Don’t blind others with your bright light.

When people spend most or all of their lives in darkness, it is very overwhelming for them to meet a light bearer. It is like when we have been in a dark movie theater, and come out to a bright sunny day! If they meet someone who is overly enthusiastic, positive, and cheerful, they think that person is a fake and must be trying to sell them something or harm them in some way. Therefore they become defensive and mistrusting of you. Instead of benefiting from your light, they put up shields to protect themselves, and end up even in a darker place than they were before.

So be aware of this fact when meeting new people. Although you never want to dim your light, you might consider softening it just a bit, so it does not get in their eyes, and they give you a chance to show them you are a friend and there to help them grow and have a better life.

Firoozeh Bowden

Ethnosphere Radio
Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh

O CONTENDING peoples and kindreds of the earth! Set your faces towards unity, and let the radiance of its light shine upon you. Gather ye together, and for the sake of God resolve to root out whatever is the source of contention amongst you. Then will the effulgence of the world’s great Luminary envelop the whole earth, and its inhabitants become the citizens of one city, and the occupants of one and the same throne. This wronged One hath, ever since the early days of His life, cherished none other desire but this, and will continue to entertain no wish except this wish. There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose. Arise and, armed with the power of faith, shatter to pieces the gods of your vain imaginings, the sowers of dissension amongst you. Cleave unto that which draweth you together and uniteth you. This, verily, is the most exalted Word which the Mother Book hath sent down and revealed unto you. To this beareth witness the Tongue of Grandeur from His habitation of glory.

We are not here merely to make a living.