Terry, age 12: Why I became a Baha'i

I've always felt that there was something, or someone beyond our knowledge. Growing up in a non-religious family I didn't really understand the concept of God . . . I've always wanted to be a part of a church.   I went to numerous temples, churches, synagogues, and mosques. Then one night I was praying, asking God what religion I should be. Then one night I was flipping through my religion book I stumbled upon the Baha'i Faith, sadly there was limited information. So I turned to the internet, finding tons of information. After about 5 months, I was sure God sent me my answer, so I filled about a declaration card, and sent it to Illinois. After about 6-8 weeks, I received a phone call from a girl named Peggy, who was responding to my call. She is the one to thank that I'm a Baha'i, she guided me spiritually and mentally through the process. And that's why I became a Bahai, to unify man, and all of mankind as one. That's my story on discovering the Bahai Faith, thanks for reading.

At age 17: “Bahai . . . it is who I am . . .it is my being”

This touching story was written by a newly-declared youth named Adrean

Growing up in a predominantly Agnostic/Atheistic family, it was often hard to find solace in spirituality. Growing up, as well, in a Christian community, and with Christian relatives thrown into the mix, was exceedingly difficult, in its own right. I, unlike those around me, and from a very young age, have been able to see God’s grace in mundane things. The things that are often overlooked. Where others see a simple bird, I see an entire creation of His vision. From the age of seven, I have thought thusly, I have always kept a journal, in which I would write. Writing is the one thing that makes me feel so closely connected with God, that I can stretch my hands out and embrace Him, and the more I write about the miracles I see or hear about, and the more I write Praise in His name, the closer I feel to Him. Even now, when I am 17 years old, I feel that bond growing ever stronger, and it brings me such joy to know that it will grow even stronger.  Being Bahá’í to me, is so much more than a title that I hold, or something that others look upon with confusion, and often scrutiny. It is who I am. It is my being. I cannot exist without my Faith, and I feel like, for the first time in my life, I have a stability that transcends this finite mortal plane. I have a stability that is always there, no matter what physical blow, or emotional strike befalls me.  The greatest solace I have ever felt is knowing that in the end, when my soul is separated from my physical being, I will be embraced by God. It is very hard to feel negative emotions, when one knows that great Truth.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am young. There is an insuperable amount of ignorance that comes with that. I am aware of that, and I have made it my duty to circumnavigate that very ignorance, and to always keep in mind that the core ideals of being Bahá’í are what must guide me through this difficult, yet infinitely rewarding, life. I am on a spiritual Journey, one that will never end. I am wholly and completely content with this knowledge however, for I do not wish to know all. I never will, and if given the opportunity, I would deny it wholeheartedly. For that is what keeps us pure, the seeking of knowledge. We look towards our Faith for guidance, towards God. It is what fills us with purpose, and to take that away would be to take away the very thing that makes us Human.

When I was 15, my grandmother passed. She was a Buddhist, and did her best to instill ideals into my mind of pacifism, love, and warmth towards all. I feel that having her in my life was the biggest blessing I could ever imagine. She was the one person I was closest to, and the one person who I never believed I could live without. She was my other half, my rock in this world, my yin, my YiaYia and without her here, with me, I felt like I was lost. Adrift in a sea of emotional turmoil, I was lost at what to do. My young body, and mature mind were at a constant battle, for I tended to think about things in profound ways, and make decisions accordingly. This isn’t always a good thing for a teenager, seeing as to how our brain’s cognitive ability is not fully formed. So, in the summer of 2011 I had a thought. “If all that there is to live for is Human strife, then why continue?”

It was after I came to this realization that I decided to attempt suicide. I wrote the note, and carried out my plan to a tee. As I was sitting in my computer chair, looking at a picture of my grandmother, and listening to an Andy Grammar CD, I felt a chill creep down my body. I came to a realization that this, in no way at all, was the answer, and it was then that my spirituality shoved my abnormally- formed cognitive teenage brain into the corner of my being and took over. I hadn’t felt that clear minded, and close to God ever before, and it was in that moment, of pain, and confusion, and utter emotional turmoil, that I found the one thing that has guided my life since, and that will continue to guide me for the rest of Eternity: God’s Love. I felt accepted, and forgiven, and loved, and cherished. Things that I cannot even begin to explain. Just complete, and insurmountable amounts of Joy and Love.

The following year, I did research. I read the Bible, figuring it was a good starting point. I asked neighbors, relatives, and friends, everyone that I knew, about their Faith. It was a touchy subject with most, but I was seeking information, and it had to be done. I started out believing that I was Buddhist, and I was for about a year. As I was watching videos of one of my favorite Vocalists performances, [Andy Grammar] I saw that he was performing at a Bahá’í High School. Being the inquisitive mind that I am, I looked it up. I also made a connection, because I had heard that my paternal grandmother was Bahá’í as well, but we had never really touched on the subject, because I had kept my Spirituality a guarded and cherished secret. This came from an emotional response more than anything, I think. As with any death or loss, it’s hard not to feel some sort of guilt. “Maybe I could’ve saved her if I had kept her closer, dearer to me,” “Maybe, if we hadn’t screamed at each other quite as much, or if I had spent more time with her… this wouldn’t have happened.” These are things that I told myself whilst going through the mourning process, but it made me see the value in things that I hadn’t otherwise, such as relationships, and it helped show me the mortality of us all, and that each individual burns with a flame all their own, and that flame may be snuffed out by the slightest stir of Autumn wind, tossing into the air bronze and yellowed leaves. It made me cherish every person that I knew on a whole new level.

Andy Grammar is Bahá’í . I had never known, and I probably wouldn’t have known unless I had been watching that specific video at that specific time. It is truly a blessing, because his music held such meaning to me beforehand, and now it holds a special, huge part in my heart at present. I got to meet Andy at a concert in Orlando, at the House of Blues. Meeting him was one of the most joyous moments of my life, and being able to exchange Bahá’í greetings with him was surreal.

Being a part of the Bahá’í Faith has become such an integral part of who I am, for even before it was official, I felt so closely connected to it. It describes, to a tee, my being. My purpose, my meaning, my Journey, my Faith. It feels so good to be surrounded by God , at every second of the day. I know that my future holds many more hardships, but I can conquer them all with my Faith in one hand, and God’s hand in the other.

 

Sandy is in the 12-step program . . . step 7 brought her to God and the Faith

Sandy shared her story with a Bahai who contacted her after she registered her declaration online.

Sandy called back and told me about her spiritual journey.  She is in a 12-step program and entering her 7th step, she felt closeness to God.  This is the step where the soul is asking God to remove personal shortcomings.  Sandy had already been in contact with the local community. She attended a gathering and attended a talk by a well-know Bahai on the topic of bringing unity in one's daily life.  Sandy shared that she had not found the same vision in her previous church.

After talking more about the fundamental verities of the Faith, Sandy asked what would be her next steps.  I encouraged her to begin a study group, to participate in devotional gatherings or to assist with children's classes if she was interested and had the time. 

 

Her Mormon friend said that what she believes is Bahá’í

Lisa, age 34, learned from her friend, a Mormon, that what she believes is what the Bahá’ís believe, so she investigated further.  She began reading the book God Speaks Again, and before reading it all the way through she realized . . . “I believe this!  I am a Baha'i!”

More about Lisa is shared here by a Bahai who spoke with her directly.

In our phone call today, Lisa shared that, "This is religion for the new times, and it makes sense.  The new Messengers come and teach new things for new times."  As we talked about how she feels, she said, "It did seem a bit odd to register online, to join a religion.  But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  It's the perfect thing for this religion, and it makes sense with everything I have read.  New Messenger.  New way to join!  Even joining is modern!"

While talking about her registration, I asked her, "While reading in God Speaks Again and learning about Baha'i, do you believe Baha'u'llah is a Messenger from God?"  Her emphatic response was, "It's kind of hard not to.  Everything makes sense." 

Lisa went to a Catholic school growing up.  Her parents encouraged her to read and decide on her own which religion would be hers.  Her mother always said that this life is spiritual preparation for the life beyond. Something her father emphasized was that all religions are a path to God. He died at an early age, but she now wonders if he too was a Baha’i! 

It amazes Lisa that her parents raised her Christian and Moslem (her father was Iranian) and taught many of the concepts she now finds within the Baha'i Faith.

Lisa went online to www.bahail.us and registered herself and her one-year-old son as members of the Bahai Faith. She is eager to meet other members of her spiritual community!

Michael said that he always felt like a Bahai . . .

Twenty years ago, Michael’s uncle investigated the Bahai Faith, and now he too is interested in joining.

Michael called back. He told me that as a child of 9 for about 8 years, he attended Bahai community activities and devotionals.  When he turned 18, he went to college and served in the military after that.  He tried to contact the Baha'is during this time but it was not a good period of his life.  He shared that there was a timeframe when he considered himself a Christian but that he never completely fit it.  Now living in a new town, he has recently connected with a young adult group at the University.  They host devotional gatherings and are together studying the book Paris Talks. 

Michael shared with me that he has always felt like a Baha'i and this is where his spiritual journey has lead.  He is now ready to join the community as a member.

 

Meg learned about the Bahai Faith in the delivery room . . . .

This is a short story about how Meg, who believes in woman's rights and equality, decided to learn more about the Bahai Faith. She shared her story with a Bahai.

Meg shared with me that she was raised Catholic and at the age of 14 her mother told her she was not so sure about the Catholic Faith. At the age of 20, her dad became terminally ill.   Now that she is in her 30s, she wanted to learn more.  Meg’s brother recently died and she had no faith to turn to. 

Meg and her husband have been attending a non-denominational church but only bible study class is available to them, and it doesn’t allow for any discussion.   They were both told that there was no way to God except through Christ.

Recently, at her work as a delivery room nurse, Meg had a conversation with a woman in the delivery room who shared with her the news about the Bahai Faith. Meg went to investigate the Faith and its teachings online . . .

 

Tylee is 13 and has been studying the Bahai Faith on his own . . .

Tylee, only 13 years old, first learned about the Bahai Faith because he has always been interested in theology.  Here’s the story he shared with a nearby Bahai.

He found a book that had the Bahai Faith listed in it as a religion . . . so he started investigating it on line.  He was raised in a household without religion.   I commended him on his determination, persistence and enthusiasm during his search and investigation. He has done all the research on his own.  He is such an incredible young man.  WOW!

Tylee shared that he had discussed his interest in registering his membership with his mother.  He shared that she was okay with him joining and that she had actually helped him register on line.  His mother and I talked together, as she was standing nearby the phone.  We had a wonderful conversation and I shared with her that she raised a mature spiritual young man.

She verified everything on the form and confirmed that she had given her consent for him to join the Bahai community.  She gave the phone back to Tylee and we continued our conversation like Anna, from Ruhi book 6 . . .