As proof of her faith, my mother used to carry a samll…
““As proof of her faith, my mother used to carry a samll leatherette Bible when she went to the First Chinese Baptist Church every Sunday. But later, after my mother lost her faith in God, that leatherette Bible would up wedged under a too-short table leg, a way for her to correct the imbalances of life. It's been there for over twenty years. My mother pretends that Bible isn't there. Whenever anyone asks her what it's doing there, she says, a little too loudly, "Oh, this? I forgot." But I know she sees it. My mother is not the best housekeeper in the world, and after all these years that Bigle is still clean white... My mother, she stills pay attention to it. That Bible under the table, I know she sees it. I remember seeing her write in it before she wedged it under. I lift the table and slide the Bible out. I put the Bible on the table, flipping quickly through the pages, because I know it's there. On the page before the New Testament begins, there's a section called "Deaths," and that's where she wrote "Bing Hsu" lightly, in erasable pencil.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A mother hides a Bible under a table, symbolizing lingering faith despite outward denial.
In simple terms: Mother hides a Bible, showing hidden faith.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge unseen beliefs.
Themes
faith
family
secrecy
Mood
nostalgic
introspective
Type
narrative
personal
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- personal reflection
- intergenerational dialogue
Key Concepts
religion
psychology
memory
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people conceal personal beliefs?
- How does hidden faith affect family dynamics?