In her reflections, Amy Tan explores the intertwined nature of faith and fate, both of which offer comfort to believers by implying that a divine force guides their paths. This belief can create a sense of surrender to a higher power, suggesting that individuals are not entirely in control of their lives.

However, Tan highlights that there are distinctions between faith and fate, particularly in how people seek positivity and navigate challenges. While faith may inspire proactive efforts toward goodness, fate leads to acceptance of circumstances, highlighting a nuanced relationship between agency and reliance on destiny.