From Copper to Gold: The Life of Dorothy Baker

by Dorothy Freeman Gilstrap

From Copper to Gold tells the story of Dorothy Baker's life, a life that was an extraordinary example of spiritual transformation and growth. As a child, Dorothy Baker had the rare opportunity to meet ‘Abdu'l-Baha, a meeting that proved to be the catalyst for a life of service, prayerful devotion, and courageous deeds. This is not only the touching story of a devoted Baha'i and her life of service, but also that of a wife, mother, and friend, whose love of God, obedience to the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, and selfless acts of service were a testimony to her belief. She managed to transcend the daily challenges of life with grace and fortitude-proving to be a source of inspiration to others. She also served the Baha'i community with distinction as an eloquent speaker and writer, a gifted administrator, traveling teacher, and later as a Hand of the Cause of God. Dorothy Baker reflects the transformative power of the Baha'i Faith.

Genres: Baha I, Religion, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and inspiring life of a woman whose strong faith and detachment gave her the spiritual power to connect with many hearts!

Really good storytelling for a biography. It was very thick though, so happy to made it to the end!

No one warned me about the ending 🥺😭

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best biographies I have read. Not only is Dorothy Baker's life interesting, inspiring and full of twists and turns, but the author's depiction of this extraordinary life brings you to tears. Thank you for a beautiful read.

[Susan Foroughi ofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very very helpful. It has inspirational nuggets but also gave me a glimpse into the enormous challenges that Dorothy Baker faced.

[Melody Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I carry the stories of Dorothy and her incredible life in my heart always!

[Naads Mehretab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Cried so many times it's embarrassing. If you're interested in learning about an American Hand of the Cause of God or even wondering about the Baha'i Faith's early history in America this is a great resource. While this book has many portions that are historical accounts or letters from American Baha'is of that time period there are also a lot of sections of this book that read more like a novel. It is a truly vivid portrait of an unimaginable life. Dorothy Baker feels so real and alive to the reader in these carefully rendered pages and that is a real gift.

[Katharine Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story of spiritual growth, sacrifice, and service. The contrast between her straightforward American style of expression and the spiritual effect she had on people is interesting. I would recommend this book for anyone who wanted to reflect on these themes for their own life.

[Lucy]

The fantastic and inspiring story of a woman who dedicated her life to education and service to humanity.

[Valeria Wicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a well-researched biography that reads like a novel. Very humbling experience to learn about this very spiritually empowered woman.

[Jacki Bowker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my heroes in life!

[Shelley Peraza · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book! very inspiring :)