Meet the Masters Series
Come, Follow Me...
As I delved into The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (黄帝内经)—the foundational 'Bible' of Traditional Chinese Medicine—I found myself throwing my hands up in sheer awe. Having served as a Chinese educator for over a decade, anchored in the belief that 'you are your own first teacher,' I know firsthand how vital motivation is when mastering a new discipline.
I began seeking mentors to guide my questions. To my delight, I found not just one, but a multitude of them. Each has challenged me to ponder deeper and refine my understanding. I am profoundly grateful to those who have paved the way and left their footprints. I will continue to absorb their wisdom, and passing on what I learn will be my ongoing journey."
"Looking back on my years as an educator—whether in Sunday School, a childcare center, or a Chinese classroom—I found myself constantly asking one fundamental question: 'Why?' Without understanding the why, there is little meaning in the what or the how. I learned this profound life lesson during my very first year of teaching. Let me paint a picture for you:
Imagine it is a beautiful Saturday. You are nearly 4 years old—a major life milestone—but you are already exhausted after a big morning of playing in the park and having a picnic. Mom buckles you into the car. The next thing you know, her voice pulls you from your sleep: 'Wakey, wakey! We’re here. It’s your Chinese lesson, remember? Be good for the teacher. Here’s your bag with all your homework. Let’s go.'
Thirty minutes later, your brain has completely shut down. You have no idea what the teacher is saying, and your only thought is, 'Why aren't I in bed taking a nap right now?' A wave of dread washes over you as you remember Mom’s strict rule: 'No Chinese lesson, no play.'
Frustrated and unable to articulate your feelings, the only solution you know is to throw yourself on the ground and cry.
For an educator, failing to understand the 'why' behind a student's behavior is a recipe for disaster. Ironically, as a student myself, I asked 'why' all the time. I was likely labeled a troublemaker because my questions weren't rooted in a genuine desire for answers—they were just disruptions. It wasn't until I stood at the front of the classroom that I grasped the vital importance of actually seeking those answers.
Returning to that Saturday class: after 10 agonizing weeks of struggle and self-doubt, I walked back into that room carrying a bucket of toys, including a plastic hammer. In that moment, the pieces fell into place. From my own heart, I found the answer to 'Why do I want to be a teacher?' And from those tantrum-throwing 4-year-olds, I found the answer to 'Why am I here?'
In my broader personal journey, I am profoundly blessed to be guided by a Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. He has answered my deepest questions and continues to do so as long as I follow Him. As I sat among a hundred young people during a youth outreach program, His gentle call of 'Come, follow Me' finally answered my lifelong 'Why am I here?' Saying 'Yes' to Him at my baptism was the true beginning of discovering who I am, and why I am really here."
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