Say: Beware, O people of Bahá lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent might. (Shoghi Effendi, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 69)
As a child, I experienced a lot of abuse in my family which left me with an unhealthy fear of authority figures. If someone said or did something, or even looked at me the wrong way, it triggered my terror and I was no longer able to be present as an adult in the interaction. I was paralyzed with fear and it took all my energy to “take it”, whatever form the “it” took.
This quote helps me to realize that God doesn’t want me to let the strong ones of the earth rob me of my strength or fill me with fear. He wants me to lean on His strength and protection. As a child, I was truly defenseless against the bullies and perpetrators of abuse but as an adult I have a lot more choices (and laws) at my disposal. With God on my side, I can do anything.
Knowing that when I lean on God, I can’t fail, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Violence and Abuse: Reasons and Remedies Kindle
yes it is true, as I feel that God is with me I know nothing can harm me whatsoever, that is the main reason I could live in China 6years
You’re my hero, Simin! (For those who don’t know, Simin is totally blind and pioneered to China, where she didn’t know anyone. She taught me a LOT about fully trusting in God!)
It is interesting to read the quotation that the government bullies people. I always thought that bullying was at schools! Your idea is great and open our minds that bullying is not limited only to school kids.
Thanks for joining in the conversation, Maboube! A lot of children are bullied in the home, too. Bullying can take place anywhere.
Thank you for reminding me to keep trusting in and relying on God before I head out to work this morning. Bullies are very present in most workplaces, too! I think workplace competiton breeds bullies. New Zealand, where I come from, often has news about bullying in the workplace and there are systems online for guidance. I have your book but have yet to read all of it. I am very grateful to be able to put my trust in God and pray for support. I have already prayed but now I am mentally prepared. I’ve noticed when I am mindful I pick up on signs and become my own companion to act in my best interest and set boundaries on bullying behaviour.
Yes, good point, Pamela. There are bullies everywhere! I’m even starting to come to terms with how I bullied the other Baha’is in my inactive cluster, desperately wanting them to get on board with the community building process.
Susan, have you ever used this quotation of The Master(?),
“But the community has the right of defense and self-protection…it imprisons or punishes for the protection and security of others. It is not for the purpose of taking vengeance upon the murderer, but for the purpose of inflicting a punishment by which the community will be protected. If the community and inheritors of the murdered one were to forgive and return good for evil, the cruel would be continually ill-treating others(!), and assassinations would continually occur. Vicious people, like wolves, would destroy the sheep of God.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
About 10 years ago I requested a meeting with 2 ABMs about an injustice done to me by (a non-Bahá’í) family member. These two ABMs, were so thoughtful and helpful, but, finally I found the advice of one of them inappropriate when told to, “immediately forgive.”
Knowing that the second Hidden Words (Arabic) is about JUSTICE, and because I had been a police officer, I felt uncomfortable with the one ABM’s suggestion. Eventually, I found the above quote and sent I to her.
Thus, she and I both learned!
In such situations where someone has been violated by an unlawful act I recommend JUSTICE First…forgiveness may come later. Healing of the victim is paramount.
Thanks for contributing to the discussion, Norbert and adding another quote for us to consider. I agree – the subject of forgiveness is such an important one, and there are so many Baha’i Writings pertaining to it, that I’ve written a book of over 100 pages on that very topic. And like you, for me it all started with the one quote:
This quote was so clear that just like your ABM’s, I thought there wasn’t anything more to say! In a letter from the House of Justice on a related topic, they told me:
I loved the 3 words they used in a row: “strive to develop forgiveness in your heart”. I didn’t have to forgive them (at least not immediately), I only had to “strive to develop” forgiveness “in your heart”. And I didn’t have to see them either. I could use the 3 criteria they gave me: their degree of remorse over what they inflicted on you in the past, the extent of their present involvement in practices which are so contrary to Bahá’í Teachings, and the level of vulnerability you perceive within yourself to being influenced adversely by them.
Now that’s a glimmering of what justice might mean in a Baha’i context!