Protection – a Bahá’à Perspective
by Susan Gammage
If you seek immunity from the sway of the forces of the contingent world, hang the Most Great Name in your dwelling, wear the ring of the Most Great Name on your finger, place the picture of ‘Abdul-Bahá in your home and always recite the prayers that I have written; then you will behold the marvelous effect they produce.
When I first disclosed my abuse in therapy and then to my perpetrators, I was feeling very vulnerable. Would I be killed? I’d believed that this would be the outcome of giving voice to my experience, all of my life, which is what had kept me silenced for so long, even to myself. Therefore, I was happy when I discovered this morning’s quote by ‘Abdul-Bahá. It was something practical I could immediately implement.
I went from looking over my shoulders and not wanting to leave home, to trusting that I would be protected from any recriminations. And I was! It was a heady experience!
Later, once my life had stabilized and I was experiencing triggers at work with abusive bosses, I would read that quote again, and realize I was again being protected. I had choices this time, where I did not as a child.
Even later, when I realized the impact of materialism on my life, and longed for a simpler lifestyle, this quote reminded me that by living on a limited income, I was being protected from the worst of it.
I love discovering deeper layers of meaning in quotes as I grow in faith!
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