the cries of new babies for many years. It is like that in all farming areas in Korea, because young women have moved to the cities. We held the “Gangjin County Rally of Hope for Childbirth and True Families” and conducted the Blessing Ceremony in three villages. The whole of Gangjin County was filled with a festive atmosphere. I sent holy robes that I had treasured as a gift to a slightly older couple that had been one of the representative couples during one of the Blessing Ceremonies. I later received a note of thanks: After wearing the robes, they had given birth—to twins! Amazingly, three couples that attended those Blessing Ceremonies gave birth to twins. In addition, as if caught up in the spirit, a local farmer’s cow gave birth to twin calves.
The governor of the area sent a video of himself bowing to express his thanks. He said that Korea is on a demographic cliff—there have been too few marriages and births, and now the workforce is shrinking. He said that the Family Federation’s Blessing Ceremony is the path of true patriotism, for only it can save the nation.
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Sometimes I ask myself, “What will save the world for the sake of our Heavenly Parent?” Korea is not alone on the demographic cliff. Japan, China, Europe, Russia—the birthrate is in decline in many countries. The only solution is to bring joy through the Blessing of marriages in harmony with Heavenly Parent. The Blessing will bring peace within ourselves, within our families and communities, nation and world, heaven and earth—Heavenly Parent’s Holy Community.
One hundred years ago, for the liberation of her homeland, my maternal grandmother waved the Korean flag that she had hidden in her bosom. Now, for the liberation of our global family’s homeland, we must raise the Heavenly Parent flag that we have hidden in our bosom. Just like her, we must passionately live for God’s kingdom of Cheon Il Guk.
The dawn of a new history is growing brighter. Through the manifestation of the only begotten Daughter in the providence of restoration, humanity has new hope. We are completing heaven’s providence, reaching our global village with the message of the Mother of peace. Vision 2020 brought us to the mountain top. Now let us greet the rising sun with all our hearts. Let us advance together into the bright, new, hopeful era of the settlement of God’s kingdom, Cheon Il Guk.
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From a child in North Korea to her journey into adulthood in South Korea and on to America, the mission of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has always been to bring peace and unity among all people. After you read her life’s story you will agree that Dr. Moon is the Mother of Peace. — Pastor Dr. Mark Abernathy , Connect Point Christian Center, National ACLC Co-President, USA
I wish to commend the founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, for setting up the Sunhak Peace Prize to recognize works that make the world a better place. The ideals that you stand for—a world where we live in peace with one another—is not only the decent thing to do, it is the moral imperative. — Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina , President, African Development Bank, Nigeria
A life well lived in service to others. A good read for reflection and emulation. — Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine , PC, CM, CBE, Member of Parliament, Canada (1993 – 2006)
Mother Moon is a woman of indomitable spirit, profound love and incredible humility. She has cemented herself in history as a visionary leader for her contributions to a better, more peaceful world. — Hon. Margarett R. Best , Member of Provincial Parliament, Ontario, Canada (2007-2013)
Mother Moon is bringing God’s message to the world, and works to help marriages and families survive during these troubled times, bringing all nations and religions together to achieve world peace. We know of no one in the past or the present that has worked harder than Mother Moon to achieve these goals. — Hon. Dan Burton , US House of Representatives (1983-2013); International Co-Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace & Dr. Samia Burton M.D. , American Board certified in Internal Medicine, USA
The most appropriate phrase to describe Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is the “jewel of globalization.” She has great love for humanity and concern for the underprivileged. — Dr. Krasae Chanawongse , President, Krirk University; Chairman, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Unity is the one element most central in Dr. Moon’s work. We need unity and God’s blessing so the world’s religious leaders, parliamentarians and professionals in every field can overcome the challenges and barriers to building a world of lasting peace. — Hon. John T. Doolittle , US House of Representatives (1991-2009); Chairman, IAPP-North America, USA
Mother of Peace awakens readers on the journey of the “Only Begotten Daughter” extending parental love worldwide. A blessed exemplification of holiness in the culture of heart. — Bishop Jesse Edwards , National ACLC Evangelist & Rev. Dr. Tanya Edwards , Co-Pastor, Pentecostal Apostolic Church, New York; National Executive Committee member of American Clergy Leadership Conference, USA
Dr. Moon has impressed us in how she continues the efforts of her husband to bring the message of peace and the blessing of marriage to the nations of the world. — Dr. Willem van Eekelen , former Minister of Defense & Mrs. Hanneke van Eekelen , The Netherlands
I am confident that this autobiography depicting the unprecedented life story of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon will provide any contemporary reader with an abundance of valuable and profound wisdom. — H.E. Ambassador Tetsuya Endo , former Ambassador of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna and New Zealand, Japan
The whole world is now looking to North and South Korea in East Asia where Mother Moon has been so ambitious to apply new methods to foster peace. — Dr. Werner Fasslabend , Minister of Defense (1990-2000); Member of Parliament (1987-1990, 2000-2007); President of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy, Austria
I want to assure you that my prayers are with you for the success of the work that your late husband started and that you have nobly undertaken. May God be with you and prosper the work of your hands. — Cardinal Kelvin E. Felix , Dominica
Mother Moon’s endless work for peace is an example to follow, especially her constant struggle for preserving the traditional family unit, teaching our children moral and spiritual values and putting God, love and peace at the center of our everyday life. — Hon. Maria Fernanda Flores , First Lady, Nicaragua (1999–2002)
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is the Peace Herald for all humanity. — Professor Eliezer Glaubach-Gal , President of the Jerusalem Peace & Security Forum; former Councilman, City of Jerusalem, Israel
You experienced firsthand the ravages of communism in your youth, so the reality of the Venezuelan people is not foreign to you. A great movement of hope that seeks the reunification of Korea and other sister nations is a source of inspiration for our people. — H.E. Juan Guaidó , President, National Assembly, Venezuela
After Rev. Sun Myung Moon passed away, his wife, Mrs. Moon, courageously succeeded him in the mission of saving the world under “One Family Under God” and building Cheon Il Guk, the heavenly kingdom on earth. — Dr. Masahisa Hayashi , Professor Emeritus, Waseda University, Japan
We politicians don’t always succeed in fulfilling our commitments. Dr. Moon is not a politician; she is a private person. Thus, she could have chosen a very comfortable life; however, she chose to act. — H.E. Dalia Itzik , President (2007), Israel
It is an immense pleasure to extend my respectful regards on the occasion of publishing this remarkable autobiography. During my meeting with Mother Moon, I found her so enthusiastic about creating world peace and brotherhood. — H.E. Parmanand Jha , former Vice President, Nepal
Mother Moon is an extraordinary human being whose life and teachings of universal love and peace are eternal and continue to inspire generations globally. I have been honored to attend some of her public appearances and feel privileged to read her life story, as told by her directly. — Ranjit Jayanti , UN Representative, Guild of Service; Executive Committee Member, NGO Committee on Ageing, USA
Together with your husband, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, you have served the people of Sri Lanka through the works of the Religious Youth Service, a project of UPF, every year for 21 years. On behalf of Ambassadors for Peace of Sri Lanka, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the publication of your autobiography. — H.E. D.M. Jayaratne , Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (2010-2015)
The story of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is one of a life lived in total devotion to God and humanity. It comes at a time when our fragmented world is in dire need for a comprehensive view of world peace. The book is a must read for all who are advocates for a peaceful world. — H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan , GCFR President, Nigeria (2009-2015); Chairman, International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) Africa
The Father has always provided illumination in the darkest times of our lives, so we thank Him for inspiring this memoir, Mother of Peace, authored by His luminary, Mother Moon. This book of hope is a must-read in this trepid season! — Bishop Noel Jones , Senior Pastor, City of Refuge Church, Los Angeles, California, USA
You and True Father show that one can learn about the realities of life only by living it in person. Your teachings of taking care of the people who are suffering and loving and comforting the poor, elderly and sick (who are generally rebuked and loathed by the society) have a deep influence on the lives of the people. — Hon. Bhubaneswar Kalita , Member of Parliament; Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace-India
Mrs. Moon’s life and achievements have earned her immense respect and reverence. The difficulties and trials that this amazing woman had to go through are hard to imagine. Despite it all, her heart remains unchanged in her kindness, sincerity and desire to change the world for the better. — H.E. Leonid Kravchuk , the first president of Ukraine (1991-1994); Chair of the Ukrainian Peace Council
My knowledge of the gracious Lady Hak Ja Han Moon was through my grandfather, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro. I feel she is able to carry this big message and fight for it and help the women of the world to improve their situation and eradicate poverty, ignorance and suffering. — Mrs. Asmaa Kuftaro , Women’s Advisory Board, UN Special Envoy, Syria
True Mother has been a strong tower and fortress for me in my spiritual walk with ACLC. I am so grateful for her model leadership and guidance, which are so beautifully described in her memoir, Mother of Peace. — Archbishop Sulanch Lewis-Rose , Pastor of Little Rock Zion Deliverance International Ministries; ACLC National Co-President, USA
The Founders of the UPF recognize that living for others and for the public interest is the basis of development in an interdependent world. With this perspective the Africa Summit was held, chaired by my brother and friend, Macky Sall, President of Senegal, and the Heavenly Africa project was launched by UPF’s co-Founder, the Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Niger is changing because we carry the values and ideals that are in line with those carried by UPF. — H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou , President of the Republic and Head of State of Niger
It’s impossible to record all the ways she has touched the lives of millions. What’s presented in this book is only an illustration of what an outstanding world leader Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is in her own right. — Senator Dr. Ibrahim Mantu , CFR Former Senate President, Nigeria
Brazil is grateful to True Mother for her willingness to champion peace for our world as well as family, moral and ethical values that are based on strong faith in a creator God. We are sure God always stands by her, so we are also sure she will continue to lead us to peace in this world. — Hon. Nelson Marquezelli , Congressman, President, IAPP Brazil
May the memoirs of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon allow her to be rightfully recognized as one of the most important and inspirational women leaders of our time. — Hon. Patricia Lalonde , former Member, European Parliament, France
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is a most remarkable lady… I hope and pray that she will be given the strength to continue her work for world peace for many more years. Her voice must be heard. The world needs her. — Rev. Dr. William McComish , Dean Emeritus, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Geneva, Switzerland
The Korean Peninsula remains a fulcrum around which the tensions for peace seek to be resolved and where the leadership of Mother Moon is a shining light of hope. — H.E. Sir James Mitchell , Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1984–2000)
The work of UPF in peacebuilding is so much needed in the world today, not least in the Balkan region where I live. I have no doubt that Mother Moon’s autobiography will shed light and hope and give deep insight and inspiration to those who read it. — H.E. Alfred Moisiu , President of Albania (2002-2007)
I would like to deeply commend Mother Moon and her strategy for world peace through ideal families. I salute her efforts for peace in the world. — Hon. Mathole Motshekga , Minister and Advisor to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe
Mother Moon is working to create a world of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universally shared values. A world in which all people live together loving and respecting each other as brothers and sisters: one human family under God! Let us join her in this divine endeavor! Let us support this noble cause! — Prophet Dr. Samuel Mbiza Radebe , Founder of the Revelation Church of God, South Africa
Dr. Moon’s initiatives bring together all the actors of the international community and of social and family life around the ideals of peace, harmony and shared prosperity. She is truly recognized as the mother of peace. — H.E. Brigi Rafini , Prime Minister and Head of the Government of Niger
With their many accomplishments as husband and wife, they are indeed without a doubt fulfilling the role of the global True Parents of all humankind. … I am therefore very much honored to be able to greet Mother Moon on the occasion of publishing her autobiography, and I encourage all peace-loving people to have a copy and read this historic book. — H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa , President of Sri Lanka (2005–2015)
During these extraordinary times when divisiveness, hate, and a climate of fear threaten global unity and international discourse, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is a beacon of hope to those who continue to believe that long-lasting peace is an attainable goal and not just a dream. — H. E. Leni Robredo , Vice President of the Philippines
This inspiring memoir reveals the Divine heart within our beloved True Mother, the only begotten Daughter, and describes her true love in building the Holy Community on earth. — Dr. Luonne Abram Rouse , National Co-Chairman, American Clergy Leadership Conference, United Methodist Pastor, Retired & Minister Marie L. Rouse , National ACLC Executive Committee Member, USA
Mother Moon’s tireless efforts to bring peace to this troubled world have inspired millions of women of all ages around the globe. It is the right time for all of us to rise and honor her for her mission of Peace, Social Justice and Hope. — Dr. Rima Salah , former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations; Faculty, Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, USA
For many years, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has been motivated by a deep heart and wonderful impulse of generosity, and has dedicated much time and effort to contribute to peace and the welfare of humankind. She has a unique ability to care for people while also bringing comfort to others to build a community of love and solidarity. — H.E. President Macky Sall , President of the Republic of Senegal
I have had the honor to communicate with many famous women, but it was Dr. Moon who impressed me most. Every meeting with her is kept deep in my memory. Like a mother, she captivates people with her sincerity, spirituality and kindness. People are naturally drawn to her. — Dr. Irina Shushkevich , First Lady, Belarus (1991–1994)
Unique to Dr. Moon’s vision is her appreciation for the contribution of faith leaders and Godly principles as cornerstones in the foundations for peace. What has been most special in this work over the years is the intentional effort to bring heads of state and members of parliaments together with faith leaders and break through racial and cultural barriers to see the solutions that are possible. — Hon. Matt Salmon , Vice President of Government Relations, Arizona State University; US House of Representatives (1995-2001 and 2013-2017)
Dr. Moon has been a role model for women around the globe as she has worked for world peace. Her dedication to re-establishing the family as the most important building block of strong and peaceful societies may be her most important and lasting legacy. — Hon. Ellen Sauerbrey , former Assistant Secretary of US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration
She lives what she promotes: true love and respect for every single person. May her message continue, inspiring all those young couples who were blessed in marriage about the overwhelming value of the family — Hon. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges , former President of Parliament, Luxembourg, Co-Chair of IAPP Europe
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is the epitome of a consecrated life that speaks with holy boldness to summon forth the best in all of us to make this world a better place. — Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr. , Patriarch & Founder, Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation; North America Director – Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD)
May the almighty good grace of God look after Mother Moon and give her many more years to live on this planet Earth. — Hon. Sam P. Teo , Speaker of the Parliament, Tuvalu
We congratulate Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon for deepening and enlarging the late Reverend Moon’s sustained commitment and tireless efforts in promoting peace, reconciliation and unity, interfaith dialogue, strengthening marriage and family, and many other critically needed initiatives in Asia and in the global community. — Hon. Jose de Venecia , former Speaker of the House, Philippines; Founding Chairman and Chairman of Standing Committee, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); International Co-Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP)
I want to commend Dr. Moon and her beloved husband for founding The Washington Times in Washington, DC I support their work in part because The Washington Times is strengthening the resolve of America’s leaders to achieve peace and, God willing in time, freedom for the entire Korean Peninsula. — Amb. R. James Woolsey, Jr. , Director of US Central Intelligence (1993-1995)
The personality and teaching of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, a global citizen who loves peace, is transparently reflected in Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, with the qualitative complement of being a woman, wife and mother. — H.E. Jaime Paz Zamora , President of Bolivia (1989-1993)