Did you know that Hollywood stars and doctors are rising to the many
challenges of the world? Read more…
If you did not get a chance to read part I and II of
Philanthropic Deeds, the links are:
Devotion
Know, O thou possessors of insight, that true spirituality is like unto a lake of clear water which reflects the divine. Of such was the spirituality of Jesus Christ. There is another kind which is like a mirage, seeming to be spiritual when it is not. That which is truly spiritual must light the path to God, and must result in deeds. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 107) |
You must become the means of lighting the world of humanity. This is the infallible proof and sign. Every progress depends on two things, knowledge and practice. First acquire knowledge, and, when conviction is reached, put it into practice. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 108) |
Deeper Learning
Hollywood
stars are rising to the many challenges of the world. The famous Angelina Jolie
Voight, an Academy Award winner, is well known for promoting humanitarian
causes. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, she has shown great compassion
for the underprivileged of the world. Through this organization, she has been
sent on special missions to disaster zones, such as Sierra Leon, Pakistan,
Haiti, Cambodia, Tanzania and many more. “We cannot close ourselves off and ignore the fact
that millions of people are out there suffering,” Angelina Jolie said, “I
honestly want to help. I don't believe I feel differently from other people. I
think we all want justice and equality, a chance for a life with meaning. All
of us would like to believe that if we were in a bad situation someone would
help us." Just like
her, there are hundreds of celebrities who are associated with organizations to
fight poverty, Aids, illiteracy and injustice. It seems every celebrity is
involved in some charity work, and some like Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Aniston
have their own foundations. In their position of wealth, power and popularity,
they are totally engaged in the betterment of humanity by reducing poverty,
illness, abuse, and conflict.
Let’s look at
the professional level. Doctors Without Borders is a well-known organization of
doctors and nurses who volunteer their services in war zones and natural
disaster areas. Just think of places recently hit by earthquakes, hurricanes,
tsunami, drought and wars, these professionals have rendered great medical
services in saving lives and avoiding catastrophic spread of diseases. This
year (2011) was plagued with calamities everywhere, and, at times risking their
own lives, these medical professionals were in Somalia, Japan, Haiti, Yemen,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Libya treating the most
venerable.
At the local
level, retirees are giving their experience, time and efforts to hospitals and
other community services. In my own Baha’i community of Newmarket, spearheaded
by Lisa Yazdani, many signed up to supply meals for one day at “In from the
Cold,” a community service for the homeless; fifteen individuals, both adults
and youth, volunteered to help. A few days before the event, the team bought
enough food for 150 meals. Some showed up early in the morning to cook, and the
cost of the food was funded by the Local Spiritual Assembly. At meal times,
more volunteers arrived at the shelter to serve food. At the end of the day,
about ninety guest showed up, one as young as 2 weeks and some in their
sixties. The management was very impressed with the maturity, friendliness and
politeness with which the service was provided by the youth. The experience was
so rewarding this first time that the Baha’i community has signed up to do more
such service activities in coming years.
Who says the
sky is falling? Not according to the work of these noble souls that I have just
mentioned. These deeds amount to very little compared to a massive
philanthropic movement that is taking place and covers the globe like a comfort
blanket. Individuals, organizations and businesses from all parts of the world
have found in their hearts a place for the needy. The spirit of service is well and alive. Like
a deep and wide river, charity works continues, yet it does not get the
headline attention. It also shows the power of spiritual attributes. These
volunteers are compassionate, kind and generous. Their motives are only to help
others, in whatever capacities they have. In my mind, they are doing many items
from Baha’u’llah’s list of deeds given earlier. And all this work is part of
God’s plan to build a paradise on Earth. Everyone is part of it.
Reflection
Do you do any volunteer work?
Deeds (path of service)
Whoso ariseth, in this
Day, to aid Our Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a
praiseworthy character and upright conduct, the influence flowing from such an
action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole world. (Baha'u'llah,
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 287)
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