(Minghui.org) “A family like yours is hard to come by nowadays. It’s really remarkable.” People often comment on our family to my mother-in-law, who has three daughters and two sons, yet never has to deal with family dramas like many other families do.
Our secret? Quite a few of my mother-in-law’s extended family practice Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
I heard about Falun Gong when it was promoted in our area and began to practice it first. Later, my husband’s two younger sisters and his sister-in-law also took it up.
Our health really improved. We had energy, and our moral level improved as well. Whenever conflicts surfaced, we would abide by the principles of Falun Gong and look for the reason for the conflict within ourselves. We learned to accommodate others and to think of others first.
Most family conflicts come about when siblings fight among themselves for profit. When my mother-in-law helped out her younger son with funds to purchase a house, a tractor, and a motorcycle, she told us each time, hoping that we would not get upset.
I told her, “My brother-in-law needs some help, and it is so nice of you to help him out. Do not worry about us, we are doing just fine. We will take care of you just the same. It is your money and you can do whatever you want to with it.”
My husband’s two younger sisters were also very understanding, even though they had both just gotten married and also needed money. But they were Falun Gong practitioners and did not want to burden their mother by asking for anything. They just wanted her to live a happy and carefree life. They were this way to their mothers-in-law as well.
After the persecution began, I was arrested numerous times because I would not give up my belief. I was fired from my job, and we had to live on my husband's meager salary. Since our son was attending college at the time, we struggled financially.
My mother-in-law kept wanting to withdraw money from her account to support us. Deeply moved, I said, “Mother, I know you worry about us. But I cannot take your money that you saved all your life. We will manage. Thank you for your kind heart. We really appreciate it.”
When my brother-in-law built his house, we all helped, with money as well as manpower. All the villagers were impressed with our big happy family.
When my son got married three years ago, everyone in the family pitched in, and I hardly needed to do anything. All the guests at the wedding were amazed that we all got along so well.
My mother-in-law suddenly developed heart disease and fluid in her lungs—both serious conditions—five years ago. She was hospitalized twice in 6 months. We took turns taking good care of her until she passed away. Everyone in the village took notice and told us that we set an good example for others when it came to respecting and taking care their elderly parents.
Just by abiding by the principles of Falun Gong, ordinary people do take notice of us. We are deeply grateful for Master’s saving grace!
