An old proverb says, "Overcome evil by doing good." I read the news and see people who behead others in the Middle East, abuse maids and domestic workers in Hong Kong, steal money and misuse power in government (not only in China but in the U.S. and every other part of the world), those who claim certain social ideals while privately practicing greed and living lifestyles that totally contradict their so-called 'ideals.' I only see the headlines and rarely read the stories. It is too depressing.

So, what do you do when there is so much evil in the world? What can YOU do about it?

There's only one thing that I know to do. I know (and feel it deep in my heart) to do good.

My way of overcoming evil in the world is too invest in the lives of Chinese children. I do this every day. I love 'giving back'. I love taking the money I earn and investing back into the lives of children. I will create a language learning lab in a public high school's international department (I already bought four new computers for it this week). The students need the tools to work on their English exams and prepare for TOEFL, IELTS and the SAT. There's no provision for them to have such a resource right now, so, rather than complain about it not being done, I decided, 'why don't I do something about it.' I know that I can and just decided to do it. It isn't anything great, but it will make a difference in the lives of some.

My grandmother used to tell me, "Michael, do what you can with what you've got for those you meet." I still follow this wise rule in my life.

I'm sensitive to others and their needs. Recently, a woman brought her son to me and wanted to join my classes. I noticed that her purse (bag) was old, her shoes looked very worn and the boy wasn't dressed too well. I guessed that maybe they didn’t have the money for the classes. I asked more and found out that in fact they do have money. They just live quite conservatively. I want to be sensitive the needs of others and do what I can to help when needed.

Clay, a foreign friend of mine here in Zhengzhou, rescues and cares for orphaned handicapped children. Every time I see Clay, I hand him a wad of cash to help him in his efforts. Why? Well, I can't go there and help those children physically but I can help in some of the expenses of taking care of those children.

We aren't put here on this earth to simply serve ourselves. When I see these stories of those who have obtained tens of millions of dollars or hundreds of millions of dollars and who are suppose to uphold an ideal of all people being equal, I get more determined to do the little I can with what I have. I don't need a BMW, a Mercedes or a Rolex watch to feel important and powerful. I've had those things and found out they don't fulfill the true need in my heart. I do need to help a child and do 'what I can with what I have, where I am.'

I can't change the warped ideas of others who choose to do evil in the world. I can do something about touching a child's mind and life through teaching them English or how to play a musical instrument. It isn't much, but, I am not only willing to do it, I am doing it every day.

And, as I said recently, I am the richest man in China. Rich in life, in heart, in happiness and fulfillment. I'll do what I can to overcome evil by doing something good for others, everyday.

The original blog is from http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-787069-26885.html