It requires no extensive/expensive study of our immediate surroundings and world society to note that the primary requisite for survival in today’s tumultuous society is to perfect the art of “defensive living.”
This awkward and humiliating state of existence results from more recent generations of compounded egotism in particular. In this nation’s infancy (as is inherent in nature) protection, education and the general welfare of our children and posterity, as well as those of others, was a priority.
Socrates once remarked, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” But examined by whom and by what instrument of measurement?
One prime unit of measurement may be our attitude toward ourselves and others and the extent to which it has changed (or failed to) with physical and spiritual maturity. It is the failure to see (or admit) need for self-transformation from which most problems derive.
In mankind’s infancy there was more respect for and reliance upon some Higher Power (however one perceived it). With maturity and the quantum leap in the development of science and technology, however-–especially within less than the past 200+ years (of a world purported to be millions of years old)–mankind now assumes an increasing attitude of self-sufficiency. This “Higher Power” is the symbol of UNITY. Mankind is the symbol of division. The closer we draw to the one, the farther you get from the other.
Through blinded eyes the amazing Helen Keller could see: “There is no security in man and anyone who gives you that feeling only deceives and weakens you.”
In a more affluent society we now spend our lives seeking the surroundings and company of whatever or whom ever makes us feel good, safe or comfortable, often at the physical or emotional expense of others. We pacify those affected with expensive gifts, toys and conveniences that weakens them and sends them into the real world unprepared as no skilled mariner is made on a calm sea.
Contrary to this growing trend we are reminded from the Baha’i Holy Writings of this new Day to accustom ourselves (and especially our children) to hardships to help prepare us for whatever may come.
Through my rural early childhood upbringing the thought of personal desires or possessions never existed. It became my priority early in life therefore, to assure it for those about me. In becoming strengthened by it however, one must eventually become aware of the fact that there is little admiration of strong women (especially strong Black women). This situation continues with the steady progression of physical and mental progress without comparable spiritual growth.
As victory and honor are seldom equated with comfort and safety, I remain motivated and strengthened by words of the many hymns I had to learn through the years, while playing for choirs-–while unable to read the music and words at the same time. One most applicable here is: “Should I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fight to win the prize and sail through bloody seas? No, I must fight if I must win; increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain supported by Thy Word.”
As the world continues to shrink through modern science and technology, becoming “too small for anything but brotherhood and too dangerous for anything but peace,” let us pray not for lighter burdens but for stronger backs; not for more personal safety and comfort but for the courage of conviction to dedicate our lives to whatever will “carry forward an ever-advancing civilization that will extend comfort and safety throughout the entire earth.” (Investigate!)
