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And in my family, there were two pillars of beliefs: Christian faith on my father's side, Chinese fate on my mother's. Picture these two ideologies as you might the goalposts of a soccer field, faith at one end, fate at the other, and me running between them trying to duck whatever dangerous missile had been launched in the air.
by Amy Tan
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Amy Tan describes her upbringing as being influenced by two contrasting belief systems: the Christian faith from her father's side and the concept of fate from her mother's Chinese heritage. She likens these ideologies to goalposts on a soccer field, with faith on one end and fate on the other, illustrating the tension and balance she navigated throughout her life. This metaphor highlights her struggle to reconcile these differing views while growing up.

Tan's life experiences mirror the chaos of dodging metaphorical missiles, representing the challenges that arise from these clashing beliefs. The interplay of Christian faith and Chinese fate shaped her identity and worldview, ultimately influencing her writing and reflections on her life. Through this lens, Tan explores how the two pillars of her family's beliefs impact her understanding of destiny and personal agency.

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The Opposite of Fate: Memories of a Writing Life
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