I was visiting some Pagans in eastern Russia when I heard a speaker talk about badge and shield. A friend was translating for me.
I knew a little about the speaker's life. She had trusted in the Gods while teaching at a university. Soon the school began to pressure her. Many of her fellow faculty members were avowed Christians and they turned against her. She was ridiculed, oppressed, and finally forced to resign her faculty position. It was a difficult time.
Knowing her as I do, I was not surprised, therefore, when she drew of herself and spoke of the Oracles words which talk specifically about persecution. She told the group, "To whom are we to be badge and shield if not to our oppressors? They are the ones who need it the most." She knew from experience what she was talking about.
She went on to make this point: The harsher the conditions and darker the surroundings, the deeper the need for the preserving shield and shining badge of the Gods above. For in Their presence we will survive.
We too can stand firmly for Paganism even though we are surrounded by spiritual decay and people who are walking in hate. Whatever our circumstances, we can trust in Them for the courage to light up their hearts.
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