Brilliant Star/Volume 49/Issue 4/Text

[Page -1]

A BANAT COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant Stay

WWwedrilliantstammagazinerorg

QUIZ: DO YOU SHOW EMPATHY?

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inane True Friendship [Page 0]praeua

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Amethel Parel-Sewell — EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

Amy Renshaw — SENIOR EDITOR

Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Katie Bishop ASSISTANT EDITOR

Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER

Donna Price WRITER

Dr. Stephen Scotti STEM EDUCATION ADVISOR

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Jamila Ahmadova - Ariana Bahizad - Dr. Kim Bey Carlye Calvin « Susan Engle «Liam Falconer

Zara Schmidt Flores « Dr. Randie Gottlieb - Natalie Haghighi Zarina Hutcherson « Marisa Katsianos « Kian Khazei Tristan Mejia - Targol Missaghi - Layli Phillips - Gail Radley Hugo Rash - Annie Reneau - Anneliese Sulzberg

Aggie Toyoda « Dr. Kevin Trenberth « Arshan Yeganegi

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted

By Lisa Blecker: Watercolor on cover, p. 10; photos on pp. 6-7,24 By Foad Ghorbani: Art on p. 8

Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS By Amy Renshaw: 9, 14, 20, 25, 29 By Heidi Parsons: 8, 12, 16, 22, 28 By Katie Bishop: 2, 4,19

By Lisa Blecker: 6, 24

By Donna Price: 10, 11, 14, 20, 27 By Annie Reneau: 3, 13

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha'i Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019 / E-mail: subscription@usbne. org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)

International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years)

Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

‘Alcontent inthis magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé's of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For per copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quanttes for classroom use. “Brilliant Star” and issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha'i Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place. The Baha'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Baha'is. It was founded by the Prophet Baha'u'llah (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Baha'u'llah taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Baha'u'lldh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Bah4'i community after Baha'u'lldh’s passing.

Today, Bahd‘is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

i i39

Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace His Hidden Words inspire spiritual growth.

Nur’s Nook

Make a mini ice rink and play hockey with a pal.

We Are One

Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Riley’s Rainforest How can you build healthy friendships?

Lightning and Luna: Episode #77 Danger strikes the Uplifters’ tunnels in Europe.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Stargazer: Dr. Randie Gottlieb

She empowers educators to build unity.

Maya’s Mysteries

Practice spotting kindness with a fun game.

Shining Lamp: Roy Wilhelm ‘Abdu'l-Baha called him “a true Baha'i.”

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Help gingerbread kids cruise through Candy Country.

ISSN 0884-3695 [Page 1]NEW DESTINATIONS

2 Boardwalk Buddies

Roll into friendship on common ground.

Cool Off with Compassion

Search for words to keep monsters mellow.

Quiz: Can You See How Others Feel? Do your words and deeds show empathy?

Good Game or Frustrating Failure? Serve up sportsmanship and respect.

Take Kindness to Heart

Can we learn about empathy from elephants?

Focus on Friendliness Zoom in on your friends’ best qualities.

Kindness Quest

You can be a secret agent of kindness.

Space Ace

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Joyful Service

He was kind and generous, even in prison.

What Do You Say?

Practice being kind when it’s not easy.

Space scientists answer your cosmic questions.

DEAR FRIENDS,

Have you ever picked up a twig from the ground and

snapped it in half? It isn’t hard to break a single stick. But what happens when you take a group of sticks and try to bend them all at once? When bound together, they're surprisingly hard to break.

In the same way, healthy friendships bind people together and make our communities stronger. We all face challenges in our lives, but they're easier to handle with the help of friends and family.

In this issue, discover ways to strengthen ties of fellowship. Go on a secret quest to spread kindness. Learn how elephants show empathy. Practice what you would say to respond to conflicts. Make a mini hockey rink and an “I spy” game, and have fun playing with friends. And meet Dr. Randie Gottlieb, who helps teachers promote unity in schools.

When we practice kindness, empathy, and respect with friends and neighbors, we can build unbreakable bonds of love.

LOVE, pei IANT ZTAR *

Images: Skyline by Spectrum Studio, kids by monkeybusinessimages [Page 2]hen you visit the beach on a sunny day, you / can find the boardwalk bustling with an ocean / of activity. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes tide bikes or race skateboards. Friends fly by on a roller coaster, dig in the sand, or share popcorn.

At first glance, differences between people are easy to spot. But when you look a little closer and get to know each other, you can begin to find similarities and shared

Boardwalk Buddie

‘Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.” -Abdul-Baha

interests. Do you play the same musical instrument? Do you love swimming or rollerblading? Maybe you both like drawing or photography. 3 Finding common ground builds connections and opens doors to friendship. The next time you meet someone who seems different from you, ask questions and find out what you have in common. Soon you might be zipping down the boardwalk or diving in the waves together.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 3]Coat Ore with Compe2csion

“Should anyone wax angry with you, respond to him with gentleness ...” —Bahd’u'lldh ew walking through the lunchroom at school can’t control anyone else—only yourself. when you accidentally bump into someone. Splat! If you let negative feelings turn you into a beast,

His pizza ends up on the floor. “Hey, watch where you’re = youccan end up feeling tired, sick, and sad. Instead of going!” he yells angrily. How will you respond? getting upset, try to stay peaceful. You can react to anger

You could get monstrously mad and growl, “It was or unkindness in a way that’s noble. What if you saw an accident. You don’t have to freak out!” Or you could the other kid not as a fiend, but as a future friend? When calmly say, “Sorry, | didn’t see you there. I'll get you a we're patient in the face of problems, we can soothe our A new slice.” He might stay irritated either way, but you inner monsters. i

These creatures are chillin’ in the hot springs. Find words related to Keeping your cool and getting along with others. Search up, down, forward, backward, and diagonally.

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‘tha X vOL.49 NO4 % Brilliant Star 3

[Page 4]The hife of Baha'u'llah

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihran, tran

1844 Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger of God

ones. Fair’ | Imprisonment in the “Black Pit’ of Tihrén

1853-1863

Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder. of the Baha't Faith

1863-1868 _| Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akka, Israel

AST PVE a) Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes away at Bahj/.

ave you ever been so deeply

saddened that the world felt dark

and dreary? Then someone shared just the right words to bring you light and joy? Some say that's what happened to Fatimih, a beloved figure in Muslim and Baha’ history.

Fatimih was bom around 605 CE in Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia. She was a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, Who founded Islam.

Fatimih was devoted to her father, and she was devastated when He passed away in 632. Nothing could ease her grief until one night, Fatimih was visited by the angel Gabriel. He shared verses with Fatimih that finally brought her great comfort. They were written down, but the book later disappeared. Some Muslims believed that when the next Messenger of God came, He would have the verses of Fatimih.

Over 1,200 years later, in 1858, Baha'u'llah was living in exile in Baghdad, Iraq. The leaders of Persia (now Iran) wanted to stop Baha’u'llah’s growing influence, so they had banished Him from His home in Iran.

While meditating and pacing on the banks of the Tigris River, Baha'u'llah revealed a collection of holy writings known today as The Hidden Words. Some were written in the Persian language and some were in Arabic. Baha'u'llah identified them with the verses that had been given to Fatimih to ease her grief. In the early days of the Baha'i Faith, The Hidden Words was known as The Hidden Book of Fatimih.

Baha'u'llah said that The Hidden

Baha'u'llah lived in Baghdad, Iraq, from 1853-1863. In 1858, He revealed The Hidden Words while pacing the banks of the Tigris River.

Words is the “inner essence” of teachings that were “revealed unto the Prophets

of old.” Its verses can guide our souls to grow stronger and closer to God.

Today, Baha’'ts all over the world study The Hidden Words and strive to put its teachings into action. In it, Baha'u'llah counsels us to be generous, saying, “Bestow My wealth upon My poor...”

He encourages us to show each other forgiveness and empathy with words such as, “How couldst thou forget thine own faults and busy thyself with the faults of others?"

When He says, “Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other,” He reminds us of our unity and equality.

Meditating on The Hidden Words can inspire us to develop virtues and build friendships. These holy words can bring us comfort when we are struggling. They can remind us of our connection to God and each other.

Baha'u'llah's son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, who led the Bahai Faith after His passing, called

4 Brilliant Star ¥% vo1.49 No4

Photos © Baha'i International Community [Page 5]The Hidden Words “a treasury of divine mysteries.” He encouraged us to memorize these verses and said that when we ponder their meanings, “the doors of the mysteries will open.”

‘Abdu'l-Baha also emphasized that “these holy words have not been revealed to be heard but to be practiced.” He assured us that when we put the teachings of The Hidden Words into action, we will “become a torch of the fire of the love of God, an embodiment of humility, of lowliness... and Baha'is turn to the Shrine of Baha'u'llah in prayer and consider of selflessness.” it the holiest place on Earth.

Use the key to decode a verse from Baha'u'llah in The Hidden Words.

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ANSWER ON PAGE 28 voL.49 N04 % Brilliant Star 5

[Page 6]Jim st Kindness! Make J Mini Ice Hockey Rink

“Speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

rough game, imagine being in their shoes (or skates). Think about how you'd want to be treated. If you spot bullying or unfairness, find your courage to stand up for justice. Appreciate and support your teammates by pointing out their strengths. Thank your coaches for their work, too. You'll build your team’s spirit, and that’s a win for everyone!

at hockey, soccer, or other competitive games. But it can get tough when the ref makes an unexpected call against you, or a teammate makes a big mistake. If frustration hits, focus on playing with positivity. Instead of getting mad about slip-ups, say encouraging words such as “Nice try!” or “You'll get it next time!” Offer

L: no sweat to be a good sport when you're winning to share some cool new moves. If someone is having a

WE’RE SCORING HOCKEY AW7 KINDNESS GOALS! Youll Need

+ NA'x8%" + redandblue + 1"(25cm) x1%" (29.2 permanent black button x 216x 2.9 markers

cm) foil pan . oS mite

pitcher of craft sticks

+ 8"x11"(20.3 water x279 em) , * Scissors printer paper ~ reezer + tacky glue + two9h" + ruler (24. om) + twocolors of

pencil jumbo pipe inter

cleaners + clear tape

2 With pencil, trace around button to create a circle at rink’s center. Color circle blue.

1 Find rink’s center % by folding paper \ in half two times, so short edges meet. Round Ld unfolded corners with scissors. Open paper.

6 Brilliant Star % voL49 No.4 [Page 7]3 Draw pencil lines 1" (2.5 cm) from each short edge of paper and along center crease. Trace over lines with red marker, but don’t overlap circle.

|

4 Draw pencil lines 1" (2.5 cm) from each side of centerline. Trace over with \ blue marker.

5 Incenter of each red line at ends of rink, trace around half of button. Color shapes blue. Put paper in pan.

Dimes

6 Place pan flat in freezer. Add water just above paper. Press paper to bottom and freeze. For thicker ice, add thin layer of water and freeze again.

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7 Connect ends of one pipe cleaner by twisting together. To make goal, bend pipe cleaner into square, then fold in half. Repeat for other goal.

8 Atanangle, carefully cut a. 2" (5.1m)

off each end of astick.

9 Glue one cut end to

end of a whole stick.

Repeat for other stick. 9

Decorate each hockey t a S. stick with a different >

duct tape color.

10 Remove rink from freezer. Use clear tape to secure a goal to each end of rink. Set button puck on center circle. Grab the sticks and a friend, and you're ready to play! Use your stick to push the puck into the goal.

vOL.49 NO4 % Brilliant Star 7

[Page 8]Can You See How Others Feel?

“All humanity must be looked upon with love, kindness and respect; for what we behold in them are none other than the signs and traces of God Himself.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

a big game? Or you didn’t get the part you

wanted in the school play? It can help a lot if a friend shows empathy—the ability to see things from another person's point of view and understand

H: you ever been sad because your team lost

their feelings.

People who practice empathy tend to be happier and more generous. Empathy helps us build stronger relationships. It can also improve communication by

making us better listeners and helping us explain our feelings clearly.

We're all born with the capacity for empathy, but it’s important to practice putting it into action. You could help someone who's carrying heavy boxes

or bags. Or encourage a sibling who's frustrated

with a tough homework assignment. When you reach out to someone who needs a hand, you might just make their day—and yours.

Do you show empathy in your words and deeds? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. When I see someone struggling to do something, I offer to help. Often = 3 - Sometimes = 2 + Rarely =1

2. When my friends seem sad, I ask them if they're okay. Often = 3 - Sometimes = 2 + Rarely =1

M re ly Score 36-28 points: You've got a knack

for sensin ’s emotions and seeing their pers} p it up.

. When I'm doing an activity with my friends, I check to see if they're having fun, too.

Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

. It bothers me to see someone being bullied or disrespected. Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

. I listen to other people's ideas, even if I don’t agree with them. Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

. If a friend is angry, I listen and try to help them calm down. Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

. [read about people from different backgrounds to learn what their lives are like.

Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

. I feel concerned about and want

to help people in need. Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

27-20 points:

8 Brilliant Star % voL49 No.4

9. If I accidentally hurt a friend’s feelings, I apologize. Often = 3 « Sometimes = 2 + Rarely =1

10. When I have a problem with a

sibling or friend, I try to see things from their point of view. Often = 3 +» Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

11. If someone has been left out of

a group or activity, I invite them to join. Often = 3 » Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

12. I celebrate with my friends when they succeed. Often = 3 » Sometimes = 2 « Rarely =1

[Page 9]or

“Concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

0 way! Your team just lost the championship! championship. Your team is talented, and you have an N: was SO close. Maybe you feel like running encouraging coach. You're glad you didn’t do anything away or getting upset. negative when you realized you had lost. Instead, you line up with your team and give each Respecting yourself and others is what being a good opponent a high five as you say, “Good game.” sport is all about. You focus on the joy of playing the In the locker room, you start to calm down. You best game you can, no matter who wins. And you build think about the great plays you and your friends true friendships among your teammates—because they made. And how you won a lot of games to get to the will continue long after the last whistle blows.

These players are on the sidelines at the big volleyball game. Match each negative thought with the positive one that can replace it.

THE REF HA7ES US! THAT BALL WAS IN BOUNS! TOUGH PLAY. I HOPE SASHA IPN’ GET HURT. IF L VON’T GET TO PLAY SOON, I’M QUITTING. SHE MUST FEEL BAD ABOUT THAT a aie DONE THAT. y a amy AS HORRIBLE PLAY! NO WONDER SHE GOT HIT WITH THE BALL. THIS TEAM BEAT US ONCE. ALL WE CAN 70 IS PLAY ps BEST. ‘ higers Ny mt SHE BLEW IT ON THAT SERVE. ce ( % WE LOST LAST WEEK, BUT WE Lae ENP a

7G ‘THE BALL LOOKED IN BOUNTS —1 GUESS THE REF SAW IT OUT. (J) <5

I SHOULDN'T EVER HAVE TO SIT OUT. I’M THE BEST PLAYER WE HAVE.

LDON’T LIKE SOME RULES, BUT I’M ELAD OUR TEAM PLAYS FAIRLY AND DOESN'T CHEAT. | 4 pa . clei Ale

MAA A Ua BEE el “F THOPE I GET TO PLAY SOON. MAYBE COACH A)

BEAT LON THINK WE'D CET CHIEN. ef \> © “ins ADVICE ABOUT HOW T CAN INPROVE. Y 1 FE We wn, Lm NOT STICKING AROUND TO ; ee DON'T MIND SITTING OUT COMETHES, Ke Ae) ETRE Wee ! Y ))_ © socvervory mss A CHANCE To PLAY. ; i 4

IT’S NIKKI’S FAULT WE LOST LAST WEEK. beep THE OTHER TENMLOOKS SAD TO BE LOSING, SHE’) BETTER NOT MESS UP THIS TIME. YY : (h BUT THEY'RE STILL PLAYING A GOO? GAME. /

yo

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 voL.49 N04 x Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]id you know that an elephant’s heart is 60 They all help care for babies, and they celebrate joyfully >» me times heavier than a human heart? when reunited with family members They even grieve ae, f

Elephants are big-hearted in other ways, over their dead. y too. They show empathy by sensing and caring about These sensitive, social animals are endangered, ” the feelings of others. When an elephant is upset, mainly due to habitat loss In our quest to be kind to 2 those nearby will offer comfort with their trunks and all creatures, we can learn about the needs of elephants Z

4 make soft chirping sounds. Scientists have seen in the wild and in captivity. Our hearts may be much } elephants throw dust to soothe another's wounds, pull —_ smaller, but we can still share our love with the Z i

out tranquilizer darts, and surround a distressed relative. empathetic elephants. La sores : is

ry) by \o ‘\ In this herd of Asian elephants, find nine hidden letters to complete the quote below.

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Found letters:

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Oo ever ivin rea ure.” —Abdu'l-Baha 7,

Fi TZ Z wei oir — 3, LZEEWT RMA SOOT PE’WW&NYyw WWE A WIZ

10 Brilliant Star te VOL.49 NO.4 *Asian elephants are endangered, and African elephants are threatened. ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

[Page 11]OUR CONNECTIONS

No matter where you live, your weather is influenced by the ocean. A condition called El Nifio sometimes occurs in the Pacific Ocean near the western coast of South America. Winds allow warm water to collect on the surface, causing more clouds and rainfall. That can lead to drought or storms around the world and can impact crops. Scientists study these variations so they can help with better weather forecasts.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Images: Ocean by Onfokus, gecko by ShaneMyersPhoto, Dr. Trenberth by Carlye Calvin/UCAR, temple by Deejpilot, animals by cinoby

» 2 CO

a,

EXPLoRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AnD ITS CREATURES iB:

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Baha’i Writings

~

WOW, REALLY?

Geckos can stick to things because of an electromagnetic attraction between the surface and tiny hairs on their feet.

Nature Nurtures Before you head inside to do homework, take a nature walk. Being outside can improve your energy, concentration, memory, and creativity. It relieves stress, too!

Dr. Kevin Trenberth, a climate scientist in Colorado, U.S., studies how the atmosphere and oceans, including El Nifio events, relate to climate change. He educates the public about the consequences of global warming. He has won awards for his work and says, “People of the world must work together to save us on our ‘spaceship Earth.”

i fs eae

In the Red Sea, tiny animals called polyps live inside their skeletons and form huge colonies of what looks like colored rock. The structures are over 5,000 years old. Fill in the blanks with the name of these ecosystems:

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vo..49 No.4 % Brilhant Star 41 [Page 12]EMOTIONS

. Resist the urge to 6 ee 6 6

others; try to accept them as

4.@OO OB @ 02 fiends 7. Ifa friend criticizes you, stop and concerns, then turn the conversation 6 6 t 6 6 about whether there

they are. to something pleasant. is some truth to what they're saying. 2. Expect the @@@@ ton 5. Stay detached and keep your 8. Try to 99 SOSSSOO8 people, even if they don’t always thoughts 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6. why someone might be feeling act kindly. Your energy may lift up others. stressed. 3. If someone is being negative, stay 6. Use a light, 6 6 6 6 6 @tone 9. If a situation gets tense, walk away @ e @ [| and don’t react ina of voice when someone's upset, so so you and the other person have big way. you both relax. 6 6 t 6 to cool down.

Brilliant Star *

[Page 13]Creating Healthy Friendships

true friend is one of the isn't good for us. If you think your friendship might be unhealthy, talk to a parent or another trusted adult

about how you feel.

greatest joys in life. It’s an awesome feeling to find someone who laughs with you when you're happy, cheers you up Imagine how you'd like things to be different. Practice

when you're down, and always has your back.

But not all friendships are created equal. If you feel small, afraid, or sad

how you could talk it over with your

around someone, your relationship friend. Also, try may not be healthy. Friendship should = making new, diverse fill you up and lift your spirit, not friends. bring you down. It’s okay to disagree It's not always easy sometimes, but if you constantly

argue, you may not be compatible.

to find people you click with, so be patient. Look for kids who Sometimes people can get jealous, but share some of your interests. Take a good friend won't be mad when you hang out with someone else.

It's important to build friend- ships that are healthy and safe. If we aren't wise about who we spend

the most time with, we may get hurt

the time to get to know their character—are they honest, trustworthy, and kind?

You don’t need hundreds of friends to enjoy the rewards of closeness. Even one or two real pals

or feel trapped in a relationship that can make your life a lot brighter.

Curiosity Canopy

Ww" makes someone a good friend? In one study, kids ages 8-12 were asked to rate what

they expect from friends. Top things on the list were

sharing, helping, listening, and respect. Kids who put more effort into their friendships had more friends.

Images: Friends by monkeybusinessimages, boys by Ridofrang, team by skynesher

REST

“Send down... from the clouds of Thy

mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u’llah

Explore & Soar: Be a Great Pal

f you want to have good friends, you need to be one. Try these tips:

to Treat others the way you want to be treated—with respect and kindness.

oO Tell the truth— with tact. Honesty is vital, but you can be truthful and gentle at the same time.

o Share your

feelings. If you have a conflict with a friend, try talking to them directly, instead of backbiting or ignoring them.

o Be generous with your time and attention. Friendship is a two-way Street, so give at least as much as you get.

o Encourage your friends and celebrate their success.

co Laugh a lot. Having fun together builds great memories.

yo..49 N04 % Brilliant Star 13 [Page 14]xe (T LIGHTNINE & LUNA HACK ATTACK

Ti hw NOT YET! COVER ME,

THERE’S ANOTHER A ? ; LITTLE GIRL IN THERE! |. Z THIS FIRE IS CRAZY!

T reoresso PROWD, [| FINALLY! SHUT DOWN THEIR WE'VE HACKED INTO LS) LIGHTS AND NAVIGATION. THE UPLIFTER TUNNEL CONTROLS.

STEALTH MOVE - ACTIVATED. \ WHOA! T FELT A POD LIGHTS DISAPPEARED POWER SURGE. OFF.ENGINE | | FROM THESE QUIET. CANOPY TUNNELS. \. 600? THING IVE WHICH WAY IS NORTH? THE SIGNS ARE CLOSED. - GOT SUPER VISION. IN OTHER LANGUAGES. I WISH I HAD YOUR COPE-BREAKING POWERS.

IF LAV YOUR SUPER VISION, COULD SEE THEM IN THE DARI

USE YOUR LIGHT FOR A SECOND.

14 Brilliant Star % vol49 No4 SPANISH: MMI HIUA= MY DAUGHTER, GRACIAS = THANK YOU [Page 15]STRAIGHT AHEAD! OSLO IS NORTH.

WHAT? THE ERASERS?

se ri

Wa

THE ENGINE FIRST, 60 INVISIBLE \S DEAD. Fang AND GET IN THE POD.

ANZ THROW ‘EM IN THE DUNGEON!

Enjoy every episode of Lightning & Luna in our new iPad app, available for free download in the Apple App Store! 9 »* Brilliant Star

[Page 16]Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique " story to tell. What’s yours?

Age: 10 I live in: California, U.S.

| want to be: Story/script writer and designer of video games

This career interests me because:

I want to be an author, and I love to play video games, so this lets me do both!

Hobbies or sports:

Ilove to do Parkour

[run and jump over obstacles], read, write...

Favorite Baha’ activity: Social portion of Feast*

» Virtue | admire most: *

Humor—it keeps things light and makes people happy.

| like to help people by: Paying attention to find [out] what my friends need and get[ting] them the information or sup- port that they need

Qualities of a good friend Funny, good at games, and cooperative

It’s important to be friends with different kids.

So you can learn about your differences and understand how similar you really are

One of the kindest things done for me was:

My teachers let me use a stand-up desk and music to help me

concentrate and do better in class. a4

Age: 12 | live in: Georgia, U.S.

| want to be: I would like to work ” for NASA.

This career interests me because:

Ilike space and learn- ing about the universe.

Virtue | admire most: Kindness

Hobbies or sports: I play the ukulele, and I dance.

Favorite Baha’i activity: Go[ing] to Baha'i schools

A favorite food: Spaghetti

To make new friends:

Just put yourself out there, even if you’re shy ... Try having more conversations with people.

Age: 11 | live in: Michigan, U.S. | want to be: Doctor

This career interests me because:

Ilike helping people and making people feel better. Also, my grand- father was a doctor.

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, gymnastics, singing

Favorite Baha'i activities: Service projects (like going to help at the food bank)

Qualities of a good friend: Kindness, friendship, and caring

To show my friends | care: If they need help, I will jump in and give a hand.

When someone gossips, |: Tell them to stop and say, “How would you feel if someone says this about you?” x One of the kindest things done for me was:

I broke my collarbone once, and everyone was really kind to me at school.

Virtues | admire most: Kindness, inclusiveness

Place I'd love to visit: China Favorite food: Pizza

Qualities of a good friend: Truthful, nice, and includes others

To make new friends:

Be kind and caring to everyone ...in words and actions.

To show my friends | care, |: Make them smile when they are sad and make them feel special

When someone gossips, | [Tell them] talking bad about others is rude and makes people feel bad ... So please stop.

One of the kindest things done for me was: Standing up for me and cheering me up when I was sad

16

Brilliant Star * vor

49 NO.4

Feast is a Bahd'i community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.

[Page 17]Age: 10 | live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be:

An engineer

This career interests me because:

I get to create things.

Hobbies or sports:

Building [with] LEGO [bricks], drawing

Virtue | admire most: Truthfulness

Favorite Baha’i activity: Feast

Place I'd love to visit: T’'d love to go to New Zealand to meet my cousin.

Favorite animal: Pigs Qualities of a good friend:

Kindness, truthfulness, joyful[ness]

Age: 11 | live in: Jalisco, Mexico

| want to be: Congresswoman

This career interests me because

I want to help human- kind and my country to end poverty.

Favorite Baha'i activities: Children’s Sunday class and learning about all Prophets

To make new friends:

See what people would make a good friend. Be open-minded because everybody is different ... Be yourself.

To show my friends | care, |: Am kind and generous, polite, [and] don’t talk about them to other people...

To make new friends: Ask new people to play.

To show my friends | care, |: Make sure that they don’t feel left out.

When someone gossips, |: Ask them to stop

It’s important to be friends with different kids:

So that no one

feels lonely

One of the kindest things done for me was:

One time when I got hurt at school, a friend comforted me.

x

It’s important to be friends with different kids because: If everybody [were] like me, I wouldn't [learn] new lessons [about] new cultures and how everyone acts differ- ently and how to react to new situations. You learn from everyone.

One of the kindest things done for me was

One of my friends... helps me in hard times, and when someone is being rude to me, she

... Keeps me focused on the right things.

x4

“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!”

Age: 12 I live in: Maine, U.S.

| want to be: Federal judge

This career interests me because:

I believe in justice and I want to treat people equally, regardless [of] who they are.

Favorite Baha’/ activity: Doing service projects with my junior youth group

Favorite animal: Dolphin

To make new friends:

Be active in the commu- nity, be yourself... get to know [people] and

x

Qualities of a good friend: Honesty, loyalty, and being a good listener

To show my friends I care, |: Respect my friends, and I make sure they know I am always there for them * It’s important to be friends with different kids:

To explore different cultures, and to

have a diverse friend group and learn from

—

Meet more Radiant Stars on page 18!

each other

One of the kindest things done for me was:

My parents [have given] my brother and [me] opportunities to travel all over the world and see amazing things.

let them ask questions about you.

When someone gossips, |: Do not listen, and try to stop it by telling [them] that it is disrespectful and reflect[s] badly on our spiritual health

1. If you're age 7-14, go to www. brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or e-mail us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birth date, mailing address, and phone number.

. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you —_, .( and a form for you and your parents to sign. mh

. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright- x®

rt

17

protected images (like school portraits).

voL.49 N04 x Brilliant Star [Page 18]Hugo R. Age:9 live in: Michigan, U.S.

| want to be: Police officer > This career interests me because:

llike justice.

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, baseball, playing in the snow

Favorite Baha’i activity: Devotionals*

Favorite food: Apples

| like to help people by: Dofing] something kind for them. Or writ[ing] them a nice note!

A hero or role model:

My mom is my hero, because she takes such good care of me.

Qualities of a good friend: Helpful, kind, generous

Anneliese S.

Age: 10

I live in: Connecticut, U.S. | want to be: Chemist

This career interests me because:

Tlove to do experiments. Favorite Baha’ activity: Children’s class, because you get to interact with other kids,

learn about Baha’u'llah, and do service projects

Qualities of a good friend: They won't point out your bad qualities... trustworthiness, and... truthfulness.

To make new friends:

Do what you love and friends will come to you.

To show my friends | care, |: Draw my friends pic- tures to make them happy. I help [them] back up when they fall.

It’s important to be friends with different kids because: When you meet new people, you learn

new things.

One of the kindest things

“4

done for me was: My mom and dad adopted me.

Place I'd love to visit: * I would like to go to

Israel...

A hero or role model: % Anis, because he

decided to die with the Bab... Shoghi Effendi, because he did what... Baha’u'llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha wished.

To make new friends: Always have a smile on your face and be kind ... Even if you’ve never talked to someone before, you can ask if you can play with them. That is how I became friends with my new best friends. es One of the kindest

things done for me was: My little sister Googled how to be nice to your sister... She offered

to get my breakfast for me.

Marisa K. Age: 10

I live in: California, U.S. This career interests me * because:

I feel happy when I play the violin. It uplifts me, and I hope that I can

bring that same happi- ness to [other] people...

| want to be: Violinist

Favorite Baha’i activities: Children’s classes and Baha'i conferences

A favorite food: Khoresh-i-karafs (Persian celery stew)

To make new friends: Walk up to them and start a conversation. It could be about anything ... If they don’t engage

at first, ask them something about themselves...

Targol M.

Age: 8 » | live in: Oklahoma, U.S.

| want to be: Doctor

This career interests

me because:

It helps people...and

[I] feel happy when they are healthy.

Virtues | admire most: Respect and grace

Favorite Baha’i activities: Sunday school, Ayyam-i-Ha**

| like to help people by: Help[ing] at [the] food bank, cleaning the park or lakeside, help[ing] my grandma to carry heavy things...

[and] fundraising

To show my friends | care, |: Greet them every morning, hug them, and always play with them nicely

N

It’s important to be friends with different kids because: It’s great to have friends with different talents, personality, and back- ground. No one should exclude anyone because they're different.

One of the kindest things done for me was: er One time, I couldn’t reach something in the store, and a stranger (without me asking) came over and got it for me. [I could] actually feel the warmth and kindness in the gesture.

A hero or role model:

In Baha’i history, I like Tahirih [a poet and martyr] ...Ilike Malala Yousafzai, who is brave, and my sister gave me a book about her.

To make new friends: Respect the people, accept [that] we are different and trustable, keep [your] current friends, and make more...

It’s important to be friends with different kids because: We can learn different good things from them. Like different flowers ina garden.

18

Brilliant Star ¥% vo1.49 No4

“Devotionals are gatherings for sharing prayers, holy writings, and music. ~*Ayydm-i-Ha is a festival of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Baha't Fast [Page 19]KINDNESS QUEST

“Tell ye the secrets of servitude, follow the pathway of service...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

go on special missions to discover clues, decode mysterious Messages, or jump into action and save the day. You don’t need spy training or cool gadgets to make a difference in the world. You can be a secret agent of service. Go on a quest to uplift your neighborhood with surprise acts of kindness. Askillful agent pays attention to what's happening around

H: you ever dreamed of being a secret agent? You could

SQ Write happy messagesinchalk on the sidewalk. amazing!” Leave quarters for the next person atthe vending machine.

Your mission: see how many secret or surprise acts of service you can do in the next two weeks.

Hide bookmarks in library books with positive notes like “You're

Send a postcard with a joke to a

them, so keep your eyes open. Did someone bring home a new baby? Quietly leave flowers at their door, and run away before they see you. Maybe a friend is having a hard day at school. Tape an encouraging note to their locker for them to find.

Your community needs you, so don’t wait! Grab your sun- glasses, throw on a hat or mustache, and see what opportunities

you can spy for spreading joy.

Donate cans of food to a food pantry, and tape a colorful drawing to the top of each can.

Secretly rake leaves for a neighbor.

friend or relative.

OQ Doachore for a family member without being asked. Oo

1 Create cheerfulcardsforkidsin the hospital.

1 Offer a drink of water to your Oo mail carrier.

1 Bring thank-you treats tothe fire 0 station.

Leave treats on a neighbor's porch, ring the bell, and run.

Make a wildflower bouquet for the dinner table.

1 Put an encouraging note ina sibling’s backpack.

Help aneighbor carry their is] groceries inside.

Write to an author and tell them what you like about their book.

Sing or play music for someone who’s sick or lonely.

Let someone in front of you in line.

1 Greet the bus driver or librarian by name.

1 Alongwith the tip, leave a kind note for your server at a restaurant.

Tell someone when you notice them beingkindtosomeoneelse.

vo..49 No.4 w& Brilliant Star

19 [Page 20]| SPACE ALE J)

ASHA SPACE SCIENTIST

Ouruniversei . eee is ae mysteries, and some of the most mind-boggling are in space. ids asked questions, and we sent them t i ;

: 7 es ‘0 two space scientists. H i

out space? Send them to us at brilliant@usbne.org (with your name ea

How could more women go into sre in science and space? _Natalie, a8

Hi, Natalie,

That is a really good question that many people are trying to answer. It’s more broadly related to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), as fewer than 25% of STEM jobs are held by women. Most astronauts have advanced degrees (master’s and doctorate) in a STEM area, but there are so many exciting and rewarding

career choices available to anyone witha college degree in STEM. You are at the age when many girls who are good at science and math start to lose

interest for a variety of reasons, including people's attitudes that girls shouldn't be in The first time four women . . ir

STEM, lack of vals models (knowing women in STEM), and lack of exposure to STEM were in space at once, on the

activities. If you're interested in STEM and want to pursue @ career in space or another International Space Station

field, then go for it! Take as many math and science classes as you can, work hard, and in 2010 (left to right): Dorothy

don’t let anyone or anything discourage you. Seek out people who will help and Metcalf-Lindenburger, Naoko

Yamazaki, Tracy Caldwell

encourage you-teachers, guidance counselors, and classmates with similar interests. Dyson, Stephanie Wilson

There are alot of organizations and resources out there. Here are a few online

resources: women.nasa.gov/a2i, wwweengineergirl.org, and gc3.edc.org. | wish you a wonderful future as a scientist or engineer. You could be the first

astronaut to go to Mars! —Kim

In 2007, astronaut Sunita Williams did this while orbiting Earth on the International Space Station (ISS):

B) Wrote a novel C) Drew a comic strip

Ny R & A) Rana marathon & h s

D) Composed an opera

20 Brilliant Star % voL49 No4 ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 21]What is the life of a star like? —Tristan, age 14

Hi, Tristan, Astar around the size of our Sun goes through several stages in its life. It’s “born” in a huge region of gas and dust that can be over 1,000 trillion miles across, called a nebula. Gravity attracts the matter in the nebula—mostly hydrogen—into a smaller region. It gets hotter when the atoms collide, as its density increases. At this stage, it’s called a protostar.

When the center of the protostar reaches about 15 million degrees Celsius, nuclear reactions can start. Hydrogen fuses to form helium. This is the stage of our Sun now, and it can last 10 billion years. The light and heat we get from the Sun is due to hydrogen fusion reactions.

When all the hydrogen in the star is gone, the inner core—now mostly helium—shrinks further. It gets hot enough for the helium to fuse and form carbon. But the outer layers expand, and it’s now called a red giant.

Eventually, the helium in the core runs out, and the outer layers of gas drift away. The core no longer generates energy by fusion, so it cools and shrinks to a few thousand miles in diameter. It’s now called a white dwarf, and it cools until it emits almost no radiation. At this stage, it’s

considered “dead” and is called a black One of the youngest star

dwarf. But no black dwarf has ever in our galaxy !s 10 groups in our 8

beenfound. —Steve the Serpens Cloud Core,

750 light-years away:

When an object enters Earth’s atmosphere at incredible speed and creates a streak of light, it’s called a:

A) Superflash B) Shooting Star C) Meteor

D) Speedrock E)BandC

\ S S § §

STEVE SCOTTI is Brilliant Star’s STEM Education Advisor and a research engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, U.S. He works to develop lighter, stronger materials and structures for aircraft and spacecraft. The first astronaut launch inspired his interest in space exploration, and he enjoys sharing his enthusiasm about science and space with kids.

KIM BEY is our guest contributor for this issue. She’s a research engineer who worked at NASA Langley Research Center. She developed computer methods to predict heating and temperature on hypersonic vehicles, worked on the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation, and worked

on the Return-to-Flight program, developing repair methods for the space shuttle’s leading edge.

Images: NASA, NASA/JPL-Caltech/2MASS, Cylonphoto

vo..49 N04 % Brilliant Star a1 [Page 22]Dr. Randie Gottlieb

hat if you could be friends with everyone in the whole

world, no matter what your culture or religion? As

founder and executive director of the UnityWorks Foundation, Randie Gottlieb asks people to think about that question as she trains them to respect and appreciate diversity.

Growing up in California, U.S., Randie wanted to be an artist. But after learning about the Baha'i Faith, she turned to teaching. She earned a master's degree from Harvard University and a doctorate in education from Boston University. Her family lived in Puerto Rico for 11 years, and for two of them she ran an elementary school that she founded. She started UnityWorks in 2000. Randie has worked or traveled in over 30 countries and written 10 books. She also co-founded the Mona Foundation, which supports kids’ education around the world, with Mahnaz Javid in 1999." She lives

in Washington, U.S., with her husband, Steven.

a jae) N < O a <= 7)

Q: What's your favorite childhood memory?

A: When things got really bad, | would go and snuggle with my

| Left: As a kid, Randie | acted in TV shows dog, Sugar... She would lay and commercials. Right: Randie, age 9,

and her mom, at one

her head in my lap and wag her tail, and that made me feel that

things would eventually be okay. of many swimming

competitions.

Q: What did you study in college, and how did it prepare you for your work?

A: | wanted to be an artist and live Q: What is UnityWorks, and how did it get started? ... ina log cabin... [But] | read A: UnityWorks is a nonprofit organization, and our mission is to promote the Baha'i writings about the understanding of the oneness of humanity, the value of diversity, and importance of education, and | the need for unity, with a focus on education and schools .. . | started felt called to become a teacher UnityWorks because of the Baha'i teachings on the importance of unity, ... | taught high school... and especially race unity . . . | really had the good fortune of working and [Then |] decided to... become traveling .. . in over 30 countries including the 11 years in Puerto Rico, a teacher educator... | could and those experiences . . . showed me the diversity of our human family, reach thousands of students by all the ways that we're different, but | also saw that... there's a lot of teaching their teachers. prejudice and a lot of hatred . . . | wanted to change that.

Get to know Mahnaz in our March/April 2014 issue or at www briliantstarmagazine.org,

22 Brilliant Star # vol49 No.4 Portrait by Aggie Toyoda [Page 23]Three generations enjoy 5) afamily gathering in California in 2017: Randie and her husband, Steven

(center back); son

Jonathan and his wife, Shaadi (left); and son Jordan and his wife, Kate, and their kids.

At the 2018 Unity- Works Annual Conference in Washington, U.S. ; Randie (center) Consults with educators.

Q: What's one of your favorite experiences in your career? A: [We have an] intensive, inter-

active, week-long training, and we do that once a year... The most exciting thing is working with those schoolteachers and Q: What is one of the biggest reasons that people have difficulty

principals and seeing the getting along with each other?

transformation that occurs A: | would say prejudice ... We're taught that this is us, and that's them, ... Almost every person comes and they are different... Maybe some of it is fear, and maybe some of into the room on the first day it is just lack of familiarity with people from other groups. We also have ... believing that we're the media . . . with all of the stereotypes... And the music we listen to, separate races... And by the our schools, even our churches are promoting “us” as opposed to “them” last day .. . every single person ... We don't yet know that we are one human race, which is what leaves the room knowing for Baha'u'llah came to tell us... We don't make friends across those. . . sure that we are one human human-made barriers that are reinforced from the day that we're born. race ... That's a huge change

in thinking ... | line people Q: This issue of Brilliant Star is about kindness, empathy, and friendship. up in rows to show how many What are three things kids can do to build friendships?

ancestors we have... Every A: A good way to start . . . is just by smiling and saying hello, especially single person on the planet has to another kid who doesn't have a lot of friends. If they are sad, try to over a million, billion ancestors. cheer them up. If they are lonely, sit with them during lunch at school, Well, the Earth can't hold invite them over to your house .. . and probably most important is let that many people... the only them know that you care by listening when [they] have something to way that that's possible is if say... It's important to make friends with people who are different

we have a lot of overlapping from you, and then you can talk about your differences, learn about ancestors ... We are all related. them, and also find out what you have in common.

Work photo by Steven Gattied| ili jork photo by Steven Gotti VOL.49 No.4 % Brilliant Star

[Page 24]understanding and love to our hearts.”

observation skills. When I pay close attention to anything, from plants to pollution, I make cool discoveries. It's amazing to observe the people around me, too. I love to see all the ways that people practice kindness. I’ve found that when we pay attention to

|: science experiments, it helps to have superb

“Give light to our eyes, hearing to our ears, and —‘Abdu'l- Baha

a

"| SPY KINDNESS“

I’M SPYING KINDNESS IN MY GAME ANP IY

FRIENDS!

and appreciate each other's thoughtful actions, it encourages the spread of even more positivity. Imagine the world if everyone made observations like these!

What acts of kindness do you catch at home, at school, or in your community? Create this “I spy” game to play with family and friends. It’s a great way to practice your powers of perception.

AN Kee i z Va yy Yi

YOU'LL NEED -

sheet of thick paper ® hole punch ¢ binder ring © 3-ring pencil pouch with clear window and zipper po” about 1 lb. (454 g) assorted beads © digital camera, printer, and printer paper or pencil and markers k ) 1 a " : A a) A\ ZS” CREATE A FUN “I SPY” GAME al

Set trinkets on 3 Trim excess

white paper in e = protector. ;

neat rows. Take pee = nae Punch hole in

pictures and tome nl corner of key

make prints aasee & be card. Attach

(or draw them @ Ss we card to pouch

on paper). with ring.

Glue drawing or 4 Put all

photo onto thick ; beads and

paper. Trim trinkets in

excess paper. pouch, zip,

Place inside sheet and shake

protector against it up.

(ZA its crease. iz ) MNCS. OA SNe Wo 7 yi JM WA IRIE 9 py py SWZ aa 5 Have friends time each other to see who can be the quickest to spy all the items! For new challenges, switch trinkets and key card to another theme, such as animals or nature.

TUE ZZ EW 24 Brilliant Star we VOL.49 NO.4

[Page 25]‘ABDU'L-BAHA’S JOYFUL SERVICE

“Service to humanity is service to God.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

41 A bdu'-Baha entered ‘Akka, Israel, as a prisoner when he was 24. His father, Baha’u'llah, had been sent there by officials who were seeking to end the Baha'i Faith. When Baha'u'llah passed away in 1892, in His will He named ‘Abdu'l-Baha, who was then 48, as the Faith's leader.

‘Abdu'l-Baha guided Baha'ts around the world and helped people in need. Often, about 100 of the poor and sick from many faiths gathered at his home. ‘Abdu'l-Baha gave each person a coin, a kind word, and a gentle touch. He knew them all and asked about their families. He visited the sick in their homes. Since there was no hospital, he paid a doctor to care for the very poor.

One young man was so ill with tuberculosis that he rarely saw his friends and family. His food was brought by a servant, and he was left to care for himself. When ‘Abdu'l-Baha heard of this, he visited the man daily, took him food, read to him, and was with him when he died.

Not everyone he helped was grateful. A poor man named Haji Siddiq was so hostile toward ‘Abdu'l-Baha that he held his robe in front of his face so he wouldn't have to see him when they passed in public. He criticized ‘Abdu'l-Baha to others. But ‘Abdu'l-Baha responded with kindness. He sent Haji Siddiq food and clothing. The man took them without thanks. When he was sick, ‘Abdu'l-Baha brought him a doctor and medicine, but even then, Haji Siddiq held his cloak in front of his face to avoid looking at him.

For 24 years, ‘Abdu'l-Baha showered Haji Siddiq with generosity and was met with spite. But one day, Haji Siddiq had an amazing change of heart. He came to ‘Abdu'l-Baha's door and fell at his feet, weeping. “Forgive me, sir!” he cried. “For 24 years Ihave done evil to you, and for 24 years you have been good to me. Now I know that I have been

‘Abdu'l-Baha in New Hampshire, U.S., during his 1912 journey to North America

in the wrong.” ‘Abdu'l-Baha forgave him, and they became friends.

‘Abdu'l-Baha lived very simply. He wore inex- pensive clothes, and if he received a gift of costly clothing, he gave it away.

Once when his wife, Munirih Khanum, was going on a journey, she was afraid that he would give away his only cloak while she was gone. She gave a second cloak for him to her daughter. But after she left, ‘Abdu'l-Baha asked his daughter, “Have I another cloak?"

She admitted that he did. ‘Abdu'l-Baha said, “How could I be happy having two cloaks, knowing that there are those that have none?” He gave the second cloak away.

‘Abdu'l-Baha did all of these deeds with a joyful heart. After he was freed from ‘Akka, he traveled to the West to share the Baha’ teachings. At a talk in New York, USS., in 1912, he said, “I was happy in imprisonment ... Nobody who saw me imagined that I was in prison. They beheld me in the utmost joy, complete thankfulness and health, paying no attention to the prison.”

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s quotations about the cloak are from a visitor's account

and may not reflect his exact words.

25

voL.49 N04 x Brilliant Star [Page 26]‘SHINING LAMP

Roy Wilhelm 11875-1951) By Gail Radley

a“

trange if true,” Roy Wilhelm wrote on the

article his mother sent him around 1898.

It told about ‘Abdu'l-Baha, the leader of the Baha'i Faith.

Since Roy's teen years, his mother had searched for Jesus Christ's return. Now she had become a Baha’t. She believed that the Faith's founder, Baha'u'llah, was the return of Christ's spirit. But Roy was sure that the Faith wasn't for him.

In 1900, when Roy was about 25, he moved to New York. He worked for his father’s coffee import- ing company. One evening, he had a surprising vision: a Man with a long black beard, dressed in robes, put His ring on Roy's finger and put Roy’s ring on His own finger. Roy was stunned. He didn't tell anyone what happened.

Life-Changing Experience

In 1907 Roy's mother asked him to go with her to meet ‘Abdu'l-Baha in what is now Israel. There Roy saw the same room as in his vision—Baha'ullah's room. Shaken, he shared the vision with ‘Abdu'l-Baha, who told him that Baha’ullah had wedded him to His Faith. From. then on, Roy was a devoted Bahai. He wrote, "Nowhere have I witnessed such love, such perfect harmony.”

He returned home eager to tell others about the Faith. One of those was Martha Root, a reporter. Martha became a Baha'i in 1909, and they began a lifelong friendship.

By then, Roy and his parents were living in New Jersey. When ‘Abdu'l-Baha visited the United States and Canada in 1912, he hosted a “unity feast” among the trees on the Wilhelms’ property. About 450 people

of many races and backgrounds attended the joyful gathering. The event is still celebrated today as the “Souvenir Picnic.” Roy later donated his New Jersey property to the Baha'ts.

Friendship and Service

In 1913, Roy, his parents, and Martha took a month-long road trip, camping throughout New England. Fun, beauty, and adventure cemented the bond between all four. The following year, Martha began traveling the world to share the Faith. Roy wrote of her introducing the Faith to “so many tens of thousands over so many corners of the earth. I sometimes think my chief reason for being born was to get Martha started.”

She often wrote to Roy. Sometimes she sent gifts—a pair of silver cufflinks or a rock for his wall or fireplace. Roy generously sent money to help her continue. Little was written about the Faith then. Roy created two pamphlets explaining the Faith and had thousands printed. They were translated into various languages, and Martha used them wherever she went.

From 1909 to 1946, in every year but one, Roy served on the councils that guided Bahai activity throughout the nation. Over time, he received many messages from ‘Abdu'l-Baha and his grand- son, Shoghi Effendi. ‘Abdu'l-Baha wrote to Roy, “I am extremely pleased with you because you are a true Baha’. Your house is My house; there is no difference whatsoever between yours and Mine.”

When Roy died in 1951, Shoghi Effendi honored him with the title of Hand of the Cause of God.* The world was richer for Roy's friendship and service.

Brilliant Star ¥% vo1.49 No4

26

A Hand of the Cause of God served the Baha'i community in significant

ways, including encouraging others in teaching and protecting the Faith. [Page 27]Ae WHAT po YOU say? e

our journey through the adventure of life breaths. When you're calm, talk to the person about is full of exciting twists and turns. But how you feel. Find out if something is bothering sometimes there’s a painful bump in the road. them—maybe they didn’t intend to be unkind. Maybe a sibling is mean or a friend doesn’t show Resolving problems with respect can get you up when they said they would. back on track and make your path a little more

It’s natural to feel mad and hurt. But take a few __ peaceful.

fq L.CAN’T BELIEVE I HAVE TO 70 DISHES FOR YOU AGAIN. YOU ALWAYS CET YOUR WAV! : Curae? THANKS FOR YOUR

AN EXTRA HELP. I PITCH IN WHEN PRACTICE. VL [gg] YOU HAVE CHESS

UB, REMEMBER? NEXTWEEK | L_ CUB RENENPER? |

WRITE WHAT YOU WoULD Say:

HARSH FOR SURE! BUT DUDE! YOU CAN'T FLY YMSTOKED I [og] IF YOU DON'T TRY.

DIDN'T BREAK LET NE SEE THE PIC. ANYTHING.

WRITE WHAT YOU WoULD SAY:

NEW STRINGS T’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO COST MONEY. YOU FIX THE STRING, BUT NEED TOPAYME | OR] YOU HAVE TO ASK ME BACK FOR THEM. BEFORE YOU PLAY.

WRITE WHAT YOU WouLD Say:

vo..49 No.4 w& Brilliant Star 27 [Page 28]"S CORNER

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Look for clues throughout the magazine.

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“ shy mi v

\ ‘1. These big-hearted creatures offer comfort to their

friends when they're upset. (p. 10)

5. Randie says to build friendships, let people know you care by to them. (p. 23)

6. Go on a quest to your neighborhood with surprise acts of kindness. (p. 19)

7. Finding ground builds connections and opens doors to friendship. (p. 2)

12. It takes for friendships to develop. (p. 29) 13. Appreciate and support your teammates by pointing out their -(p. 6)

14. When you zoom in on someone's traits, you can see your friendship in a new light. (p. 12)

15. In experiments, it helps to have superb observation skills. (p. 24)

[Brilliant Star] makes me feel happy,

because | am learning so much more

about the Faith and other things. [For a theme, I'd choose] being kind to one another. Because kindness is a very important virtue, and we should practice it every day. —Arshan Y., age 10,

Western Australia, Australia

11. In Israel, Roy Wilhelm saw the same room as in his

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2. The ability to see things from another person’s point of view and understand their feelings (p. 8)

3. Liam and Anneliese say is one quality a good friend should have. (pp. 17, 18)

4. ‘Abdu'l-Baha helped people in need. He shared money, food, and clothes, including his own -(p. 25) 8. Being can improve your energy, concentration,

memory, and creativity. (p. 11)

9. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and -(p. 20)

10. Treat others the way you want to be treated—with

and kindness. (p. 13)

(p. 26)

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: Surfboards TL, BL; One World Page 10:KandT at TL, Sat TC, G at TR, shi: TL, BC; Fisbees:TL, CR; Books. TC, Fal BR, Cand atBC, Lal BL, Dat C. CL; Music: TC, BL; Cameras: TC, BC; Heart "Show forth the utmost loving-kindness sunglasses TR CL; Skateboards: TR, C; to every ving creature”

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heart...” Pages 20-21: A) Ran a marathon; £) B and C Fa.)3.8)40)5 088) 1.7,62 (Goong Sarandtieon)

28 Brilliant Star % voL49 No4

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“The sweet taste of the love of God will linger on to the end that hath no end.” = 'Abdu'l-Baha i &:- x u i 7

@ and treats may taste delicious, but did youknow —_you're feeling cheerful or have a new video game to play together,

a that they often have artificial ingredients? Chemicals _ they might not be a true friend. With a true friend, you can be give some candies their bright colors and enticing flavors—and —_ yourself. They'll listen if you're sad, be patient if you're grouchy, and tel they may not be good for you. cheer for you when you succeed. You'll do the same for them. y Ina similar way, friendships can be artificial, or they can be Ittakes time for friendships to develop. When they're sprinkled _*

genuinely sweet. If someone only wants to hang out with youwhen _ with trust, love, and forgiveness, they add endless sweetness tote a

9.

[Page 30]“Form those bonds of true friendship that befit companions on a spiritual journey.”

—Baha’i Writings

Brilliant Star

True Friendship - VOL. 49 No.4

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES Vy

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