I one day asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá how it could ever be possible for me, deep in the…
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When in Bahá'í history
I one day asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá how it could ever be possible for me, deep in the mass of weak and selfish humanity, ever to hope to attain when the goal was so high and great. He said that it is to be accomplished little by little; little by little. And I thought to myself, I have all eternity for this journey from self to God. The thing to do is to get started.
Source: Howard Colby Ives, Portals to Freedom, p. 63
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: striving).
Discuss this story
For adults
- Where do hope and patience meet in this story?
- What does the setting of this account contribute to its meaning?
- What stands out about Howard Colby Ives's response in this account?
For teens
- If you were in Howard Colby Ives's place, what might you have done?
- What does this story teach about hope?
Reflection
- What single image from this story will stay with you?
- How does hope show up in your life right now — and where is it being asked of you?
- Is there someone in your life who would be helped by hearing this story?
Comprehension quiz
Which source is "I one day asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá how it could ever be possible for me, deep in the…" drawn from?
What period of Bahá'í history does this story belong to?
Which historical figure is featured most prominently in this story?
Which virtue does this story most clearly illustrate?
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/striving
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