Across Faith and Motherly Love - My Christian Awakening

I am no stranger to Christianity. Since the tender age of five, the walls of my family's dining hall have been adorned with world-renowned paintings depicting numerous stories from the Bible. Works such as Botticelli's "The Adoration of the Magi," Rembrandt's "The Good Samaritan," and da Vinci's "The Last Supper" decorated our home. My parents used to read me 20 minutes of Bible stories every morning to give me a comprehensive understanding of the Bible. Moreover, my travels have taken me to various churches abroad, including Notre Dame in Paris, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, and Trinity Church in New York.

During high school, I delved into Ellen Blinkeley's "An Unfinished Nation," which introduced me to pilgrims and the Quakers. Remarkably, the Quakers played a pivotal role in America's abolitionist and women's suffrage movements, staunchly advocating equality for all. Similarly, the Pilgrims integrated their principles of self-governance and electoral systems into the very fabric of the United States.

What impressed me about Christianity even more is the influence of faith in the life of a close relative who is a devout believer. During her visit to my home, she recounted her experiences. Her husband once held a position of leadership, impacting the lives of thousands before his untimely passing, dramatically altering her circumstances. As a single mother, she assumed the responsibility of supporting her two children.

During a particular Spring Festival, akin to Christmas in the United States, she aspired to prepare a sumptuous dinner for her children on New Year's Eve, which included a selection of fish. She ventured into a store specializing in goods for officials, only to be informed that the fish was reserved for them, rendering her ineligible for a purchase. This heartrending news weighed heavily on her, for in the past, she never needed to personally procure such provisions. Her husband, during his lifetime, would ensure that such commodities were delivered directly to their home.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she departed the store and sought solace beneath the shelter of a tree, tears streaming down her cheeks. It had been a prolonged period since her children had last tasted fish. She confided that even if the clerk acquiesced to her request, she lacked the financial means. As she wiped away her tears and looked up, she discovered $50 in cash (over 300 RMB) at her feet. Grasping this unexpected blessing, she promptly returned to the store. The store manager, who owed his promotion to her late husband, covertly agreed to sell her the fish. Overwhelmed by the fortuitous $50, she wholeheartedly believed it to be an act of God's mercy upon her and her children. In recounting this story, she couldn't contain her tears, resolute in her decision to remain unmarried, dedicating herself entirely to her children's welfare and sparing them from the prospect of ill-treatment by any potential partner. No longer in pursuit of romantic relationships, she found fulfillment in tending to her children's needs, finding solace in her spiritual connection with God.

This poignant narrative moved me deeply. It not only exemplifies the power of faith but also illuminates the immeasurable depth of maternal love. My relative's unwavering conviction and selfless devotion serve as an inspiring model for her children. In a world of ceaseless change, her steadfast faith and altruistic commitment are undeniably admirable. Despite facing adversity, she remains resolute in her hope for life and unwavering confidence in the future. Her story underscores the capacity of faith to endow individuals with strength and courage to confront life's adversities.

In sharing my personal encounters with Christianity and the touching story of my relative, I hope to offer a unique glimpse into the world of faith in Beijing. While Christianity may not be prevalent in the city, the enduring lessons of faith and love I have encountered there will forever remain with me. Let us embrace the beauty of cultural diversity and strive to build a world where every individual's beliefs and values are respected and celebrated. Through understanding and appreciating each other's unique perspectives, we can foster a more harmonious and inclusive global society.