Based on Kramer Prayer Update June 2002
A table filled with sweet rolls, fried meat and potatoes, candies and non (traditional Tajik bread) lay before us as we sit on long flat pillows and drink choy (tea). Our host eagerly refills our peolas (drinking cups), while her daughter explains their concern for Aidan. “He is a beautiful baby,” she said, “and if too many people look at him, he may get sick.” Special beads are brought into the room, and it is their intent to pin the beads to Aidan’s clothes to protect him from the evil eye. This is the opportunity we were waiting for. “God is stronger than the evil eye; we trust in Him to protect our children.”
January 2024
What is the evil eye?
“The evil eye is a supernatural belief in a curse brought about by a malevolent glare, usually inspired by envy.”(Wikipedia)
To a western mind, this practice against the evil eye seems odd, but for many people in Asia this is a real fear. Envy and jealousy are viewed as threats to one’s health.
I agree with that last statement: envy and jealousy are a threat to one’s health. I have observed the destructive power of jealousy in my own life. Not that I fear the curse of the evil eye. No, I fear the sin of jealousy in my own heart and the damage it can cause to my relationship with others.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Prov. 14:30).
How do you combat strong feelings of jealousy?
How do you age with grace without feeling envy towards the young and attractive?
Share with me how God has helped you combat these dark foes.
Father God,
I admit I have a problem. I’ve got so much gunk in my heart: envy, jealousy, bitterness, anxiety, anger. I want to be different. I want to be changed. Wearing a special charm is not going to fix my heart. Only you can fix me. Only you can make me new. Show me the path I need to walk. Give me courage to let go of the past and press on to forgiveness, contentment, and peace.
P.S. I really do appreciate hearing from you as I journey on this path to wholeness. You ladies have much wisdom and experience!
healinghope4women 
I feel sorry for the young bc I know what I went through and what’s ahead for them. As I age, I rejoice I’m closer to the “end”. That comforts me as I see how God has led me thru out my whole life, so far. The young are adrift in this valueless world and have many hidden problems… self image, confusion, forced to fit in…So what if my bod is failing. I can still talk, walk, breathe and think. I now have wisdom, stability, belong to a loving family (church & biological) and enjoy the freedom to do something meaningful or volunteer using my God given gifts, resulting in joy. I have found my niche.
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That is a very wise perspective. Thank you for sharing.
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I feel like a key is to keep our eyes more and more on Jesus and on the Father. Practice gratitude. Remember and recount all we have in Him. Something far more and better crowds out jealousy and envy. Ps 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
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gratitude
yes, I agree, that is important.
it also helps change our focus from ourselves to God‘s blessings.
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Cultural customs and superstitions are so interesting! In Northern Chile people wear, and put on their babies, red bracelets, oftentimes with a similar evil eye pendant as you show, to ward off the evil eye. We, too, use that as an opportunity to teach the truth of God’s Word. When feelings of jealousy or discontent crop up in my life (usually from too much social media!), I, too, ward them off with reminding myself of what is true…truth from God’s Word…and by expressing thankfulness for what God has given me. And the truth is…beauty is fleeting, and my gray hair and sagging body parts are reminders of the many blessings God has given me in this life! 🙂
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I appreciate your perspective. I did not realize that people in South America also have a similar practice.
A good reminder to focus on God‘s word, and what is true.
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