Offering hope: the spiritual skills at center of community building

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“['Abdu'l-Baha] demonstrated by word and deed such compassion and generosity that hearts were utterly transformed.” — Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 2010

When the ground is shaking below them, people look for something to hold on to.

Something to believe in, something that can make their — and others’ — lives better. From someone they trust.

In a word, hope.

Baha’is have that and share it freely. Whether in chance encounters or purposeful visits. In the neighborhood, at work or in the home.

As these stories of compassion, generosity and love show. Centered on:

Nurturing acceptance of and respect for law and institutions

Using consultation in all spheres of life

Empowering a population to identify, solve life-altering issues

Lending an understanding ear to everyone they meet

Listening for as long as it takes for someone to open up

Passing along values to the next generation

Meeting both the spiritual and social needs of people

Building bridges across culture and language

Committing to those who have lost their moral compass

And as trust grows, they often get the opportunity to share more of Baha’u'llah’s vision for humanity and begin to work alongside those who are attracted by it to build community.

Now that’s something people can really hold on to — and help make the shaking stop.