We are now entering the longest continuous season of the year promoting gentleness, love and humility. Regardless of one’s religious persuasion (or lack of it) the effect of the Thanksgiving and closely following Christmas seasons have their synonymous sobering effect upon an otherwise “Survival of the fittest” society. How unfortunate for such short duration, especially from the masculine point of view.
From infancy there are specific terms readily associated with any male child displaying such admirable characteristics, perceived by males and females alike as weakness. However quite the opposite is displayed in any male, child or adult strong and bold enough to dare to display either and/or all three!
The Baha’i Holy Writings overflow with emphasis on these and other virtues fast becoming antiquated and non-existent in today’s rude and crude society. Yet children brought up in homes where these virtues still abound will most likely unconsciously display these habits toward others. Sadly enough these “old-fashioned” homes are becoming extinct, replaced by modern society’s 1 & 2- working parent homes. Therefore enrollment in or association with individuals and institutions that practice such virtues would be preferable in a child’s earliest stages as their spiritual and emotional die is pretty well cast by age 5 years, according to child psychologists and other specialists.
We read in the Baha’i Holy Writings: “We must associate with all humanity in gentleness and kindness.” What a seeming “Mission Impossible,” for those who have experienced neither and especially for those being constantly exposed to the ravages of war. Gentleness and humility denote courtesy, forebearance, patience and consideration, all deterrents to explosive situations and warring mentality within immediate families and throughout the family of man!…And then there is Love, the most powerful, yet misused and misunderstood word in the English language, if not in the entire modern world, too often confused with lust.
But there are many forms of love we are reminded in the Baha’i Holy Writings: love of self, other individuals, material possessions, as well as religious, political or national alliance–all temporary that end with the grave. Only the pure Love of God (however we perceive Him) which radiates through us to others, is from all eternity to all eternity, could we but perceive it.
“Let the love and light of the Kingdom radiate through you until all who look upon you shall be illumined by its reflection,” state the Baha’i Holy Writings.
During this ensuing Holiday Season may we each re-evaluate and rededicate our lives to those organizations, individuals and institutions that collectively exemplify by their deeds as well as words that which promotes the betterment of the entire human race!
In today’s ever advancing society, as the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind become more uncommonly clear, may we diligently strive to promote a perpetual Season of Gentleness and LOVE–starting with a . . . HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
