a favorite prayer

He is the Compassionate, the All-Bountiful! O God, my God! Thou seest me, Thou knowest me; Thou art my Haven and my Refuge. None have I sought nor any will I seek save Thee; no path have I trodden nor any will I tread but the path of Thy love. In the darksome night of despair, my eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn of Thy boundless favor and at the hour of dawn my drooping soul is refreshed and strengthened in remembrance of Thy beauty and perfection. He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though he be but a drop, shall become the boundless ocean, and the merest atom which the outpouring of Thy loving-kindness assisteth, shall shine even as the radiant star.

Shelter under Thy protection, O Thou Spirit of purity, Thou Who art the All-Bountiful Provider, this enthralled, enkindled servant of Thine. Aid him in this world of being to remain steadfast and firm in Thy love and grant that this broken-winged bird attain a refuge and shelter in Thy divine nest that abideth upon the celestial tree. —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

say-ra

I am named for my grandmother, Sara Ann (pronounced: Say-ran). That makes me Allison Say-ra.

Being named for her is really special, and it's a bond that I will always carry with me. I'm grateful to my parents for that gift.

Sara Ann (Grandmommy) is one of the most generous people I know. She spends her time volunteering at church, and until very recently, going on a weekly route for Meals on Wheels. She stays active by walking every morning with her neighbor, and spending time on her exercise bike. Grandmommy is a real cook, and will prepare a complete buffet for a simple family get together. Her chicken dressing casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and appears without fail at the annual Thanksgiving reunion.

We played tea party when I was in elementary school. I lost a tooth bobbing for apples at her house one Halloween. I got to watch Nickelodeon at her house. She tells stories of the family in West Point, Georgia. We go on vacations together to the beach. She bakes fresh bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, and a pound cake to die for.

This is just the beginning of why I love Grandmommy very much, and will keep her inspiration with me forever.