[G]iving to beggars is a straightforward opportunity to practice generosity in my daily life. So why the resistance to giving? At the time my friend pointed out that I had probably been targeted, I felt ashamed and tried to defend myself. I argued that I would rather risk being tricked by 99 rather than missing the chance to help the one in need.

Mary Ann O'Donnell writes about her experience with a beggar on a subway in Shenzhen city, and reflects upon the reactions of a Chinese friend to her act of charity.