GOD is Not punishing or forsaking us! The universe is a loving place.
By; Firoozeh Bowden 3/18/2020
Will we go back to the same life after crisis of coronavirus feeling bitter — thinking of this as a “Punishment” from “GOD”— or will we be using this expensive lesson to change our daily behavior and make this a better world?
Coronavirus (Covid-19) sooner or later will Calm down. Nobody knows how much damage and suffering physically, emotionally, and financially it causes in the meanwhile, especially en masse, with little to no means to defend themselves.
The big question is, will this experience cause the masses to finally wake up and become more aware of the fact that we are ONE entity; that what happens to one, can happen to all; step up to help each other and share resources; or, will most people go back to the Ego-driven, materialistic, rat race they called “life” and “survival of the fittest” — never having Enough?!
Many good people wake up from a restless sleep, hurrying to get the kids to school, sitting in traffic and going to a job they hate; judging everyone, getting irritated by people they find annoying, leaving work exhausted and totally depleted of energy; dragging themselves back home from work and after-school pick-ups after fighting traffic, with no joy left in them to share with their family. Then they go to sleep only to repeat it all again the next day? Living week to week, looking forward to that weekend where they can clean the house, buy groceries and run other errands, then veg out mindlessly with their TV, computer or smartphone — for what? While riding this merry-go-round, people remain totally oblivious of what is truly happening in this small world, from which they are isolating themselves, while having the illusion of being protected from……
When we realize that money is just a tool, and only as valuable as what we do with it, we become more mindful of how we spend it.
“O CHILDREN OF DUST! Tell the rich of the midnight sighing of the poor, lest heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that adorneth himself with My virtues.” Bahá’u’lláh
If most of us continue with the mindless consumerism, constantly wanting the latest and the newest, then while we acquire more stuff, we do nothing to address the underlying emptiness.
“O SON OF MAN! Should prosperity befall thee, rejoice not, and should abasement come upon thee, grieve not, for both shall pass away and be no more.” Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words
If we choose to view people who look or act differently from us as our enemies, and give into being afraid to interact with them, we revert back to the lower consciousness that made us deviate from the Divine path to begin with.
“Love is a light that never dwelleth in a heart possessed by fear.” Bahá’u’lláh
With all the scientific advances we have made in the past century, isn’t it time for humanity to act more mature and responsibly?
“It (humanity) cannot fly with one wing alone. If it tries to fly with the wing of religion alone it will land in the quagmire of superstition, and if it tries to fly with the wing of science alone it will end in the despairing slough of materialism.” Baha’i Faith
We have spiritually entered adulthood. Isn’t it time to put aside the immature ways of adolescence and act as the Noble being God created us to be?
“O SON OF SPIRIT! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words
Maybe we need to reconnect daily with the Divine creator — The One called by different names such as God,universe, Allah, Jehovah, Tao, light,love — through meditation and prayers to recharge our spirit and operate from our higher self, instead of the usual Ego driven, victim and self-centered mentality.
“O SON OF MAN! Many a day hath passed over thee whilst thou hast busied thyself with thy fancies and idle imaginings. How long art thou to slumber on thy bed? Lift up thy head from slumber, for the Sun hath risen to the zenith, haply it may shine upon thee with the light of beauty.” Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words
Can we be grateful for everything in our lives and know that God has a bigger plan that we can’t begin to understand? Know that if someone is pushing our buttons, they are playing their roll to teach us patience. If someone acts angry, jealous or hateful, they are teaching us how not to behave.
Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Bahá’u’lláh
O God, guide me, protect me, make of me a shining lamp and a brilliant star. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
I am not saying anything novel, but maybe this truth will resonate with you more now than before.
“The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the disease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wisdom, the remedy. Every age hath its own problem….The remedy the world needeth in its present-day afflictions can never be the same as that which a subsequent age may require.” Baha’i writings
I have faith and trust that this experience will help most people pause, reflect, reconnect to their Higher self and take control back from their Egos; become more self aware and mindful, more conscious of their behavior towards others and the environment. ¶
It would be so wonderful to live in a more compassionate, kind and loving society, where everyone is concerned about the well being of their neighbors, the planet, and all the creatures that live here. knowing everyone is doing the best they can from their level of consciousness, united in pursuit of Peace, Love and collective Happiness.
“So powerful is the light of unity, that it can illuminate the whole earth.” . Bahá’u’lláh
Let us all strive to find our life’s purpose (Healer, Artist, Builder, Teacher, Protector….). Let’s work towards advancing civilization and serving humanity by using our unique God given talents. Let’s bring joy to everyone and shine the Divine light on anyone and anything we come in contact with. Let’s stay safe, positive, focused and clear. Allow the Divine Energy to constantly flow through each of us, giving our existence the nourishment needed to thrive.
“O SON OF SPIRIT! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.” Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words
Sending much love, light, and prayers to all of you.
Firoozeh Bowden
OGod! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá