I am so jacked (that is 80's slang for "pumped up")
about teaching the Faith but what's more is how
much I love how Baha'is are taught to "teach" the faith.
Employing the ideology of allowing others to make
their own decisions and just being a person to bring
the person to certain information really relieves me
from having to feel like I am "sneaking" around, or
doing something that isn't absolutely and 100%
note: get used to that word, authentic, I have an inkling you are going to start really hearing it a lot from this blog.
Story Time!
So, today I was talking to a client of mine, whilst installing a washer, about the event in Haiti and a news story (that I am sorry I can't find at the moment) all about neurotheology.
We then talked about our personal feelings about prayer and it was enough for me to get past my own fears about asking others to pray with me for something, so I came straight home and knocked on my neighbors door and asked if we could pray together when their family all got home for the day. The lady of the home agreed and smiled brightly at the idea and told me to return an hour later when her husband would come home from work! I then went to see if my roommate was down and he said he was totally free and available to come too!
So, we get there, talk a little bit about personal beliefs and then about the chaos in Haiti and other catastrophes around the world to prepare ourselves to really have the right events in our minds to pray about. Then we prayed. Simple, one prayer each, and then I think I threw in a song and another short prayer at the end (I couldn't help myself).
Then the man of the home says he really enjoyed having us over and would like to do it again in less than a week and that we should invite more neighbors! It was so awesome! It was nice to share some Baha'i prayers, I believe they have a great affect, but moreso what I really wanted to share was this core activity.
Why?
Cause they are for the world, not for Baha'is exclusively.
Q. Are Baha'is taught to "convert" people and make them Baha'i?
A. No
And I love that. We are simply to unite with all the peoples and kindreds of the earth, realize our commonalities and accentuate them- and look! It was contagious! The man decided to have another devotional with more neighbors in less than a week! It shows us that we are all from one Source, we all desire the same peace! Let us continue to work harder and harder for it!
So!
(cue core activity plug in 3... 2... 1...)
If you are ANYONE who wants to help the world feel comfortable praying together, imparting spiritual knowledge to children, helping elevate the character of Jr youth, or to study in groups of people about the nature of the soul and hear all the beautiful opinions and thoughts that all the diverse religions, cultures, and schools of thought have to offer, then the 4 core activities are for you!
How do I see it?
Well this is how a Baha'i teaches his faith; he sews the seeds of change amongst mankind and waters them the best he can to his capacity! I know mine is a humble effort, but that it is effort at all makes me know I am on the right path.
Thanks Baha'u'llah! You have been so very wonderful too me! :-)
“Sow the seeds of love in the heart and not the seeds of hatred. The reflection in the glass proves whether we are laughing or frowning. By our actions we reveal what is growing in the heart. Actions are mirrors of the soul.” ~ `Abdu'l-Bahá
