It is rather apparent that the wisdom of the Divine teachings of Baha'u'llah has been made more apparent and manifested unto those with eyes to see and ears to hear. From the Aqdas' admonition of placing one's hand in a communal food bowl to not using public baths, the Baha'i Faith's teachings are synonymous with wisdom in this interconnected age and now one of a global pandemic.
Recent research suggests that the consumption of alcohol and SARS-CoV-2 does not mix well. Smoking is admonished further because of the illness' impact on the lungs, and that fresh air and sunlight can be beneficial mentally, spiritually, and vitamin D is helpful against the fight of this disease .
It is often told how much Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha loved gardens and the countryside. Culturally, many Baha'is are encouraged to live in the countryside--away from large cities and their even more prevalent materialism. I've never been more thankful to live on ten acres than now.
I believe Shoghi Effendi once commented that many of the friends are unduly swayed by the media in their respective countries. We know the importance of personal investigation of truth and the importance of science and reality. Understanding this, I have been watching this pandemic over the past couple months (before it was a pandemic) and realized the true dire situation that was to befall us. You may have seen my warnings in postings on Social Media. Naturally, I couldn't help everyone, so I figured that I would try to warn my fellow Baha'is first. Many of them didn't heed my unsolicited advice--perhaps understandably so--but those that did are better prepared than most. I have been able to assist some of those that didn't plan as much as they would have liked.
Abdul Baha was knighted because he planned ahead and fed many people in the aftermath of World War I. Trying to humbly follow in his footsteps as much as possible (something one can never truly do) I calmly, rationally and with steadfastness planned ahead. Having planned ahead months ago, I was able to get what I needed before the panic buying started, and enough to help others in this trying time. This has helped prevent further disruptions in the supply chain because I can allow others to get what they think they need.
Today I mailed a box of N95 masks and goggles to a Baha'i RN in Arizona because the hospital she works at refused to provide her with masks (I wore a mask and gloves as a precaution to the post office). I mentioned this to the post office worker, and she told me that it was very generous of me as opposed to what is happening on the news. I told her that I'm a Baha'i and we are called to be of service to humanity. She informed me that her daughter is a nurse in Tampa dealing with the same situation, so I gave her half a box of masks to hopefully tide her over until the hospitals get resupplied.
Stay safe, calm, and at home if possible. However, use this time to be of service of others, don't forget your fellow Baha'is-- be their blessing.
Written by Chance Wilson
