Do you know the true story about a Buddhist monastery that thought they had a clay Buddha statue, only to discover that it was a beautiful solid gold statue, that had been covered up to protect it from marauders many centuries ago.
 
It is a powerful story with many meanings. Re-reading the story recently, I realised once more that we, as children, all cover up our inner light to keep ourselves safe, to a greater or lesser extent. Because of the confusion and painful experiences we have, not understanding that our parents and guardians know no better themselves, we protect ourselves against the world that seems to be against us. And at the time it was the right thing to do, because we did it. We all need to feel safe.
 
However, after a while, we may come to see we no longer need to cover up our inner light and being. As we begin to chip away at the old beliefs and feelings that no longer serve us, we begin to connect with our inner being, our divinity. Here our inner light naturally shines, our old ways of being can be released and we grow into our wise, kind, courageous and compassionate selves that we really are. We allow our divine and human identities to more beautifully merge.
 
Are you willing and excited at the idea of releasing the old identity and connecting with the loving, wise presence within you?
 
If you are, then the forthcoming season of Lent is one that will help guide you more deeply through the process. Look out for more details about how you can join us through Lent. For we are on this journey of discovery and awakening together.
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Full story of the Buddha statue
 
Rev Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK
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Elizabeth writes  In my family Daily Word has always existed. My mother went to Unity meetings when we lived in Bermuda. When I was 18 I went to England to study to be a nurse. It was there that I met my future husband. Looking back now we weren’t suited. I was young, foolish and a people-pleaser.

​I had a stillborn, full-term baby boy and turned away from everything my family and church had taught me. I went through bulimia and alcohol problems trying to kill the pain and the injustice I felt of losing my child.

I felt I was being punished and I was unable to talk about what I was going through. My husband didn’t help me, he didn’t understand  my problems. I went for help but was unable to admit my problems of bulimia and alcohol. I also felt my marriage was on the rocks, my husband wouldn’t talk about it, for him everything was fine.
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Life's Challenges

We came to Italy in 1970 just for 2 years. I felt I needed to get away. My husband found a good job and for a period we seemed happy, but I had forgotten God. My husband was a womaniser and I was desperate. I hit rock bottom. At this point I admitted that I had a problem with alcohol and bulimia. I went for help. Fortunately I only needed to talk with a psychologist, no tablets. I recovered from alcohol and bulimia and have never turned back. I realised in the end that it was lack of love and respect for myself. I was destroying myself.  
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My mother sent me a subscription to Daily Word and that was the beginning of my return to the fold. I had been a lost sheep. That was back in 1988. I had a hysterectomy. I didn’t feel alone. I remember the feeling of arms around me. Silent Unity was praying for me.

Glimpses of Joy

In 2008 I eventually got a divorce and remarried a wonderful person. I was so happy. He unfortunately died in 2013. I was heartbroken but I had Daily Word and Unity helping me.

In 2012 I was diagnosed with an aortic stenosis, it gradually worstened and in July 2020 I was rushed to hospital as an emergency. I went to Careggi Florence on the Monday and on Wednesday 23rd July 2020 was operated on, to substitute the aortic valve. Before the op I was afraid but I kept repeating the affirmations Unity had sent me via a friend who had phoned them. Due to the virus no visitors were allowed.
I was only afraid when the anaesthetist came the night before to see me, making me realise a lot could go wrong. However that night I slept after praying for a good outcome.

The power of prayer

After the op I have made a good recovery. I am still suffering the after-effects of the anaesthetic, but am positive that with time all will be well. My friends and family have been supportive through all these 3 months.

My life today
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I live on my own with Goia, my Lagotta dog, she has stimulated me to get back on my feet. I can walk now 5kms uphill and practically do all my housework. Every morning before starting my day I have a Daily Word reading and prayers and am so grateful to have been given a second chance and to be well. Even though I’m 77 there must still be some improvements to be made in my life.
Needless to say, Prayer and Daily Word are and will always be an important part of my life. I have come a long way.

Elizabeth. A Daily Word Reader. 2020. ​