[10.18] This I Believe (draft)

I am a non-believer and . I don't believe in any god in any religion that exists on earth. This is not because I was educated to not to believe in god, but because no one has told me about the god, or I will say, because there was no resources for me to believe in. When I was in high school, I have read about stories on the Bible, I have a book that contained most of the famous Bible stories in it, from that book, I read about "David and Goliath", "Noah's Ark" and so on. I read them just as normal fairy tales just like others that we can see on the story books. After I come to the US, I met some Christian friend, they warmly introduced me to their bible study group and encourage to join their meeting everyday. From that time I became interested in Bible. They gave me a Bible as a gift, and I started reading it. I found it so interesting and started to discuss with my friends. I asked them questions that I didn't understand. And I went to church for a few times and went for retreat in spring break last year. I met some very kind uncles and aunties in the church, they have looked after me very well and I really love them. However I don't go to church and bible study now, I still stay contact with them. I love reading books about Christianity and I like to think about it. I think I will remain a nonbeliever, and waiting, when the time is ready.

[10.12] The Post-80s.

         The term “Post-80s” was first used on newspaper two years ago, which referred to those who were born in 1980s, after the Chinese “One Child Policy” was put forward. Since there was only one child in a family, parents usually spoiled their child by giving them whatever they want and satisfying all their requests. The meaning of the term also includes: no sharing, no caring, and no responsibility. This is a negative term people use to describe us when they are commenting on a negative news that has something to do with my generation. 


Word Count: 98

[10.7] The Mercy That Has Lasted For 1000 Years

    Mazu, who is the goodness of the sea in Taoism, is widely worshipped in the south-eastern coastal areas of China and the neighboring areas in Southeast Asia, that the places have strong sea-faring traditions, and people believe that Mazu will protect them away from danger and come back home safely. To worship Mazu , large numbers of Mazu temples were built on the south-eastern coast of China throughout 1000 years, and the temples have now become a religion symbol and influence the local culture deeply. On every New Year festival, people will go to the temples to worship her by burning joss sticks, hope Mazu will bless them for a well-off new year. 

    The Mazu temple I am introducing is about 20 minutes drive from my home in Shenzhen, which my family also go there on every Chinese New Year Festival. Since Chiwan is an industry port, there are warehouses, container terminals, the Mazu Temple is like against the grain while standing in those modern buildings. There are concerns of the government may move the temple to somewhere else, since people built the temple there near the coast 100 years ago wanted Mazu to protect the fishermen and sailors, removing the temple is against the local residents’ wills.


    My preserving proposal is having some posters about the history of Mazu and the temple posted in the city, and gather signatures from those who are against the removing, forward the signatures to the government and persuade to preserve the temple. 


Word Count: 250