The Fable of Mary Lin
by Steve Goodier
A modernized Chinese fable tells of Mary Lin, who was widely-known as
a holy woman. She was a kind mother, a devoted wife, a loyal friend,
an active part of her community of faith and a concerned neighbor to
those in need. She visited the lonely who had nobody. She assisted the
ill, caring for them however she could. She baked for new families who
moved to her community. She befriended children and always had time to
listen when anybody needed an ear.
Mary Lin was busy and contented. And when she died, everyone who knew
her believed she would go to heaven. If there was no heaven, one would
certainly be prepared for her, they agreed.
Mary Lin stood at heaven's gate. She was welcomed into a city alive
with many voices of joy and praise. A gentle feeling of rest came over
her, for here there were no worries, no tears, no sorrows and no
losses. She could rest forever and enjoy the companionship of other
good souls.
But a strange thing happened. Amid the pleasant sounds of heaven, Mary
Lin thought she heard weeping. She concentrated on that sound and
discerned that it was the cry of a child far, far away. It was barely
audible as it moved up to her from the earth. She knew someone was
distraught. Someone was in need.
Mary Lin turned and passed out through the gate....
"If we make our goal to live a life of compassion and unconditional
love," said Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, "then the world will indeed
become a garden where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow."
The world can become ... heavenly.
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