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The Baha’i teachings not only offer humanity a new vision of what the future holds, but also reassure us that the turbulence we see in the world signals the birth-pangs of a just and peaceful new world order.
The Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, Shoghi Effendi, wrote:
We stand on the threshold of an age whose convulsions proclaim alike the death-pangs of the old order and the birth-pangs of the new. Through the generating influence of the Faith announced by Baha’u’llah this New World Order may be said to have been conceived. We can, at the present moment, experience its stirrings in the womb of a travailing age — an age waiting for the appointed hour at which it can cast its burden and yield its fairest fruit.
So if you do feel like you’re losing your trust in the future, here are five ways to help bring you back from fear to faith.
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1. Shine your Light
As this world feels more and more dystopian, we may wonder why we were born at this uncertain time. We may feel inadequately prepared to navigate these rough waters or deal with all the animosity and disunity. But we were born at this time in history for a reason – so we are stronger than we may think. We all have innate courage and something valuable to contribute. Therefore, the best thing to do is to be a distinct beacon of light and unity.
Imagine yourself in a dark room. There is absolutely no light. The darkness is overwhelming and you feel solitary and powerless. But then you remember you have one small match in your pocket. When you burn that match, the darkness is immediately dispelled and enough light shines to navigate your way. It just took that one small match to make a huge difference. The Baha’i teachings assure us that when your flame is joined with others, it can light up the world:
The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Daystar of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. The One true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to the truth of these words. Exert yourselves that ye may attain this transcendent and most sublime station, the station that can insure the protection and security of all mankind. This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all aspirations.
2. Acknowledge that Love Is More Powerful than Fear
Fear feels loud and intimidating. It seeks to oppress, victimize, and bully. Fear is divisive and excluding – always afraid of losing power. But love is harmonious, peaceful, and comforting. Love recognizes that the greatest power is in unity. Love does not judge and welcomes all. Ultimately, love will always win the day, as Abdu’l-Baha said in this talk he gave in Paris:
What a power is love! It is the most wonderful, the greatest of all living powers. Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love.
3. Connect with Community
It may seem like a small step, but community building has a huge impact on the planet. When we feel like we can’t control what’s happening in the world, we can always help control and direct our own little part of it. Coming together as families, friends, and neighbors to create a better community and uplift each other brings about amity, inclusiveness, and goodwill. This grassroots effort, Abdu’l-Baha assured us, can serve as an example and eventually expand to greater society:
Be not concerned with the smallness of your numbers, neither be oppressed by the multitude of an unbelieving world. Five grains of wheat will be endued with heavenly blessing, whereas a thousand tons of tares will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be conducive to the life of society …
4. Be of Service
Service strengthens our faith and sense of purpose. When we focus on serving others, we are less likely to become hopeless and depressed.
Selfless, altruistic service to others helps us to forget ourselves and the enormity of the world’s travails. It helps us realize how needed and useful we are to each other and to building a better world. There are so many different ways to serve. To find one, take a minute to meditate on what speaks to your heart – something you like to do or feel you are good at. My friend, who I call “Florence Nightingale,” constantly checks up on her friends and community. She is always there to bring soup to the sick or do errands for the elderly. My husband is the go-to for the neighbors on our block who need help with a project, or to borrow from his bottomless toolbox. In each case the favor is given with genuine joy, kindness, and the sole desire to be of service. Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, said:
Now is the time for steadfastness. Now is the ripe moment for the stalwart warriors and champions to show forth courage and to demonstrate their heroism in the arena of service, until such time as God will exalt His Cause, will remove the distress and anxiety of His friends and trusted servants, and glorify those who were brought low among His creatures, to make them spiritual leaders among men, and to make them God’s heirs.
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5. Remember that Ultimately, Justice Will Prevail
We live in precarious and uncertain times. Human rights hang in the balance. Many are more afraid than ever that their freedoms are in serious jeopardy. We seem to be going backward rather than forward. But the Baha’i teachings assure us that ultimately, justice will prevail.
Humankind has a noble destiny. When we choose to embody spiritual virtues, that destiny becomes clearer and closer. Focusing on each person’s praiseworthy aspects and helping to dispel prejudice and ignorance strengthens our hope. Although humanity may have debilitating setbacks, we are always moving forward. In his book Some Answered Questions, Abdu’l-Baha put it this way:
… in this wondrous Dispensation the earth will become another earth and the world of humanity will be arrayed with perfect composure and adornment. Strife, contention, and bloodshed will give way to peace, sincerity, and harmony. Among the nations, peoples, kindreds, and governments, love and amity will prevail and cooperation and close connection will be firmly established.
Kathy Roman is a retired foster youth educator, aspiring writer, wife and mother of two who lives in Elk Grove, CA where she serves as the Baha’i Public Information Officer.
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