Pearls within, sun powered, holding fast and drawing near

    "... the pearls of wisdom and utterance have appeared from the shells of the great sea of 

    Thy knowledge ..."

    So fascinating to learn about pearls as they are truly unique. They are the only

    gemstones in the world that come from a living creature. Mollusks such as oysters

    and mussels create pearls when an irritating particle gets inside their shells.

    This particle, when trapped, causes the mollusk to defend itself by coating this

    annoying irritant with nacre. The beautiful glow of pearls comes from numerous

    layers of this coating and the process can take anywhere from two to four years

    to develop. For all of us, problems often enter our lives and bring consequences

    good and bad. If we respond in the right way to such tests we can forge things of

    beauty in our own lives. Such inner gems will be formed by the wisdom gained as

    a result of these experiences and are reflected in what we say and how we treat others.

    "..and the heavens of divine revelation have been adorned with the light of the appearance of 

    the sun of Thy countenance."

    From time immemorial God has sent Educators to this world and their teachings have

    transformed the societies and civilizations that have arisen in their wake. Such divine

    teachers have always been subjected to persecution and suffering but the truth of their

    spiritual teachings nurture humanity just as powerfully as the radiance of the sun brings

    life-giving energy to the physical world.

    "Thou beholdest them clinging to the rope of Thy grace and holding fast unto the hem of the mantle of Thy beneficence."

    If you have ever clung to a rope you will be familiar with the frightening feeling of being

    hauled about without you being able to decide either direction or pace. Dragged off your

    feet at times but clinging stubbornly throughout it all. We have to grip tightly and trust

    God even when swept up by events we can neither predict nor control. Holding fast to

    God's love, under all conditions, is the only viable option!

    "Ordain for them that which may draw them nearer unto Thee, and withhold them from 

     all else save Thee."

    It has been said, the worst thing God can do to a soul is to bless them with such good

    health, good family, good fortune, and good home that they totally forget God. We

    often only draw near to God in prayer when all goes wrong in our lives. Our desperation

    can drive us to real communion with God and our humility then allows us to receive just

    what we need at that moment. Drawing nearer to God should be a constant daily urgent

    goal whatever the distractions of this world.

quotes used from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh