August 27, 2026
— Yading Li, Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity · Source: Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity (BDCC), "Shi Meiyu"
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God also chose the lowly things of the world, the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that none of the flesh may boast before him.
Dr. Mary Stone (Shi Meiyu) poured all her learning and skill into healing, training others and preaching the gospel, becoming even better known in the church as a preacher than as a physician. This aligns perfectly with the teaching of 1 Corinthians: God chose the weak and the nothing in the world to demonstrate His power, so that no one could boast before Him. We often seek self-worth in our work, becoming complacent with small achievements or timid because of our own weaknesses. However, true dedication is not about showing God our strength, but about willingly surrendering our small lives into His hands. When we no longer boast of our abilities but bow down before the salvation of the cross, God's grace, which overturns worldly power, can flow through our fragile vessels to where it is most needed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me, a humble being, in this crooked and perverse age. Grant me a humble heart, so that I may not rely on my own cleverness and talent, nor become proud because of worldly achievements. Lord, I know my life is extremely weak, but Your grace is made perfect in weakness. Remove all hidden boasting from my heart, and let my life solely exalt the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. May You use me, this simple vessel, to express Your mercy and love in my daily work and service. Wherever and whenever, let my life be a channel for glorifying Your name and serving Your eternal kingdom. I pray in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.