Hi,
I am a third generation Bahia and a mother of three. I concider myself to be extremely spiritual and very in love with the Bahia Faith. However, I know I am not perfect. I am currently working in a gental men's club as a bartender in order to have the funds I need to go to school and raise my children. The problem that I have ran into is that I am always teaching the faith no matter where I am at or who I am talking to. Many of my friends have became Bahia's because I love to teach and share when someone is seeking. The other day at work a conversation broke out about religion and spirituality. There were about eight people joining in on the conversation. Some of the people were men (club members) and women (exotic dancers) and waitresses working for the bar. The conversation went on for hours and became very deep. What ended up happening was everyone fell in love with the Bahia Faith and what I had taught them about my beliefs. They wanted to know where a center was so they could go and inquire more (books, firesites, ect.). All of a sudden I felt happy and scared at the same time. I wanted these people to go and enjoy the Bahia Faith but I was terrified that they might say where they had met me and who I was. I was afraid of being judged but I told them anyway because their happiness and spiritual growth was more important to me. My question is, am I a bad Bahia because of where I work? I know in my heart and soul I am a very loving person.
what to do?
"and with gold we test the servants"
people can get gold in all sorts of ways
personally I like silver.
silver has been doing a daily 2 % roi {return on investment}
was like $11.3 yesterday today like $12.03
incrediable a daily 2% roi
you just don't find to many investments out there doing that
exceot like perishable goods gas going up food goin up
etc etc etc adnausia
its called inflation
and funny money/ paper money / federal reserve notes {frns}
paper paper paper show me the paper
I tell you this cuz you say you gotta do the bartender scene to make money ,,, yeah right ... and not just bartening but bartending at a strip club ... ...
see there is other ways to make money
silver should run to an easy $25 per ounce
for many many reasons
like the big wall street boys are creating a silver etf
and Ted Butler basically says America took all the silver from all parts of the world ... like how many billions and billions of ounces and sold it off by short selling ... and now in America all that is left in our sellable wharehouse is like 2 thin dimes per American citizen ...
and once it is gone than what ????
then what ??? ??? ??? ?????
I think it would be fun for you to buy an ounce of pure silver
that has never been touched by man .... look in local yellow pages phone book for coin dealers ....
and do some research into silver and gold ...
and more importantly purity
... and then ponder about what is money ...
... is it numbers on green pieces of paper ? ...
... is it beads on a necklace ? ...
... is money the only thing to judge by ? ....
lol
.999 fine
oneness
dh
people can get gold in all sorts of ways
personally I like silver.
silver has been doing a daily 2 % roi {return on investment}
was like $11.3 yesterday today like $12.03
incrediable a daily 2% roi
you just don't find to many investments out there doing that
exceot like perishable goods gas going up food goin up
etc etc etc adnausia
its called inflation
and funny money/ paper money / federal reserve notes {frns}
paper paper paper show me the paper
I tell you this cuz you say you gotta do the bartender scene to make money ,,, yeah right ... and not just bartening but bartending at a strip club ... ...
see there is other ways to make money
silver should run to an easy $25 per ounce
for many many reasons
like the big wall street boys are creating a silver etf
and Ted Butler basically says America took all the silver from all parts of the world ... like how many billions and billions of ounces and sold it off by short selling ... and now in America all that is left in our sellable wharehouse is like 2 thin dimes per American citizen ...
and once it is gone than what ????
then what ??? ??? ??? ?????
I think it would be fun for you to buy an ounce of pure silver
that has never been touched by man .... look in local yellow pages phone book for coin dealers ....
and do some research into silver and gold ...
and more importantly purity
... and then ponder about what is money ...
... is it numbers on green pieces of paper ? ...
... is it beads on a necklace ? ...
... is money the only thing to judge by ? ....
lol
.999 fine
oneness
dh
-
Guest
solid heart, what a wonderful story. Some may judge you for where you work, but others will judge you for who you are. Set you face towards God and let everything else take care of itself. Thanks for sharing your story. It made my day to read it 
)
onepence, please cool it with these posts. You only write about economics and this is called 'spamming' - writing a followup in which you do not address the thread's discussion but only further or initiate your own separate topic.
maybe it would help to get out and take a walk. you may discover other things besides inflation and other monetary phenomena.
)
onepence, please cool it with these posts. You only write about economics and this is called 'spamming' - writing a followup in which you do not address the thread's discussion but only further or initiate your own separate topic.
maybe it would help to get out and take a walk. you may discover other things besides inflation and other monetary phenomena.
-
CJ
hi solid heart;
I don't think it's up to anyone here to judge you-to say you are a bad person or whatever. it sounds like you are an awesome person-going to school, supporting your children, teaching the faith. also to work in such a place means you are probably very non-judgemental. but something about working there must be bothering you, otherwise you would not have posted. is is because you are afraid that people will judge you? or is it because Baha'is are not supposed to work serving alcohol, unless they can't find anything else.
raising children, and as well going to school, are huge responsibilities and raising 3 children especially, trying to support them, I just can't appreciate, especially if you are doing this all by yourself. no one knows your situation, but if it were me, I would want to follow what Baha'u'llah wants as much as possible, and, unless that meant that my children would live in absolute poverty, I would probably be looking for another job to conform with Baha'i law. we know that no one is 'perfect' Baha'i, but we should all (imo) strive to live the life Baha'ullah wants us to the best we can. maybe there is some other work option that you can pray to come your way? or, maybe you will decide that you are where you have to be, and this no one here can judge, this is between you and God.
I don't think it's up to anyone here to judge you-to say you are a bad person or whatever. it sounds like you are an awesome person-going to school, supporting your children, teaching the faith. also to work in such a place means you are probably very non-judgemental. but something about working there must be bothering you, otherwise you would not have posted. is is because you are afraid that people will judge you? or is it because Baha'is are not supposed to work serving alcohol, unless they can't find anything else.
raising children, and as well going to school, are huge responsibilities and raising 3 children especially, trying to support them, I just can't appreciate, especially if you are doing this all by yourself. no one knows your situation, but if it were me, I would want to follow what Baha'u'llah wants as much as possible, and, unless that meant that my children would live in absolute poverty, I would probably be looking for another job to conform with Baha'i law. we know that no one is 'perfect' Baha'i, but we should all (imo) strive to live the life Baha'ullah wants us to the best we can. maybe there is some other work option that you can pray to come your way? or, maybe you will decide that you are where you have to be, and this no one here can judge, this is between you and God.
-
Solid heart
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:08 am
Dear Friends,
Thank You from the bottom of my heart! You have made me feel so much better and you were right. Working in this envornment was bothering me but not because of where I worked but because it goes against the Bahia teachings. I have shyed away from the Bahia community not because of anything they have done but because I felt like I was less pure or the black sheep. This was all me and my own feelings.
I need this job because it allows me to make enough money in a short amount of time. I only work part time and make more money than when I was Dental assisting full time. After work and school I still have time for my children which is the most important thing in my life. I am going for a PH.D in psycology and it is very difficult. My children could never live without me and I could never live without them. That is how it would be if I work a full time job and went to school full time.
Now I told you that story in order to tell you this story. I have shyed away from the Bahia community because of my guilt yet they have had a swarm of people go to the center and attend firesites sent by me. I have also given presentations at my school on the Bahia Faith which sent many people to the center inquiring more information. I keep recieving calls from Bahias in my community because they are confused. How can someone love their faith so much yet never attend any of the functions? The other day two Bahias dropped by my house to ask me if I would like to start a study group in my home because of how much I love to teach. I thought to myself, if they only knew of all my study groups and where they take place they would probrobly kick me out for good. I wish that they could see through my eyes. I have worked in this bar for two years now and I have learned so much. A prostitute does not become a prostitute because she grew up in a home with love. I have heard stories my friends, that made me wonder how these women even lived through it. I have shed many tears in this bar and watched the power of Baha'ullah's love and the Bahia faith right before my eyes. It is an amazing feeling to teach the faith to someone who is not only just interested but wants it so desperately. There is one special girl that comes to mind. She was a real prostitute and a stripper. Her father was a not so nice guy. It took her a long time to trust me and open up to me. She has been judged very harshly by everyone in her life. She no longer works there. She works for a hospital as a reseptionist and she is a Bahia now. She comes in every once in a while to see all of us and the last time I saw her she told me that I'll never know how much I have touch her heart. But the truth is she will never know how much she has touched mine. I have learned that sometimes it is the prostitute that contains such spiritual depth because someone who endures such trials and tribulations has no where else to go.
I know I didn't metion it before but I am married to a wonderful man and he is a police officer. Last christmas he got dispatched to a call of a run away eleven year old. She had been abused by her family and placed in foster care which is where she ran away from. She told my husband that she ran away because she wanted her mother to love her. My husband trying to contain his emotions asked her what she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas. She said Santa does not come to her house on Christmas. My husband said I think he will come this year so she answered a bike. Between me and my huband we have three children and a child from his first marriage which is a total of four so funds were tight. But we did have some money and guess where I went for the rest of it. My friends at the bar were so happy to help. The little girl got her bike and she also recieved a $250.00 gift certificate to walmart for what ever she wanted, a huge stocking stuffed to the top and a butt load of toys. When my husband pulled up to her house she came running out screaming with excitement. She started crying when she saw all of the toys and told him that this was the best day of her life. Somehow I don't think it was the material items that made her day. It was the fact that somebody cared. That was what one of the women said after I relayed to them just how happy we had all made her. My point is that I do not look down on these women I look up to them because I do not think I could walk a day in their shoes.
I thank you all for helping me with my own moral delema and I think I'm going to stay put for a while until I get through school.
With all my love,
Solid Heart
P.S. Sorry for any misspelled words I cannot find the spell check on here.
I need this job because it allows me to make enough money in a short amount of time. I only work part time and make more money than when I was Dental assisting full time. After work and school I still have time for my children which is the most important thing in my life. I am going for a PH.D in psycology and it is very difficult. My children could never live without me and I could never live without them. That is how it would be if I work a full time job and went to school full time.
Now I told you that story in order to tell you this story. I have shyed away from the Bahia community because of my guilt yet they have had a swarm of people go to the center and attend firesites sent by me. I have also given presentations at my school on the Bahia Faith which sent many people to the center inquiring more information. I keep recieving calls from Bahias in my community because they are confused. How can someone love their faith so much yet never attend any of the functions? The other day two Bahias dropped by my house to ask me if I would like to start a study group in my home because of how much I love to teach. I thought to myself, if they only knew of all my study groups and where they take place they would probrobly kick me out for good. I wish that they could see through my eyes. I have worked in this bar for two years now and I have learned so much. A prostitute does not become a prostitute because she grew up in a home with love. I have heard stories my friends, that made me wonder how these women even lived through it. I have shed many tears in this bar and watched the power of Baha'ullah's love and the Bahia faith right before my eyes. It is an amazing feeling to teach the faith to someone who is not only just interested but wants it so desperately. There is one special girl that comes to mind. She was a real prostitute and a stripper. Her father was a not so nice guy. It took her a long time to trust me and open up to me. She has been judged very harshly by everyone in her life. She no longer works there. She works for a hospital as a reseptionist and she is a Bahia now. She comes in every once in a while to see all of us and the last time I saw her she told me that I'll never know how much I have touch her heart. But the truth is she will never know how much she has touched mine. I have learned that sometimes it is the prostitute that contains such spiritual depth because someone who endures such trials and tribulations has no where else to go.
I know I didn't metion it before but I am married to a wonderful man and he is a police officer. Last christmas he got dispatched to a call of a run away eleven year old. She had been abused by her family and placed in foster care which is where she ran away from. She told my husband that she ran away because she wanted her mother to love her. My husband trying to contain his emotions asked her what she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas. She said Santa does not come to her house on Christmas. My husband said I think he will come this year so she answered a bike. Between me and my huband we have three children and a child from his first marriage which is a total of four so funds were tight. But we did have some money and guess where I went for the rest of it. My friends at the bar were so happy to help. The little girl got her bike and she also recieved a $250.00 gift certificate to walmart for what ever she wanted, a huge stocking stuffed to the top and a butt load of toys. When my husband pulled up to her house she came running out screaming with excitement. She started crying when she saw all of the toys and told him that this was the best day of her life. Somehow I don't think it was the material items that made her day. It was the fact that somebody cared. That was what one of the women said after I relayed to them just how happy we had all made her. My point is that I do not look down on these women I look up to them because I do not think I could walk a day in their shoes.
I thank you all for helping me with my own moral delema and I think I'm going to stay put for a while until I get through school.
With all my love,
Solid Heart
P.S. Sorry for any misspelled words I cannot find the spell check on here.
Anonymous wrote:solid heart, what a wonderful story. Some may judge you for where you work, but others will judge you for who you are. Set you face towards God and let everything else take care of itself. Thanks for sharing your story. It made my day to read it
onepence, please cool it with these posts. You only write about economics and this is called 'spamming' - writing a followup in which you do not address the thread's discussion but only further or initiate your own separate topic.
maybe it would help to get out and take a walk. you may discover other things besides inflation and other monetary phenomena.
Dear Guest,
Thank you for noticing my love of economics and all things of monetary value, however your desire to hit and run is rather immature. I would suggest you stand up and say who you are and what you believe in instead of critizing others under a no name umbrella of guest.
So you do not share my love of the economy, no big deal to me, I do not tell you you must love the economy ... lol ... so why must you tell me not to post ?
oh well ... I understand that you disagree with me and my style ... no big deal ... I just hope and pray that one day you can be mature enough to become a little more selfless and a heck of a lot less selfish ... lol ... big fat chance on that right ??? ??? ??? .... right! ... lol ... smile and chuckeling and lol thinking about your post and how selfish and immature it seems to me ...
smiling and laughing cuz you see I didn't critize solid gold for her choice {s} ... in fact I simply offered her a different choice ... and yet you guest come off as all high and mighty critizing the onepence aka Dean Hedges for his choice {s} ... lol ... and not even being bold enough to state your name .
how crazy is that ? ... lol ...
so go ahead MR. or should I say Mrs. Guest ... attempt to pervert this thread all you like but in the end my desire to serve solid gold will be known.
oneness,
dh
-
Guest
onepence, there is a time and a place for everything. It is extremely bad internet etiquette to come into a thread and post willinilly on your pet subject. There are many other threads that you have started on this subject, you could have posted to them, or you could have started another new one. Hijacking another person's thread is just bad manners. I'm not sure why the mods allow this. Maybe they're busy right now or maybe they missed it.
<b>[Note from moderator -- you're right, we just missed it. I skim all posts for real spam, attacks, porn, etc. In this case I didn't read closely enough for content. I agree, Onepence's posts should not have appeared in this thread. But now it's a month later, so I'll leave it. -Jonah, May 5]</b>
It also doesn't help your case to fling ad hominems at me. I simply addressed your behaviour. I did not comment on your character or your person. And I refuse to follow you down to that level now.
As an aside, it may interest you to know that I share your enthusiasm and interest on this topic. von Mises is my fav economist. But there is a place and time for everything. Perhaps you would consider addressing the author of the thread and what she brought to our communal table. Do you have anything to add? or comment on what she shared? how about answering her question?
Hope the message got through a bit more clearly this time. Cheers.
<b>[Note from moderator -- you're right, we just missed it. I skim all posts for real spam, attacks, porn, etc. In this case I didn't read closely enough for content. I agree, Onepence's posts should not have appeared in this thread. But now it's a month later, so I'll leave it. -Jonah, May 5]</b>
It also doesn't help your case to fling ad hominems at me. I simply addressed your behaviour. I did not comment on your character or your person. And I refuse to follow you down to that level now.
As an aside, it may interest you to know that I share your enthusiasm and interest on this topic. von Mises is my fav economist. But there is a place and time for everything. Perhaps you would consider addressing the author of the thread and what she brought to our communal table. Do you have anything to add? or comment on what she shared? how about answering her question?
Hope the message got through a bit more clearly this time. Cheers.
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childintime
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 8:01 pm
- Location: Canada
Bless your heart, solid heart. You are in a dilemma, but you also seem to have a conscience so I am sure you will be guided if you keep looking for answers (especially through prayer). Rather than my usual lenghty epistle, I will offer you a vignette that may not resolve your dilemma, but may offer some clarity.
This story concerns the Bab on the day that He was taken to have His death warrant signed. He was placed in the charge of Sam Khan, commander of the regiment that was to execute Him. Sam Khan had become increasingly affected by his Prisoner and spoke with him privately telling Him that he was a Christian and had no ill-will against Him. Sam Khan said "If Your Cause be the Cause of Truth then enable me to free myself from the obligation to shed your blood." The Bab replied, "Follow your instructions and if your intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely able to relieve you of your perplexity."'
If you are troubled, turn to God in prayer and ask His assistance. Who but God can truly show us the right path? In the meanwhile, if you are worried about those who would judge your employment, remember that our greatest duty is to teach His Cause - you seem to be doing much better at that than many who might question your work. Hope this helps.
This story concerns the Bab on the day that He was taken to have His death warrant signed. He was placed in the charge of Sam Khan, commander of the regiment that was to execute Him. Sam Khan had become increasingly affected by his Prisoner and spoke with him privately telling Him that he was a Christian and had no ill-will against Him. Sam Khan said "If Your Cause be the Cause of Truth then enable me to free myself from the obligation to shed your blood." The Bab replied, "Follow your instructions and if your intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely able to relieve you of your perplexity."'
If you are troubled, turn to God in prayer and ask His assistance. Who but God can truly show us the right path? In the meanwhile, if you are worried about those who would judge your employment, remember that our greatest duty is to teach His Cause - you seem to be doing much better at that than many who might question your work. Hope this helps.
Re: what to do?
solid heart wrote:Hi,
I am a third generation Bahia and a mother of three. I concider myself to be extremely spiritual and very in love with the Bahia Faith. However, I know I am not perfect. I am currently working in a gental men's club as a bartender in order to have the funds I need to go to school and raise my children. The problem that I have ran into is that I am always teaching the faith no matter where I am at or who I am talking to. Many of my friends have became Bahia's because I love to teach and share when someone is seeking. The other day at work a conversation broke out about religion and spirituality. There were about eight people joining in on the conversation. Some of the people were men (club members) and women (exotic dancers) and waitresses working for the bar. The conversation went on for hours and became very deep. What ended up happening was everyone fell in love with the Bahia Faith and what I had taught them about my beliefs. They wanted to know where a center was so they could go and inquire more (books, firesites, ect.). All of a sudden I felt happy and scared at the same time. I wanted these people to go and enjoy the Bahia Faith but I was terrified that they might say where they had met me and who I was. I was afraid of being judged but I told them anyway because their happiness and spiritual growth was more important to me. My question is, am I a bad Bahia because of where I work? I know in my heart and soul I am a very loving person.
Now I told you that story in order to tell you this story. I have shyed away from the Bahia community because of my guilt yet they have had a swarm of people go to the center and attend firesites sent by me. I have also given presentations at my school on the Bahia Faith which sent many people to the center inquiring more information. I keep recieving calls from Bahias in my community because they are confused. How can someone love their faith so much yet never attend any of the functions? The other day two Bahias dropped by my house to ask me if I would like to start a study group in my home because of how much I love to teach
forgive me if im wrong but i find it kind of shady you keep saying "Bahia"....every...single time.. more than just a typo
but anyway,
the Baha'i faith is not a subjectively interpereted non-denomenational thing, we have things that are Makruh(discouraged), we have things that are Haram(prohibited), etc etc
you should look through the writings for this, and find your answer. if you cannot find an answer in the writings, refer to the Universal House of Justice for a Divine Ruling on the issue.
that said, this issue has been addressed
the Baha'i faith is not a subjectively interpereted non-denomenational thing, we have things that are Makruh(discouraged), we have things that are Haram(prohibited), etc etc
you should look through the writings for this, and find your answer. if you cannot find an answer in the writings, refer to the Universal House of Justice for a Divine Ruling on the issue.
that said, this issue has been addressed
6. Alcohol must not be served in a restaurant or other business which is wholly owned by Bahá'ís.
7. If a Bahá'í is employed by others in a job which involves the serving of alcohol, he is not obliged to change that employment. This is a matter left to each individual to decide in the light of his own conscience. Obviously such kind of employment vary widely from bartending to serving in a grocery in which wine is retailed. If the job requires a great deal of involvement with the serving of alcohol it is better for the Bahá'í to obtain other employment if he can."
(Guidelines prepared by the Universal House of Justice, The Serving of Alcohol Drinks by Bahá'ís and Bahá'í Institutions, attached to a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, January 31, 1982)
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 351)
furthermore, on the idea of using this as a teaching method...
the fact that you are working there reflects on the faith to those you teach.
now this is more extreme, i know, but i say this to emphasise my point. say i were to go out and get a prostitute, made a transaction, and then had a nice conversation where we brought up the faith.....would that really be appropriate? will what resonates about the faith to that person be the best it can be?
say these people become Baha'i's....and someone asks hey how did you become a Baha'i? and they say, ohhh i was a strip club and this bartender was a Baha'i, she told me about it and here we are...
i think that would be a sign of decadance within the community, for they, having that recognized that experience with you as precedent to something they themselves could do, could push the limit lower and lower, and spirituality is lost. same with your children.
It is not sufficient to believe in Baha'o'llah and to say, "I am of the people of El-Abha"; we must act in accordance with the teachings of Baha'o'llah, who commands us to become centers of divine attraction, so that the attributes of God may emanate from us, that we may become wise and well intentioned to all the peoples of the earth in order to better the condition of all.
(Abdu'l-Baha)
the fact that you are working there reflects on the faith to those you teach.
now this is more extreme, i know, but i say this to emphasise my point. say i were to go out and get a prostitute, made a transaction, and then had a nice conversation where we brought up the faith.....would that really be appropriate? will what resonates about the faith to that person be the best it can be?
say these people become Baha'i's....and someone asks hey how did you become a Baha'i? and they say, ohhh i was a strip club and this bartender was a Baha'i, she told me about it and here we are...
i think that would be a sign of decadance within the community, for they, having that recognized that experience with you as precedent to something they themselves could do, could push the limit lower and lower, and spirituality is lost. same with your children.
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Solid heart
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:08 am
First, I would like to thank you all for responding. Keyvan, I am sorry that I misspelled Bahai. I am assuming that is what you are refering to. I often misspell words. I have dyslexia and I flip letters around. I have done this all of my life and it is always the smaller words that I mess up on. Also, I posted at 3:00am, which made it worse for me because of my lack of sleep. I have been known to flip letters in my own name and even after rereading what I wrote, I rarely catch it because it looks right to me. I wrote "Bahia" several times and it might make you feel better knowing that, I did catch it a day later and felt very stupid but I had already posted. I'm not shady, I have a learning disability. I am very proud that I spelt Baha'u'llah right and I did not even have to look it up.
I would also like to clarify something, I did not go to work in the club in order to teach the faith. I was not on a mission to save anyone or change anyone's life, however I will not refrain from admitting that I am a Bahai or teaching when someone is seeking.
Childintime, Thank You. You have helped me more than you will ever know.
I would also like to clarify something, I did not go to work in the club in order to teach the faith. I was not on a mission to save anyone or change anyone's life, however I will not refrain from admitting that I am a Bahai or teaching when someone is seeking.
Childintime, Thank You. You have helped me more than you will ever know.
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childintime
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 8:01 pm
- Location: Canada
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childintime
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 8:01 pm
- Location: Canada
If you're still out there, solid heart, I am writing again to say that somehow I missed your second, longer posting, dated April 7, but have just now read it. Again I find you an amazing person. But I thought I would offer you one suggestion. You are obviously able to see beyond the facades of those who frequent your bar, and know that deep down they are wonderful souls who have lost their way somewhat, and that if you give them the opportunity they can surprise you. Why not extend the same courtesy to your Baha'i community? Most Baha'is are not judgmental; and the few that are probably suffered from the same lack of love as your circle of friends. And when you do go to the community, don't go as an outsider who seeks to gain approval from the inner circle. Go as an equal with the knowledge that both you and they have good points and bad points, and that you need each other in order to become more. We all found this Faith because God prepared our hearts, and because we were summoned unto it by Baha'u'llah.
Solid heart wrote:First, I would like to thank you all for responding. Keyvan, I am sorry that I misspelled Bahai. I am assuming that is what you are refering to. I often misspell words. I have dyslexia and I flip letters around. I have done this all of my life and it is always the smaller words that I mess up on. Also, I posted at 3:00am, which made it worse for me because of my lack of sleep. I have been known to flip letters in my own name and even after rereading what I wrote, I rarely catch it because it looks right to me. I wrote "Bahia" several times and it might make you feel better knowing that, I did catch it a day later and felt very stupid but I had already posted. I'm not shady, I have a learning disability. I am very proud that I spelt Baha'u'llah right and I did not even have to look it up.
I would also like to clarify something, I did not go to work in the club in order to teach the faith. I was not on a mission to save anyone or change anyone's life, however I will not refrain from admitting that I am a Bahai or teaching when someone is seeking.
Childintime, Thank You. You have helped me more than you will ever know.
still shady. 3rd generation Bahai? it shouldnt be a challenge..look it up?...whatever
im not saying that you are seeking to find people in a club. im saying that you have to be mindful of what is a PROPER representation of the faith and what is NOT. please read those quotes.
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childintime
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Wed May 03, 2006 8:01 pm
- Location: Canada
"Bahai" is no better than "Bahia", if you want to dwell on exactness. It is, in fact, spelled "Baha'i" in English. If you are able to type the accents over the second "a" and the "i", so much the better. Please don't correct others until you are certain of what is correct.
I did read the quotes. It said specifically: "This is a matter left to each individual to decide in the light of his own conscience." Solid heart obviously has a conscience, and is aware that her job is not the ideal one for a Baha'i. I suggest we let her deal with this on her own, according to the dictates of her conscience. She seems to me to be far more exemplary than most Baha'is in terms of some rather more important spiritual pursuits like love, service, and teaching.
I did read the quotes. It said specifically: "This is a matter left to each individual to decide in the light of his own conscience." Solid heart obviously has a conscience, and is aware that her job is not the ideal one for a Baha'i. I suggest we let her deal with this on her own, according to the dictates of her conscience. She seems to me to be far more exemplary than most Baha'is in terms of some rather more important spiritual pursuits like love, service, and teaching.
childintime wrote:"Bahai" is no better than "Bahia", if you want to dwell on exactness. It is, in fact, spelled "Baha'i" in English. If you are able to type the accents over the second "a" and the "i", so much the better. Please don't correct others until you are certain of what is correct.
I did read the quotes. It said specifically: "This is a matter left to each individual to decide in the light of his own conscience." Solid heart obviously has a conscience, and is aware that her job is not the ideal one for a Baha'i. I suggest we let her deal with this on her own, according to the dictates of her conscience. She seems to me to be far more exemplary than most Baha'is in terms of some rather more important spiritual pursuits like love, service, and teaching.
Bahia sounds like a city in Brazil. Baha means glory in arabic. "i" is a syllable that explains that person, place, or thing as OF that word. like Iran-i. Irani (iranian; of Iran)
yes thats what the quote says, but its not a prerequisite to just go off and do whatever you want, which seems to be the interperetation of such quotes by many people nowadays.
In my opinion, in ANY CASE, you must be worried about how it reflects on the faith. I mean that is the purpose of these laws.
It is not sufficient to believe in Baha'o'llah and to say, "I am of the people of El-Abha"; we must act in accordance with the teachings of Baha'o'llah, who commands us to become centers of divine attraction, so that the attributes of God may emanate from us, that we may become wise and well intentioned to all the peoples of the earth in order to better the condition of all.
(Abdu'l-Baha)
To be detached from all that is not God, attracted by the Heavenly Breath -- a divine soul; so that the world may know that a Bahá'í is a perfect being.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 74)
so to go around TELLING PEOPLE YOU are a Baha'i while doing it would be EXTREMELY inappropriate. i mean come on!
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Solid heart
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:08 am
Keyvan,
Did you realize that you misspelled Baha'u'llah's name in your quotes. You did it more than once so according to your "opinion" it must be more than just a typo. However, I would not call you shady, stupid, or question your integrity because that would be rude, mean, and pointless! I understand that it is sometimes easier to see the faults of others than it is to notice your own, but that doesn't mean that you are without them. You discuss being mindful of what is a proper representation of the faith and I agree with you completly. I have always said to people, do not judge the Bahai Faith based off of me, because I am not perfect, but the writings are perfect, and Baha'u'llah is perfect, and through Baha'u'llah and his teachings you will find enlightenment.
On another note, would you consider it being mindful and proper representtion by intentionaly trying to hurt another Bahai's feelings when they are asking for guidance and comfort because that is what you did! In all honesty, I would much rather have to answer for working in a bar, than to answer for hurting someone else, whether they were a Bahai or not. What image would a seeker have while reading your posts? Antagonistic, rude, mean, judgemental-- this is not the impresion I would want to give of the Bahai Faith. "so that the world may know that a Bahá'í is a perfect being."
What I found so sad, is that you have great advise and valid points but it is all in your presentation. Sometimes what you ARE speaks so loudly no one can hear what you are saying. Spring water is delicious and will quench your thurst, but if I handed it to you in a filthy glass wouldn't it be less appetizing?
I posted on this forum because I was wanting advise and guidance. I did not expect to be judged and insulted. That is not what anyone is looking for when they turn to you for help. You can say the samething with love, compassion, and kindness. Trust me when I say this, by doing that you will change lives and move mountains. I know this first hand, because I have hung on every word childintime has said to me. His advise was so potent it moved me and changed my life! He will never know how he made me feel inside and how much of a difference he has made in my life just from a few posts filled with love and kindness.
Being a Bahai for me, does not make me feel self-righteous and better than anyone else. Being a Bahai makes me feel lucky to have found something so beautiful.
You said on your post that there is a purpose for these laws. I agree with you and understand what you are saying. I would like to share something with you because after all, an UNEXAMINED opinion is not worth having wouldn't you agree?
My husband is a police officer and his job is to inforce the laws. The other day he was dispatched to a call at a grocery store because someone was caught stealing. When he arrived, he was so disturbed when he saw what the man was stealing. He was stealing formula for his baby because he had no money to buy it. My husband did not arrest the man, instead he talked the store manager into not pressing charges and gave the man the money to purchase his child food. The man was so touched probrobly more than my husband even realizes. After my husband inquired about the man's own wellbeing, because if he cannot afford to feed his child he is not eating himself, he helped him with the resources to get on his feet and stay with his child...job, emergency foodstamps, etc...
The purpose of this story is that my husband did not follow the law. The law states stealing is stealing and you go to jail and lose custody of your child. My husband, "decided in the light of his own conscience" what to do on this matter, and I am so proud to be married to him!
Sometimes in this world people tend to become more religionized than spiritual. I do not believe that is the purpose of this life or of any religion. I call it the ultimate paradise. When you really do detach yourself from all that is not of God, (money, fancy houses, cars, judgement, cruelty) which is really hard to do because everyone loves the feeling of purchaseing a new car or house however, you will find a feeling that is irreplaceable. There is a dramatic difference in the feeling of receiveing something than say, giving your food to a starving child.
Childintime,
You have given me so much and you taught me an important lesson. If I shy away from the Bahai community, if I had never gained the courage to post here, I would have denyed myself the honor and joy of meeting someone like you! THANK YOU!
Kayvan,
Thank you for your quotes they have helped me alot.
Sincerly,
Solid Heart
P.S. If you look into dyslexia, you might have a different perception and not be so cross versive with you words.
Did you realize that you misspelled Baha'u'llah's name in your quotes. You did it more than once so according to your "opinion" it must be more than just a typo. However, I would not call you shady, stupid, or question your integrity because that would be rude, mean, and pointless! I understand that it is sometimes easier to see the faults of others than it is to notice your own, but that doesn't mean that you are without them. You discuss being mindful of what is a proper representation of the faith and I agree with you completly. I have always said to people, do not judge the Bahai Faith based off of me, because I am not perfect, but the writings are perfect, and Baha'u'llah is perfect, and through Baha'u'llah and his teachings you will find enlightenment.
On another note, would you consider it being mindful and proper representtion by intentionaly trying to hurt another Bahai's feelings when they are asking for guidance and comfort because that is what you did! In all honesty, I would much rather have to answer for working in a bar, than to answer for hurting someone else, whether they were a Bahai or not. What image would a seeker have while reading your posts? Antagonistic, rude, mean, judgemental-- this is not the impresion I would want to give of the Bahai Faith. "so that the world may know that a Bahá'í is a perfect being."
What I found so sad, is that you have great advise and valid points but it is all in your presentation. Sometimes what you ARE speaks so loudly no one can hear what you are saying. Spring water is delicious and will quench your thurst, but if I handed it to you in a filthy glass wouldn't it be less appetizing?
I posted on this forum because I was wanting advise and guidance. I did not expect to be judged and insulted. That is not what anyone is looking for when they turn to you for help. You can say the samething with love, compassion, and kindness. Trust me when I say this, by doing that you will change lives and move mountains. I know this first hand, because I have hung on every word childintime has said to me. His advise was so potent it moved me and changed my life! He will never know how he made me feel inside and how much of a difference he has made in my life just from a few posts filled with love and kindness.
Being a Bahai for me, does not make me feel self-righteous and better than anyone else. Being a Bahai makes me feel lucky to have found something so beautiful.
You said on your post that there is a purpose for these laws. I agree with you and understand what you are saying. I would like to share something with you because after all, an UNEXAMINED opinion is not worth having wouldn't you agree?
My husband is a police officer and his job is to inforce the laws. The other day he was dispatched to a call at a grocery store because someone was caught stealing. When he arrived, he was so disturbed when he saw what the man was stealing. He was stealing formula for his baby because he had no money to buy it. My husband did not arrest the man, instead he talked the store manager into not pressing charges and gave the man the money to purchase his child food. The man was so touched probrobly more than my husband even realizes. After my husband inquired about the man's own wellbeing, because if he cannot afford to feed his child he is not eating himself, he helped him with the resources to get on his feet and stay with his child...job, emergency foodstamps, etc...
The purpose of this story is that my husband did not follow the law. The law states stealing is stealing and you go to jail and lose custody of your child. My husband, "decided in the light of his own conscience" what to do on this matter, and I am so proud to be married to him!
Sometimes in this world people tend to become more religionized than spiritual. I do not believe that is the purpose of this life or of any religion. I call it the ultimate paradise. When you really do detach yourself from all that is not of God, (money, fancy houses, cars, judgement, cruelty) which is really hard to do because everyone loves the feeling of purchaseing a new car or house however, you will find a feeling that is irreplaceable. There is a dramatic difference in the feeling of receiveing something than say, giving your food to a starving child.
Childintime,
You have given me so much and you taught me an important lesson. If I shy away from the Bahai community, if I had never gained the courage to post here, I would have denyed myself the honor and joy of meeting someone like you! THANK YOU!
Kayvan,
Thank you for your quotes they have helped me alot.
Sincerly,
Solid Heart
P.S. If you look into dyslexia, you might have a different perception and not be so cross versive with you words.
Solid heart wrote:Keyvan,
Did you realize that you misspelled Baha'u'llah's name in your quotes. You did it more than once so according to your "opinion" it must be more than just a typo. However, I would not call you shady, stupid, or question your integrity because that would be rude, mean, and pointless! I understand that it is sometimes easier to see the faults of others than it is to notice your own, but that doesn't mean that you are without them. You discuss being mindful of what is a proper representation of the faith and I agree with you completly. I have always said to people, do not judge the Bahai Faith based off of me, because I am not perfect, but the writings are perfect, and Baha'u'llah is perfect, and through Baha'u'llah and his teachings you will find enlightenment. .
ACTUALLY thats how Baha'u'llah's name IS IN THE TEXT. if you look through it you can see it is sometimes writen with an "o" and sometimes with a "u"
my quotes are direct from ocean, i type nothing.
and i said in the beginning
"FORGIVE ME IF IM WRONG..."
so will you RELAX
and yes its a matter of concern. i moderate Baha'i' forums as well. i have had the problem of people coming in acting like Baha'i's but really they were not and had a shocking agenda.
little things like odd spelling errors for common words and odd conceptual explainations were a clear que to this.
Solid heart wrote:Keyvan,
On another note, would you consider it being mindful and proper representtion by intentionaly trying to hurt another Bahai's feelings when they are asking for guidance and comfort because that is what you did! In all honesty, I would much rather have to answer for working in a bar, than to answer for hurting someone else, whether they were a Bahai or not. What image would a seeker have while reading your posts? Antagonistic, rude, mean, judgemental-- this is not the impresion I would want to give of the Bahai Faith. "so that the world may know that a Bahá'í is a perfect being."
What I found so sad, is that you have great advise and valid points but it is all in your presentation. Sometimes what you ARE speaks so loudly no one can hear what you are saying. Spring water is delicious and will quench your thurst, but if I handed it to you in a filthy glass wouldn't it be less appetizing?
I posted on this forum because I was wanting advise and guidance. I did not expect to be judged and insulted. That is not what anyone is looking for when they turn to you for help. You can say the samething with love, compassion, and kindness. Trust me when I say this, by doing that you will change lives and move mountains. I know this first hand, because I have hung on every word childintime has said to me. His advise was so potent it moved me and changed my life! He will never know how he made me feel inside and how much of a difference he has made in my life just from a few posts filled with love and kindness.
Being a Bahai for me, does not make me feel self-righteous and better than anyone else. Being a Bahai makes me feel lucky to have found something so beautiful.
You said on your post that there is a purpose for these laws. I agree with you and understand what you are saying. I would like to share something with you because after all, an UNEXAMINED opinion is not worth having wouldn't you agree?
My husband is a police officer and his job is to inforce the laws. The other day he was dispatched to a call at a grocery store because someone was caught stealing. When he arrived, he was so disturbed when he saw what the man was stealing. He was stealing formula for his baby because he had no money to buy it. My husband did not arrest the man, instead he talked the store manager into not pressing charges and gave the man the money to purchase his child food. The man was so touched probrobly more than my husband even realizes. After my husband inquired about the man's own wellbeing, because if he cannot afford to feed his child he is not eating himself, he helped him with the resources to get on his feet and stay with his child...job, emergency foodstamps, etc...
The purpose of this story is that my husband did not follow the law. The law states stealing is stealing and you go to jail and lose custody of your child. My husband, "decided in the light of his own conscience" what to do on this matter, and I am so proud to be married to him!
Sometimes in this world people tend to become more religionized than spiritual. I do not believe that is the purpose of this life or of any religion. I call it the ultimate paradise. When you really do detach yourself from all that is not of God, (money, fancy houses, cars, judgement, cruelty) which is really hard to do because everyone loves the feeling of purchaseing a new car or house however, you will find a feeling that is irreplaceable. There is a dramatic difference in the feeling of receiveing something than say, giving your food to a starving child.
Childintime,
You have given me so much and you taught me an important lesson. If I shy away from the Bahai community, if I had never gained the courage to post here, I would have denyed myself the honor and joy of meeting someone like you! THANK YOU!
Kayvan,
Thank you for your quotes they have helped me alot.
Sincerly,
Solid Heart
P.S. If you look into dyslexia, you might have a different perception and not be so cross versive with you words.
i gave my own presentation of the facts. clearly it was not what you wanted to hear.
you interperet that as some sort of forceful anger, or to talk down on some note.
well you can read it with that tone, or you can read it with another, and perhaps thats the way i meant it. ever thought of that?
and yeah its very NOT consistant with what you are doing, and rather would advise against it. had you heard this before working there, you would not interperet it as hurtful. but now that you do, you assume im trying to make you feel guilty about something you have already done.
that is clearly out of my control.
often i see in web forums, not just Baha'i ones, people look for advice. and ive discussed this from a neutral standpoint, outside of anything religious or other. its very interesting. people say they look for advice, but in REALITY they are subconsciously looking for someone (or someones) they can latch onto to back their own belief. they arent willing ot look at it on all veiwpoints, they just want some sort of validation.
im very sorry if i didnt give you the answer your subconscious was hoping to hear. again, not my fault.
i will still testify my own opinion, and declare it to be common sense, and pure logic. that is, i believe the only way you could see otherwise is if you had such a mental block that you are looking for loopholes to get an out, thus diluting oneself to believe that that contradictory meaning is the case. again, just my opinion. you probably hate that i said that, but thats what i feel. i also feel the same way when people try to contradict things like the covenant and homosexuality. ALTHOUGH im not comparing this discussion to the magnitude of how clear cut that is. it is not to that magnitude and IS worthy of discussion. ill give you that.
i do hope you take those quotes seriously
every stratum of society
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, ..."
http://64.233.179.104/custom?q=cache:Uk ... 1&ie=UTF-8
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience."
http://64
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience. Both the heart and the mind need to be fed; ... "
http://64
The teaching of the Faith by the friends in Europe must increase in range; it must be varied, spontaneous and individual on the one hand, and focused, united and mutually supportive on the other. It must be both inspiring and practical and must, above all, be informed with serene faith in the power of Bahá'u'lláh. You should widen the field of your teaching work to include the country people and the masses labouring in the cities; people of little education as well as intellectuals in university towns. You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience. Both the heart and the mind need to be fed; both spiritual force and intellectual clarity must be recognized as vital elements of the teaching work. You have excelled in the use of the arts for the proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Faith; this is a key to opening many doors and should be encouraged and developed. Your unity, enthusiasm, confidence and perseverance, strengthened and guided by the power of prayer, cannot fail to act as a channel for divine confirmations, which will be a magnet to seeking souls.
http://64
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, ..."
http://64.233.179.104/custom?q=cache:Uk ... 1&ie=UTF-8
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience."
http://64
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience. Both the heart and the mind need to be fed; ... "
http://64
The teaching of the Faith by the friends in Europe must increase in range; it must be varied, spontaneous and individual on the one hand, and focused, united and mutually supportive on the other. It must be both inspiring and practical and must, above all, be informed with serene faith in the power of Bahá'u'lláh. You should widen the field of your teaching work to include the country people and the masses labouring in the cities; people of little education as well as intellectuals in university towns. You should consciously approach every stratum of society, adapting your methods, literature and audio-visual materials to each audience. Both the heart and the mind need to be fed; both spiritual force and intellectual clarity must be recognized as vital elements of the teaching work. You have excelled in the use of the arts for the proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Faith; this is a key to opening many doors and should be encouraged and developed. Your unity, enthusiasm, confidence and perseverance, strengthened and guided by the power of prayer, cannot fail to act as a channel for divine confirmations, which will be a magnet to seeking souls.
http://64
"You should consciously approach every stratum of society, ..."