(Minghui.org) Ms. Shao Xiuyan was arrested on March 7, 2018, for refusing to renounce Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline being persecuted by the Chinese communist regime.

The Changchun City resident credits Falun Gong for bringing joy to her life. Ms. Shao, in her 60s, was born into a poor family and had only one year of schooling. Her parents married her off to an extremely abusive husband, who often beat her and chased her with knives. She lived in constant fear.

Ms. Shao wanted to divorce her husband, but she couldn't stand the thought of her two children living in broken families. She stayed in the marriage and hoped to take comfort when her children grew up.

Her son, however, took after her husband. The young man was addicted to drinking, smoking, and gambling. He often cursed at and struck his parents.

Ms. Shao couldn't believe that she was destined to have such a husband and son. She lost hope in life, but her daughter stopped her from drinking a bottle of poison. The young woman begged her mother to leave home to avoid the two men in the family.

Ms. Shao took her daughter's advice and lived by herself. With no abusive husband or son around, though, she still had to deal with a myriad of health problems, including high blood pressure, stomachaches, back pain, and arthritis.

Fortunately, she came across Falun Gong and saw her fate change. Not only did she regain her health, but she was also able to read Falun Gong books despite being illiterate. She knew that Falun Gong had given her wisdom. By following Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Ms. Shao was able to let go of grudges against her husband and son and be happy. She said, “Had it not been for Falun Gong, my life would have been in vain.”

Having had firsthand experience with Falun Gong, Ms. Shao never wavered in her faith. Her simple pursuit of happiness, however, landed her in police custody. Her supporters are calling for her release.