compassion, forgiveness, human kindness, inspirational stories, life changing moments, moral courage, non-violence, promissory note, teacher's impact, transformative power

Promissory Note of Compassion: How a Teacher’s Kindness Rewrote Two Lives

My mother was a high school teacher, known for her stern lectures in class or her serious demeanor when imparting wisdom. Not only were her students intimidated by her, even the parents feared her as well. It was 15 years ago. Just before the Lunar New Year, due to financial difficulties at home, my mother ...

Max Lu

Wooden blocks with the words 'promissory note.'

The Virtuous Prime Minister Fan Chunren

Fan Chunren was the second son of the renowned Northern Song statesman Fan Zhongyan. As prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, Fan Chunren had a peculiar habit. Whenever he finished his work at the government office, he would change into simple, plain clothing as a part of his daily routine. From his youth to ...

Tatiana Denning

A statue of Fan Chunren.

A Mother’s ‘Revenge’: Turning Adversity Into Strength

In a small village, there lived a family that was often at the mercy of their neighbors’ hostility. The father, a gentle soul, was frequently bullied by the villagers, leaving the mother and family to fend off the aggression as best they could. The most severe of these bullies were the neighbors across the street, ...

Mikel Davis

Man's hand reaching out to the horizon where the sun is rising over a field with rolling hills.

The Wisdom of the Fields: A Tale of Courage, Generosity, and Forgiveness

In a small rural village, a 7-year-old boy experienced his first life lesson under the guidance of his father in the vast expanse of their family fields. The task was simple yet daunting for the young boy: to rid the field of weeds without harming the tender rice seedlings. As the boy stood paralyzed by ...

Max Lu

Crops growing in a rice paddy flooded with water.

Healing Old Wounds: Actress Sun Li’s Story of Family and Forgiveness

Sun Li’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to a place of peace and success is a powerful story of resilience and forgiveness. As a celebrated Chinese actress, she has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry, but also navigated the complex path of reconciling with a father she felt estranged from after her ...

Mikel Davis

A father and daughter holding hands watching the setting sun.

The Power of Forgiveness Over Punishment: Lessons From Life’s Journey

The choice between forgiveness and punishment is a recurring theme that shapes the course of lives and relationships. While the instinct for retribution is deeply ingrained in our sense of justice, there are compelling narratives that illustrate the transformative power of empathy and understanding. These stories, transcending time and place, offer profound insights into the ...

Max Lu

A lotus flower sits with spa stones and a piece of bamboo.

Navigating Life With Grace: The Path to Avoiding Misfortune

Cultivating a noble character is the most esteemed quality you can possess. But what constitutes such character? The ancient Chinese text on life, Caigen Tan, offers a clear perspective: “Not faulting minor mistakes of others, not exposing their secrets, and not dwelling on their past wrongs, these three can prevent harm and nurture one’s virtue.” ...

Mikel Davis

Antique compass sitting on an antique map of the world.

6 Inspiring Ways to Forgive Your Parents

As a child, your parents are the center of your universe. They shape your reality and sense of self in profound ways, both good and bad.  But as you grow, you see your parents’ humanity and imperfections. You realize they made mistakes in how they raised you. In that sense, you carry the emotional scars ...

Viena Abdon

A teenager upset with her mother.