The Visitor and the Roses

*A retelling for children, based on **Portals to Freedom** by Howard Colby Ives (George Ronald, 1937).*

1 / 8

One afternoon, an old minister came to meet 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He was a careful, serious man, and he had come prepared. He carried a long list of difficult questions, ready to test this visitor from far away and decide for himself whether there was anything to Him.

2 / 8

So he began to ask. Question after question after question. And to each one, 'Abdu'l-Bahá gave only a short, gentle answer, listening far more than He spoke. A man named Howard, watching from the side, started to feel impatient — the questions seemed so small, like someone trying to measure the whole ocean with a teaspoon.

3 / 8

Then the questions ran out, and there was a pause. And in that pause, 'Abdu'l-Bahá rose to His feet. For just a moment, He spoke — not about dates or rules, but about love, and about the beauty of a life spent serving others.

4 / 8

And the old minister changed before everyone's eyes. His careful, testing look melted away, and his whole face seemed to light up.

5 / 8

As the minister turned to leave, 'Abdu'l-Bahá noticed a big bunch of roses standing in the room. He gathered them all up and placed them in the old man's arms. And out the door the minister went — humbled, glowing, and carrying far more than he had come for.

6 / 8

The minister had come for answers, but what changed his heart was not an argument. It was kindness, and patience, and a gift freely given. Sometimes the most convincing thing in the world is simply love.

7 / 8

*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["Roses for the Questioning Minister"](/stories/pf-roses-for-the-questioning-minister).*

8 / 8