总有一种力量让我们泪流满面

This is the first day of the New Year. May the sunshine grace your face. The sunshine on your face, the warmth in our hearts. It is an ordinary day in winter. In the north, the leaves have fallen, while in the south, the trees still hold onto their leaves. People stroll lazily or rush hurriedly through the streets, each carrying their own hopes and holding onto their private thoughts.

The calendar of the new century is turning a page each day, and nothing easily moves people anymore—except the truth. People have ideals, but also illusions. They have been comforted, yet also humiliated. They have doubted others and themselves. Fortunately, time has taught us the value of “truth”—authenticity, true feelings, and truth itself. It has guided us away from the dangerous utopia of delusion, revealing hypocrisy and deceit. Although truth may sometimes be uncomfortable, a nation that faces the truth is a mature nation, and people who confront reality are strong people.

Nothing easily moves people anymore, except the clarion call of justice. When you stand before the helpless and wronged, the arrogant and oppressive, or the social injustices that shape lives, you understand how much justice demands, and how much courage it takes. Nothing easily moves people anymore, except the love in their hearts. Nothing easily moves people anymore, except the steps forward...

This is the first day of the New Year, just like any other. We meet you again, reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the year ahead. May the sunshine grace your face. The sunshine on your face, the warmth in our hearts. There is a power quietly flowing from your fingertips, a care gently radiating from your eyes. At this moment, we are speechless, except for a wish: May the powerless gain strength, the pessimistic move forward, those pressing ahead continue their journey, and the happy become even happier. And we will keep cheering for you. We will keep cheering for you because your hope is our hope, and your suffering is our suffering.

We see you raising a hoe, swinging a sickle, sweating under the sun, and filling your barns with grain. We see you displaced, crying bitterly, braving turbulent waters, and rebuilding your homes. We see you reluctantly laid off, gritting your teeth, weathering storms, and smiling again. We see you, and we keep cheering for you because we are a part of you.

There is always a power that brings tears to our eyes, a power that lifts our spirits, a power that drives us to keep seeking “justice, love, and conscience.” This power comes from you, from every single one of you. So, at this moment, on this first day of the New Year, we want to say to you, and to everyone around you: “Happy New Year!” May the sunshine grace your face. Because of you, we exist. The sunshine on your face, the warmth in our hearts.

Why do our eyes often brim with tears? Because we love deeply. Why are we always so spirited? Because we love deeply. Why do we keep seeking? Because we love deeply—love this country and her people, their kindness, integrity, and care for one another.

There Is Always a Power That Brings Tears to Our Eyes , was first published in 1999 by Southern Weekly