The Crying Woman in the Crowd

*A retelling for children, based on **Mahmúd's Diary** (entry of 14 April 1912).*

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One Sunday in April 1912, 'Abdu'l-Bahá was invited to speak at a big church in New York called the Church of the Ascension. About two thousand people were there.

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He spoke to them about how all the people of the world are meant to be united. When He finished, He chanted a prayer. Mírzá Maḥmúd, who travelled with Him and wrote down what happened each day, said the prayer touched the hearts of everyone listening.

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As 'Abdu'l-Bahá left the church, group after group of people hurried towards Him. The Bahá'ís sang "Alláh-u-Abhá," and many people asked Him to bless them.

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In the middle of the crowd was a woman who was crying. She was holding on tightly to the edge of His robe. She was so full of feeling that she could not say a word.

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'Abdu'l-Bahá gave her His love and kindness. He spoke loving, comforting words to her until she was calm.

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Mírzá Maḥmúd wrote that it was a great day. Not one of the two thousand people was disappointed, and everyone went home smiling.

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*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["The Woman Who Held His Robe"](/stories/md-the-woman-at-the-church-door).*

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