You may be interested to know that, within the limits of their capacity and the uncertain circumstances, Bahá’ís inside and outside Ukraine are responding directly to the crisis. The believers in the country are supporting their compatriots to the extent possible, and the friends in the neighboring countries have arisen to support Bahá’í and other refugees. (Universal House of Justice, to an individual, 1 April 2022)
I have been looking at the effects that incest and childhood sexual, physical, emotional, and ritual abuse have had on me for awhile now. I’m starting to experience a lot of feelings I’ve spent a lifetime trying to stuff down. As a result, I haven’t been as active in my local cluster as I’d like to be, as I think a good Bahá’í “should” be. I’ve been “shouldding” on my self, and this has caused me deep despair.
Somewhere recently I thought I’d remembered that when war broke out in Ukraine, the House of Justice had asked them to carry on with the Plan. I know the Plan is the only salvation for the world, but when your world is being bombed and torn apart, and you’re afraid every day for your life, how on earth are you supposed to have energy to work the Plan? If this wasn’t the advice given to the Ukraine, I’ve seen in given in times of other tragedies (the hurricane that devastated Vanuatu comes to mind).
When I looked at the standard expected of the Ukrainians in this war, I felt deeply ashamed that I wasn’t able to attain that same standard. Bombs aren’t falling on me physically, but they sure are emotionally. I know I have a tendency to beat myself up, and I’m working on reducing the times I do it, but I can only do it when I find Bahá’í Writings that tell me I’m OK. So this letter, which came out last week, really helped. In it, the House of Justice was responding to someone who asked about the events in Ukraine. I was very comforted to read: “within the limits of their capacity” and “to the extent possible”. I can do that.
Knowing I have permission to recognize my capacity in any given day and that I can do what I can, to the extent possible, I am grateful!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Letting Go of Criticizing Others
Thank you dear Susan, as always your comments are helping.
There is wisdom into everything that is happening! We know that God is seeing all these sufferings, I don’t question His wisdom, knowing He has His reason. I feel my job is to help others and rely on Bahá’u’lláh.
We are so fortunate to have our beloved Universal House of Justice, guiding us.
Hope these coming conferences will be another source of hope and helps humanity!
Yes, I’m so profoundly grateful for the Covenant, Siamak, and that we have continual guidance from an infallible source, guiding humanity to the Most Great Peace! What a gift from Baha’u’llah!
Hi Susan
This is true for me as well, all the paralyzing and overwhelming emotions from my childhood have come back and I also feel ashamed that I can’t participate more.
It helps to know that our limitations are recognized and accepted. [
Thank you for sharing the guidance from the Universal House of Justice, and your thoughts on this issue.
L
I’m so glad it resonated Lynn!
The most exciting thing I learned about the Faith is that God only wants us to try. Make an effort, that is all. God will take care of the results. I CAN try. I’d been trying vailiently since I’d been a little boy. But, then I had also been expected to produce. Now, that burden was removed. I only had “to try.” That, I have been doing for over fifty years now – and the results still blow my mind!!!!
Yes, that’s an important point, Duane. In this results driven world, it’s so easy to forget that “An act, however infinitesimal, is, when viewed in the mirror of the knowledge of God, mightier than a mountain. Every drop proffered in His path is as the sea in that mirror.” (Bahá’u’lláh, Quickeners of Mankind, p. 4)
Your words sure resonate with me, especially with health restrictions cramping my ability to participate. This theme reminded me of a quote I have found so encouraging and helpful over the years:
“Whoso maketh efforts for Us, in Our ways shall We assuredly guide him.”
Note it’s not “Whoso succeedeth” !!
Thanks for this important reminder Cair!
I very much appreciate your thoughts as you share your vulnerability. It moves me to see your courage.
Your metaphor of the mental and emotional “bombs” is worth thinking about. Like: How do we take shelter from the “bombs” of destructive forces and reconstruct our “bombed-out” world?
Thank-you!
Good question, Kathy! Thank you!