Howard Colby Ives on Homelessness

In 1934 Howard Colby Ives, then staying for a time in Chicago, wrote to Doris McKay:

1 / 5

You ask me how we can accustom ourselves to homelessness. Our own vine and fig tree is a natural desire to the children of men; there is nothing reprehensible in this desire. Bahá’u’lláh has provided for this in His Law, dignifying the home and hospitality as a means of serving God.

2 / 5

Nevertheless there are a few of us to whom He whispers in the ear 'Make My Home thy Mansion, boundless and holy.' 'Riswanea' and I often have a yearning for a permanent place to bestow ourselves and our few goods. Just as sure as this longing finds a place in our hearts we are moved again . . . ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's words 'Homeless and without rest' ring in my ears, when He is describing the attributes of the Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh.

3 / 5

Rest assured that God does not take away an earthly home without providing a heavenly one right here on earth if we accept His Will with radiant acquiescence. . . . Rejoice, my beloved daughter, in the little home which Bahá’u’lláh has provided for you.

4 / 5

If you are worthy He will move you into other homes and other hearts, and you will then rejoice again; for the bounty of a wider horizon of service has been given you; a greater freedom of spirit has been vouchsafed you and a few more chains of this world have been knocked from your limbs.

5 / 5