High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of April 5th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He feels that now that you have found the thing you were searching for inwardly, and have this added joy in your life of our glorious Faith, you should be kinder to your husband and more considerate than ever, and do everything in your power to make him feel that this has not taken you away from him, but only made your love for him and your desire to be a good wife to him, greater. Whether he will ultimately be able to become a Bahá’í or not, is something that only time can tell; but there is no doubt where your duty lies, and that is to make him appreciate the fact that your new affiliation has not interfered in any way with his home life or his marriage, but on the contrary, has strengthened both.

It is very difficult when one has found what one knows is the truth, to sit by and see a dear and close relative completely blind to it. The temptation is to try and “stir them up and make them see the light”, but this is often disastrous. Silence, love and forbearance will win greater victories in such cases. However, your husband has no right to ask you to give up being a Bahá’í. That is going too far. Nobody should trespass on the sacred bond every human being has a right to have with their Creator.

The Guardian assures you he will pray that you may be guided to do the right thing at this difficult time, and that your husband’s attitude may change.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to overcome your difficulties, and enable you to promote effectively the vital interests of His Faith.