“When we see the condition the world is in today, we must surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. You should urge your fellow Bahá’ís to support you in a strong effort to suppress every critical thought and every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of Bahá’u'lláh flow into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His service.”
(Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 17)
“He feels that you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to these large things and real triumphs, and away from their personal differences and petty pre-occupations. Now is certainly not the time for any man to think of himself, or busy himself with the weaknesses of his brother; but, rather each and every Bahá’í must concentrate in the tasks ahead and be reborn in the service of Bahá’u'lláh.”
(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Area National Teaching Committee (USA), July 17, 1950: Bahá’í News, October 1970, p.3)
The trial of the seven Baha’i leaders in Iran has been postponed. As this New York Times article so aptly put it: “The Bahais have long served as the proverbial canaries in the coal mine of Iran’s theocracy.” Injustice against one minority group does not bode well for the rest, which is why it is so important to fight against injustice of this nature. Individuals should not be jailed because of their religious beliefs. You would think that this is common sense, but unfortunately humanity still has a lot to learn.
My new camera is wonderful. I’m still learning to use it, and am looking forward to investing in more lenses. That will have to wait, however, as I’m considering the purchase of a laptop (I’ve not bought a new computer since 2001!).
I’ve been traveling for work, moving to a new apartment (my sublease is up at the end of the month, so I found another sublease until mid-October), trying to keep up with emails, photos, and other web-related things. I have not had a chance to write much for Soulpancake, or for myself for that matter. And, of course, spending time with my family and friends, who tend to get neglected when life gets busy.
If I haven’t told you lately that I love you, please know that I do!
It seems like there is almost a reaching toward
a not quite there feeling…
we’re staring off into the distance, hoping for an answer.
really, I was floating in this dream
a soft, sunny place that reflected my heart
and we drifted so far out that I lost my balance
and you lost your focus
A conversation between them is always starting with:
“Hello, you are my friend, I have always wanted to meet you.”
“I know, this is why we are here. To meet.”
“We can’t go very far if you always know what I think.”
“It doesn’t matter, knowing what you think just makes it better.
“Please, please sit down, you’re making me dizzy.”
(I leave in the morning for work-related travel. Maybe I will see new and inspiring things to bring back to all of you.)