There were nearly seventy on fire, energetic, God-loving, and world changing youth in attendance coming from all religious backgrounds. Introductions came first, but the real connections were made when thoughts brewing in these young minds of our changing world were spoken of. It’s not rare to find a mid-western "aware" youth that stands alone in his or her thinking. The fabulous youth of St. Louis gave them the opportunity to share their views, bare their souls, and join their love for humanity with others who share in one common goal. Ideas were willingly provided and inspiration was given to assist in the ‘awakening of the souls of men’ that the youth of Y.O.U. are so eagerly facilitating and preparing for.
Beautiful dawn prayers set the second day into motion. (And you know how your metabolism rises when it’s freezing cold outside and your body has to work extra hard to stay warm? Well, this sort of “set their bodies into motion” as well.) Chants and supplications ignited the hearts while dawn turned to day and time for breakfast crept up on this sleep deprived (but energy-filled, nonetheless) group. The workshops began using diagrams, drawings, songs, poems, and consultation to creatively brainstorm on ways to turn direction from the selected writings into the source of direction needed to keep this shared passion alive. This passion for teaching others the truth they have found through connecting with all of humanity.
Day turned to night and bonds were so strong that most chose to stay in groups of three or more. Now closer than ever, they were prepared for Omid Ghaemmahhami's presentation of select stories from Nabil’s Narrative (The Dawn Breakers). Hugs and expressions of comfort were immediately shared. Vivid illustrations and word pictures brought tears of joy and desired empathy. The youth were captivated by the stories portraying the example set by our devoted spiritual ancestors, willingly giving their lives for our Beloved. Immediately, a new perspective was given on the dedication and commitment that must be observed with utmost reverence, while serving such a glorious cause. It was made aware what a blessing it is to serve, something we get to do for humanity. Suddenly being alone as an actively serving youth didn’t seem so bad, it seemed more of an honour. Having these events, to sort of re-charge, puts it all in the proper perspective.
The evening ended on a spiritually creative note as they shared in a hip-hop devotional facilitated by the Baha'i youth. Baha'i's are advised by Abdul Baha that youth should be allowed to, “share in every new and rare and wondrous craft and art. “This came to mind as beats rolled and urban melodies danced through the room. Prayers were conducted in a modern flow and gifted lyricists utilized this “praiseworthy science at the Threshold of the Almighty” to express their love and dedication to Baha’u’llah.
Individual prayers and devotionals lasted throughout the evening. Needless to say, there wasn’t much sleep to be gotten. It seemed as though the energy being passed from heart to heart sustained even the physical realm at this gathering. Described as “amazingly spiritual” and “mystical”, this opportunity to fellowship was comparable to none other for many in attendance. The motivation to take this experience home steadily grew as the retreat was approaching its end.
Easter Sunday came with much welcomed sunshine and an observation of the Christian holiday, complete with readings from the New Testament. Following the morning’s activities came the finale to the “April Retreat” chapter of the Youth On Unity; a Rad Hunt for candy-filled Easter eggs! Ingesting this candy, along with the consumption of ‘Peeps’ from the night before, provided enough sugar to make even the most exhausted youth suddenly come to life.
A t-shirt was voted and chatting began on how to carry out specific plans and ideas upon the returns to individual localities. Andrew Johnson distributed the “Baha’i Campus Activism” guide for those who were interested in forming or strengthening their college communities. He stressed the importance of staying connected and offered continuous support from bahaiyouth.com and the youth desk at the Baha’i National Center.
After the notorious “group picture” was captured, the weekend was over and all had gotten their fill. They left with excitement, anxious to practice new methods and optimistic on what the updates would be at the next Y.O.U. gathering. The retreat scheduled for May 28-30 will be hosted by Lindsay Lugsch in Persia, IA and is sure to be another soul-swarming event like the last. As member Thaddeus Herman states, “If the St. Louis retreat is any indication of what the future of Y.O.U. has in store for it, then we're in good shape. The days of everyone sleeping on the same floor for a retreat are over. But the days of tons of youth congregating in an environment that most never have besides the retreat, well, that's priceless!”
An atmosphere of acceptance encompassed the entire weekend and an unprecedented energy of unity filled each individual, providing the strength and confidence needed in their individual efforts to build a love for the service of others in their individual communities.
Baha’i youth are told by the Universal House of Justice, in the April 10, 2003 letter, that they are to be “the most enthusiastic participants”, take up service “with a true sense of responsibility”, and “remain ever conscious of the forces at work in society and seize on the opening they provide for you to extend the influence of the Faith.” This letter was studied along with the Writings and letters from Shoghi Effendi. Working together brought a sort-of “reality” to these potent messages and, indeed, invoked a sense of responsibility, raising the awareness of just how important the individual actions of these youth are.
One conclusion, among the many, was that each action (walking, talking, eating, speaking, studying…yup, each!) should be carried out as an act of worship to the Divine in serving all of creation. "We must also act in the state of awareness of the fact that our individual actions make up the collective energy needed to fan the fire that, Baha’u’llah ensures us, exists in the heart of every man. “Through the power of the words He hath uttered the whole of the human race can be illuminated with the light of unity, and the remembrance of His Name is able to set on fire the hearts of all men, and burn away veils that intervene between them and His Glory.” By living our lives in this state of constant worship and remembrance, other lives will be drawn to the peace that comes only from living in this reality. Our efforts will flourish rapidly when we carry this attracting power that draws others to us and, ultimately, to the Source of our peace."
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