Is Bahá’u’lláh’s message only for Bahá’ís? This question arises naturally, yet the answer points far beyond any single community. Bahá’u’lláh’s message is inherently encompassing, addressed not to a select group, but to all humanity. It… More
Cluster Reflection Meeting – April 18, 2026
Inspired by each other’s efforts, stories, and a shared spirit of learning, we came together to reflect on what it means to live a pattern of Bahá’í life within our neighbourhoods and communities.
We also celebrated the achieves of the last 4 years and left the meeting with renewed vigour and enthusiasm to do more and learn more, having taken some time to think and plan in our groups and as individuals. So much to look forward to.
Beyond the Tears is Sunshine
Story time:
Stanwood Cobb, the renowned educator, wrote,
‘This philosophy of joy was the keynote of all of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teaching.
“Are you happy?” was His frequent greeting to His visitors.
“Be happy!” ‘Those who were unhappy (and who of us are not at times!) would weep at this. And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would smile as if to say, “
Yes, weep on. Beyond the tears is sunshine.”
‘And sometimes He would wipe away with His own hands the tears from their wet cheeks, and they would leave His presence transfigured.’ In California it was observed that ‘despite the Master’s fatigue at times, and His physical ailments, He welcomed everyone with a beaming smile, and in His pleasing and vibrant voice would ask,
“Are you happy?”’
Source: Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Thames Valley Bahá’í Community 