This afternoon at Talisman I was doing a reading and in the course of conversation, I noted that many of us have what I am calling “Brother of the Prodigal Son” syndrome. We are the ones doing all the right things – being responsible, playing by the rules – and true, doing good is its own reward - but it would be nice to get a little recognition for it once in awhile! Like the good son said to his father (after watching his younger brother be richly rewarded following some VERY bad behavior) “Hey – where’s MY fatted calf? MY robes? MY gold rings? How about a party in MY honor – for goodness sake, I do everything I am supposed to – so where is MY recognition?”
In a relevant sidenote, back in November we had our first “real” case of theft at Talisman. Someone stole the money out of the jar on Kali Ma’s shrine – almost eighty dollars, all of which was earmarked for the Bridgeport Shelter for Battered and Abused Women & Children. And we pretty much caught the person red handed – just before I left Talisman for the night, I had visited the shrine and lit some incense and had made a point to count the money in the collection jar. Later that same evening, one particular young woman (who sadly was obviously high on something) had come to Talisman as a guest of her ex-boyfriend to attend an event downstairs. One of our staff had kept an eye on her (noting her impaired condition) and thought to check on her when she excused herself to come upstairs but didn’t come back down for awhile. When he came upstairs, he saw her sitting in a corner and as soon as she saw him looking at her she quickly put something in her jacket pocket and literally ran back downstairs.
The next day, I was told about the suspicious behavior and immediately thought of the shelter money – and when I saw the empty jar, I was angry. We had sent $100 just two months earlier and I was looking forward to another check going out close to Christmas. And I thought to myself “Boy, I should put a note on the jar, addressed to the person who stole from homeless women and children – no, wait, I’ll put it in the newsletter …” and at that moment, I heard a very clear feminine voice speak directly into my ear and say (with great authority) “Do you really think I need YOUR help to handle this?”
Uh, no – Kali Ma, no, you certainly do not … and up until now, little was said and nothing was done with regard to this matter. And anyone who knows anything about my beloved Mother Goddess Kali is well aware that stealing from her children is simply a very bad idea. Period.
Now, fast forward to later this evening at Talisman. The young man (ex-boyfriend to the suspected thief) came in with his mother. He greeted me warmly – I really do like him – and introduced me to his mom. Lovely woman. I hadn’t seen him since November, and he began telling me things had been rough – car accident – but he had gotten his job back after being laid off for nearly a year and was so glad to be back to work. Then he said, “You remember my friend, the girl I used to bring here on Friday nights?” I nodded yes, and he continued “She has really hit rock bottom.” I looked at him and said “She went back to using during that time, didn’t she?” and he looked sad and said “yes”.
And as a result, she became homeless – and is now living in a shelter.
Let me be clear – I am not taking joy in this bit of poetic justice. However, I left the shop tonight feeling MUCH better about my choice to play the part of the “brother” of the Prodigal Son. Suddenly, that decision seems very wise – and being recognized just for being good isn’t all that important to me after all!
Blessings, Laura
Very sad example of “what goes around comes around”.
Comment by Janice Paik — February 18th, 2010 @ 11:48 am
This is an unfortunate time for this young lady however, when people feel voilated in any way they seek some sort of retribution that will only prove to offer a one sided satisfaction to the person or people violated. When we sit back and allow divine will to handle the situation, We see how divine will seeks retribution and provides such a profound lesson for that individual, that we could never have designed ourselves. Having said this, there are times when we must take imediate action to protect ourselves but if we are not in imediate danger, let divine will take over. Remember, the divine will is frequently doing damage control for those who wrong, so retribution doesn’t always happen as quickly as we would like but when it does happen it’s a lesson to all parties involved.
Comment by kim warner — February 20th, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Well said, Kim. As angry and upset I was when I discovered the money missing, there is nothing I could have done which would have had the impact of what actually happened three months later. And having the opportunity to write and share via this blog, the lesson is available for the greater public.
Laura
Comment by Laura Lenhard — February 20th, 2010 @ 11:03 am