"Whoever is spared personal pain must feel himself called to help in diminishing the pain of others. We must all carry our share of the misery which lies upon the world." -Albert SchweitzerI've been thinking a lot about the imprisoned Baha'is in Iran ever since the news came out that they were to be put on trial. I've been thinking about how strong they are, how steadfast. In the past when Baha'is have been imprisoned they have always been given the option to renounce their faith. I would assume this time is no different. It warms my heart to know they have remained centered in their Faith and love for God.
I have read the letter coming from the sister of one of the imprisoned Baha'is. My heart swells with love and appreciation. " I asked Mahvash what are you doing at the breakfast time during the fast. They give us hot tea and they will warm up the dinner that we have kept from last night. But we have not memorized the Dawn Prayer. Please read it on our behalf and tell people to pray for us during these times. We do feel the warmth of their prayers. Please express our greetings to all."
However, I do not feel that what I gain ends with admiration and personal strength. I do not even think it ends with gratitude and prayerfulness. I believe that through these series of events one can as a community grow stronger and more unified.
When I heard the news of the trial I was visibly upset. Housemates started stopping by, asking what the matter was. I shared with them the history of persecution of Baha'is in Iran and the current situation. The next day two of the girls shared something with me in return. One had told her friends what I had said and they said their prayers were with those in prison. The other had shared it in two of her classes. It was to be a topic of further discussion in at least one.
I have read the letter coming from the sister of one of the imprisoned Baha'is. My heart swells with love and appreciation. " I asked Mahvash what are you doing at the breakfast time during the fast. They give us hot tea and they will warm up the dinner that we have kept from last night. But we have not memorized the Dawn Prayer. Please read it on our behalf and tell people to pray for us during these times. We do feel the warmth of their prayers. Please express our greetings to all."
However, I do not feel that what I gain ends with admiration and personal strength. I do not even think it ends with gratitude and prayerfulness. I believe that through these series of events one can as a community grow stronger and more unified.
When I heard the news of the trial I was visibly upset. Housemates started stopping by, asking what the matter was. I shared with them the history of persecution of Baha'is in Iran and the current situation. The next day two of the girls shared something with me in return. One had told her friends what I had said and they said their prayers were with those in prison. The other had shared it in two of her classes. It was to be a topic of further discussion in at least one.
In the Lawrence community we have had several prayer gatherings for the Baha'is in Iran. It has been incredibly heartening to see that members of other faiths have come to join, no hesitation.
I feel that through these events I have become closer to people in my community. That we have had a new level of understanding of one another.
I continue to think a lot of the situation of the Baha'is in Iran and I continue to share it with others. Not only is it spreading awareness, something vitally important to the protection of these beloved souls, but it is also cultivating a new kind of community.
So share.
