MAY 2021 The Bab was a Messenger of God Whose teachings paved the way for the coming of Baha’u’llah. The declaration of His mission in 1844 signaled the beginning of a new era for humanity. (Commemorations of this historic event are usually held two hours after sunset on May 22 to coincide with the time when the Bab revealed His divine mission.) LEARN ABOUT THE BAB > View a recording of a 2020 program for the Declaration of the Bab.The Bab declared His mission in the upper portion of His house in Shíráz, Iran. This photo shows that portion prior to its destruction in 1979. HOLY DAYThe Ascension of Baha’u’llahMay 28 Baha’u’llah, the latest of God’s Messengers, passed from this earthly life in 1892. His holy life and healing teachings are remembered and honored on this annual commemoration of His spiritual Ascension. Baha’u’llah taught that there is only one God, that all of the world’s religions are from God, and that now is the time for humanity to recognize its oneness and unite. (When feasible, local commemorations are held at 3:00 a.m. If Daylight Saving Time is in effect, the commemoration should be held at 4:00 a.m., early Friday morning, May 28.) PHOTO NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OFBAHA’U’LLAH > View a recording of the 2020 holy day program for the Ascension of Baha’u’llah made at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.The taj of Baha’u’llah PRAYERPrayer for Children and FamiliesO Thou kind Lord! These lovely children are the handiwork of the fingers of Thy might and the wondrous signs of Thy greatness. O God! Protect these children, graciously assist them to be educated and enable them to render service to the world of humanity. O God! These children are pearls, cause them to be nurtured within the shell of Thy loving-kindness. Thou art the Bountiful, the All-Loving.—‘Abdu’l-BahaFOR REFLECTIONThere should be a spirit of mutual respect and consideration between parents and children, in which the children turn to their parents for advice and direction, and the parents train and nurture their offspring. The fruit of this relationship is that the children grow into adulthood with their powers of discrimination and judgement refined, so that they can steer the course of their lives in a manner most conducive to their welfare.—‘The Universal House of Justice (International Governing Counsel of the Baha’i Faith)VIDEOPROMISED ONEA group of children in the San Francisco Bay area has been having weekly Zoom meetings to read stories from The Dawn-Breakers, the history of the early days of the Baha’i Faith. In honor of the Declaration of the Bab, they put together their own virtual choir singing “Promised One” “I am the Mystic Fane which the Hand of Omnipotence hath reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger of God hath lit within its niche and caused to shine with deathless splendor. I am the Flame of that supernal Light that glowed upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay concealed in the midst of the Burning Bush.” –The Bab WATCH VIDEO >BUILDING COMMUNITYKansas running groupembraces constructive conversations on race On Saturday mornings runners from Manhattan, Kansas gather together at City Park to start their day with prayers, a 2.23-mile run, and conversations relating to racism and what constructive action might be taken to heal it for the next generation. READ STORY >(Editor’s Note: Scroll to the bottom of the story to read the viewpoint of some kids who participate.)LIFESTYLEAlan Snyder and Christiana Lawson of Des Moines, Iowa, first met through a dating app online in April 2020. Very soon after, Christi, a Baha’i, invited Al to take part in a Zoom prayer gathering that had been meeting daily for a few months for connecting and saying the long healing prayer by Baha’u’llah. Al, a Christian, jumped right in. It wasn’t quite love at first Zoom, however, as both were still “untangling their hearts” from previous relationships. “I knew I had to say the long healing prayer every day to be OK and to get through the pandemic and other things,” says Christi. “So why not ask others to join me?” READ STORY >FOR FAMILIESFrom Brilliant Star Magazine FOR KIDS: Fin, Fur, and Feather Families Animals and humans can learn how to thrive from relatives. True ParadiseLearn how the Marshallese build family unity. Shining Lamp: Robert TurnerRobert Turner opened the way for African Americans to join the Baha’i Faith FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS: Four Simple Ways to Encourage Spirituality in the Home Updating “Because I Said So”: Four Things to Say InsteadEVENTSRed Grammer presentsweekly live family concerts Red Grammer, a Grammy-winning musician, writes and performs music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves. Red communicates themes of caring, excellence, oneness and diversity in language kids instantly understand and eagerly embrace. Thursdays at 11 a.m. (Central Time)Facebook LinkBOOKSCreating Well-Being forCouples and FamiliesThis book features 28 short-focus topics for young couples and young parents with full lives; aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being; content based on science and the Baha’i Faith; and tools for couples to collaborate, accompany and encourage each other and their children. Throughout are stories from couples and families building well-being. A variety of topics are covered, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, friendship, money, communication, humor, and many others. VISIT BOOKSTORE >ONLINE STUDIESThe Point, the Bab andthe Letters of the Living Epistle to The Son of The Wolf 12-week studyTuesdays, starting Jun. 297:00 p.m. (Central Time)The Epistle to the Son of The Wolf is the last major work of Baha’u’llah. It was written in 1891, just one year before His death.This will be a 12-week study, 90 minutes each session. We will be reading the book in class and using the study guide by Melanie Smith. A link and syllabus will be provided in the registration welcome email.Register in advance for this meeting. |
