To Accept or To Change: The Wisdom to Know the Difference

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” These are the words to a beautiful hymn that most of us have grown up with. With the tragedies we are facing today sparking pain, grief and fears in our hearts and bellies, it’s hard to know what to say or do, or even be! Fears seem to be escalating. I must admit, I’m certainly feeling fearful – even freaking out a bit – for myself and for the people at high risk. And yet, our teachings say we are to fear only Allah. To fear any other is to put that other before The One. Allah is the Maker and the

All-Knowing. The Wise. But what is He asking of me right now? Sidi’s voice comes to my inner ear. “Allah, please send Your Mercy! Please send Your Peace! Please protect the people! Please protect us each from ourselves!” I feel we are all being called to reflect on our own beliefs and inner voices, especially the subtle ones, the ones we take for granted that have penetrated our psyche from birth and even before that create pictures in our consciousness of the way things are in this 3-D world. Allah wants us to clean every picture to be His picture – the picture of Love, Peace, Mercy, Justice, Equality and Freedom. Allah calls us to not stop with any picture that stops short of wanting for every brother and sister what we want for ourselves, and to see His face in every face. There is no separation between any, no other, only Allah. Astagfir Allah al-Athim. Astagfir Allah al-Athim. Astagfir Allah as-Athim. Beloved Allah, I ask forgiveness from You, the One, the Almighty. Please clean my heart to be Your heart. Beloved, if you would like to explore further for yourself what God is asking from you during these times, you are invited to join us for a free live panel discussion this coming Wednesday. The panel is made up of students and graduates of UOS who are working in the fields of law, social justice, mediation, family healing and spiritual counseling. The panel discussion is called “To Accept or to Change: The Wisdom to Know the Difference.” Click here for details, and remember to mark your calendar and set your reminder. There will be time for Q&A, so bring your questions. It’s time to have a lively discussion about some things that are vitally important in our daily lives. God willing, we will see you there. With love and gratitude, Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS