Article May 27, 2019 Issue

Infinitely loved by God

Lisa Troseth

In her memoir, technology pioneer Ping Fu shares a moving account of how an uncle provided a lifeline of love and encouragement when she was sent away as a child for “reeducation” during China’s Cultural Revolution. She faced extreme ridicule and bullying from militant Red Guards, but her uncle, who was able to briefly visit, gave her such reassurance when he said, “ ‘… know that you are precious. You don’t need to earn it; this is your birthright’ ” (Ping Fu and MeiMei Fox, Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds, p. 67). The book goes on to say that later he also encouraged her to “stay in a place of love toward other people, rather than sinking into resentment or fear” (p. 68).

Reading Ping Fu’s account and her uncle’s words has caused me to reflect on a time when I became afraid of another’s antagonism. This experience was nowhere near what Ping Fu faced, but it’s been a foundational one because it taught me how to “stay in a place of love” and conquer fear when confronted with negativity.

I was in my early twenties, working at a small bookstore, and I so loved it! It was a joy to welcome the customers and help them find what they were seeking. But when I found out that a coworker had suddenly started to disparage me to other staff members, I became fearful of his animosity, and it affected me to the point of illness. I struggled for a number of days with a fever and heavy flulike symptoms. I felt so out of it—in bed a lot during the day, tossing and turning at night.

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