Congolese rape

"Women must make the greatest effort to acquire spiritual power

and to increase in the virtue of wisdom and holiness 

until their enlightenment and striving succeeds in bringing about the unity of mankind."

 (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 163)

Women are being raped as casualties of war.  It is one of the most horrendous crimes against a woman.  I rely on prayer to help console their souls.  The injustice of rape, the indescribable pain of rape, and the long-lasting scars of rape can never be adequately portrayed. 

I keep thinking of how Baha'u'llah has given us insight into the reality of this life, that it is really a portal for our soul to gain the spiritual qualities which will be utilized in the worlds of God when we pass from this world.  It is these same qualities which we know will usher in the Most Great Peace.  Women have a most special role in this Day, like never before.  When i hear of atrocities against women, i am forced to remember that it must serve a greater purpose, strengthening them in a way i can only imagine, that once they are healed of infirmities of the body, their spirit is more powerful than any man's injustice against her.

It is as if a rape victim's life has become a sacrifice for humanity's advancement toward peace.  That sacrifice is her greatest gain if seen from a spiritual perspective.  Yet we cannot just accept the injustice.  We cannot sit idly and silently while she suffers.  We must strive to spread the divine Teachings and conquer the hatred and administer justice to those who violate a woman's dignity.

My breathing is consciously in a state of prayer for these women, for women everywhere...