As Memorial Day continues to take on added dimensions each year, I am reminded of the wisdom of President John F. Kennedy who remarked: “The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment (in death); but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy . . .”
One has but to watch daily news casts to become remotely aware of the increasing numbers of magnificent mixtures of triumph–and especially tragedy associated with everyday living. Hate crimes are multiplying with frightening speed within families, among races and nationalities in our nation and abroad and War is NOT the answer!
If there is anything we should have learned through the centuries by now, it should be that war is not the answer! The $-multi-trillions spent by this nation in its continuous sophistication of war is making us more vulnerable and less effective in getting other nations and territories not to do the same. President Obama’s recent visit to Hiroshima, Japan is a brave and bold move toward at least acknowledging the unimaginable devastation of the atomic bomb dropped there by the US devastating land, air and killing millions of people.
Following Memorial Day, however, comes June–the month of Light, the sixth month of the Gregorian calendar year containing the day with the longest number of daylight hours, June 21, after which they begin to shorten through December 21.
Oddly enough, June also incorporates the fifth month of the 19-month Baha’i calendar year, Nur (in Arabic meaning Light). Through such unified light our fear of the unknown is becoming greater fear of the known. Through trickle down selfishness and greed from national to individual levels we are being plunged into an abysmal state of materialism, void of the influence of close family ties of older generations.
June is the month of unions, through graduations, weddings, picnics, vacations and other joyous occasions that strengthen family and other ties. While some look forward to such gatherings, others may approach them with anxiety or some trepidation. However most of us can relate to the wit and wisdom of Tony Brown, renowned journalist, commentator and former talk show host who claims, “Most families have a few geniuses, a fair amount of ordinary people and a liberal sprinkling of fools.” Yet as deep and meaningful as family ties may be, far more important are spiritual ties. The former inevitably end with the grave while the latter precede the physical and remain with us throughout our return journey home.
How reasonable, then to assume that good family ties and relationships (whether personal or world family, as is becoming more apparent with time, science and fast, constantly developing high technology, is contingent, not upon warring mentality but through progressive love and respect for self and the differences in other family members, including their right to sometimes be wrong¬–as we too are. Respectful consultation and negotiation is what paves the pathway to peace!
If indeed “practice makes perfect,” as we’ve all been taught, let’s start at home with the individual family and the rest “will follow, as the night the day…”
“All the virtues must be taught the entire family,’’ we are apprised in the Baha’i Holy prescription for peace. “The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed. The injury of one shall be the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honor of one, the honor of all.” (Investigate! – 1-800-22UNITE)
