I am struggling with finding the words to describe how humility lands with me this morning, and making an attempt to express my thoughts imperfectly is in and of itself part of the practice! Yesterday, I was in a space that has been lovingly cultivated for the past 7 months by a group of black women. They have nurtured a space of honest reflection, a space to learn and view history in new ways, to talk through difficult emotional pain and to open my heart to what is healing. I have drawn much strength, inspiration and joy from these monthly gatherings. The theme yesterday was Faith and our relationship to it. One of the stories from history that was briefly shared was the development of the black church. Slaves learned about Christianity from their enslavers. When turmoil was rife and life from day to day uncertain, these slaves put aside the brutality of the messenger and heard the purity and sanctity of the message. They recognised its truth. It is this history that reminds me of this precious gift of vision and clarity that I have been bequeathed. It propels me to cling to the Baha'i Teachings and strive to exert more effort in translating what it is I am reading into my own behaviour. To share it with whomsoever I can, encourage and accompany them on this path. The opportunities that come my way, the talents I have to share have been given to me for a reason and I am nothing without the love, support and guidance of the Creator. This is very real to me. I have the rich history of my ancestors that have served to develop me into the person I am and I am proud and eternally grateful for it. For all of it! There are aspects that I will never understand but that were necessary to raise up beautiful people I have met and those I have yet to meet. I am a work in progress and it is this progress that distills and refines my character. This quotation comes to mind and is one that the practice of humility compels me to recite often:
"Never lose thy trust in God. Be thou ever hopeful, for the bounties of God never cease to flow upon man."
Where would I find the quote?