Brilliant Star/Volume 49/Issue 6/Text

[Page -1]

~ www. brilliantstarmag:

[Page 0]Amethel Parel-Sewell — EDITOR/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader —DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

Amy Renshaw — SENIOR EDITOR

i 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:

Bera Abel - Shayda Alsalihi - Shayan Bavar « Destiney Brown - Rhett Butler « Eileen Collins « Elsie Davis « Bahia Eady « Susan Engle - Layli Graham - Adib Julien - Darcy Malberg - Oisin Padilla Me Loughlin » Paul Nurnberg Katrina Ostrom - Layli Phillips « Hugo Rash + Myiti Sengstacke-Rice « Kamil Shafizadeh - Victoria Smalls Bruce Whitmore + Nancy Wong « Christopher Zamani

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted

By Lisa Blecker: Watercolor on pp. 13,19; photos on pp. 6-7

By Foad Ghorbani: Art on pp.10, 12

Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS By Amy Renshaw: 2, 3, 9, 1, 14, 20, 29

By Katie Bishop: 4, 8, 12, 13, 27 By Lisa Blecker: 6, 24 By Donna Price: 11,14, 19

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha'i Subscriber Service: Toll-tree: 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 ‘Alcontentin this magazine is copyrighted by the National Sprtual Assembly ofthe Band's ofthe U.S. o by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities 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'llah’s eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'lldh’s passing. Today, Baha'is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prej imination of all kinds.

lice and di

AVORITE FEATURES

Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace His Most Holy Book encourages spiritual growth.

Nur’s Nook

Make a cool wallet to stash your cash!

ley’s Rainforest How does cleanliness lift your s

We Are One

Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Lightning and Luna: Episode #79

Professor Prowd declares war on goodness.

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

Stargazer: Victoria Smalls Sharing her culture through art and education

Maya's Mysteries

Tips for staying calm when anger strikes

Shining Lamp: Robert S. Abbott He defended African Americans’ dignity and equality.

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

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

Navigate twists and turns on your career path.

ISSN 0884-3635 [Page 1]NEW DESTINATIONS

iA ey a Step Up to Success ‘| ARM /;) = Take action and achieve your dreams.

9 Your Gifts to Give

Celebrate and share your skills.

Magic of Elf-Control Tricks for tackling your tasks.

Quiz: Are You Smart about Screens? Balance screen time with face-to-face fun.

Life of the Bab: Childhood and Youth

He was remarkable from an early age.

Prayerful Paths

Practice turning to God for guidance.

Rhythm of the Roosters

Make your mornings something to crow about.

Space Ace

Space scientists answer your cosmic questions.

In the Spotlight

Focus on strengths instead of mistakes.

Iceberg of Success Dive deep to see the bigger picture.

DEAR FRIENDS,

How would you love to make a difference in the world? You might want to design amazing buildings or help cure illnesses in people or animals. Maybe you dream of becoming an artist or performer, bringing joy

and inspiration to others.

Whatever your plans, you can start acting on them now! The tips you learn when cooking with your family might one day help you open a bakery. Building robots after school could launch your career as an engineer.

In this issue, explore how the skills you develop today can help your spirit soar. See what's possible through the magic of self-control. Take off on an icy expedition, scaling new heights with perseverance. Make a wallet with Nur and get creative with money management. Quiz yourself on your screen-time smarts. And get to know Victoria Smalls, who shares African American culture and history in schools.

When we take time to strengthen our talents and abilities, we can use them to achieve our goals and brighten our communities.

LOVE, pei ANT oIKR

Skyline by Spectrum Studio, vet by id-work [Page 2]STEP UP TO SUCCESS

“Small steps, if they are regular and rapid, add up to a great distance traveled.” —Baha’i Writings

hat’s a big goal you'd love to achieve? Maybe you

want to be a team captain, do a service project, or make a video.

The most important first step is to write down your

Then break your goal into small, distinct steps. As you take the steps, you'll run into discouraging bumps. Make a plan for climbing past them. You can talk to family and friends and ask for help. One study found that 76% goal. Make sure the goal is clear and specific, so you'll know _of people who wrote down their goal and gave a friend when you complete it. For example, “Be a better runner” regular progress updates either achieved their goal or is too vague. Try “Finish a SK race.” Instead of “Start a were halfway there.

service project,” try “Assemble care packages of supplies

Each time you complete a step, celebrate. Have fun for a shelter.”

as you reach new heights and achieve your dreams. iy

< Friend | can update on my progress >

. <Club orgroup!canjoin> ~~

< Websites, videos, or books to help >

< If | feel like giving up, Ill do this instead >

< Skills and virtues | can develop >

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Brilliant Star % vo1.49 No6 [Page 3]hat things fill you with energy and make the hours fly by? You might love playing soccer, drawing

comics, or doing science experiments. That enthusiasm points to your natural talents, which are gifts from God.

Itcan take time to become aware of these strengths. Then we need to develop them. We also have to keep our self-confidence

jin balance. How do you stop your self-

ss p esteem from turning into selfishness? If

17, you're the best soccer player on your team, 3 share your skills with teammates. If you're great at drawing, have fun teaching your | siblings who want to learn.

We all bring valuable skills to the party of life. When we use them to the best of our ability and share them generously, it’s the greatest gift we can give.

s

og THESE PARTYING | COMPLETE 2 © PRESENTS ARE ff WORDS THAT es, CELEBRATING [HELP US USE OUR

WITH STYLE. SKILLS WISELY. F Lo ®

[Page 4]ABrief ; Timeline |

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

bene = FPS I 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'i 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

ASTTE x Pe a} Finally free to live in countryside homes.

of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes away at Bahji.

Baha’u'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace The Most Holy Book

ive deep into the ocean, and you'll

find thousands of fish gliding along the salty currents. The water carries

oxygen for their gills to breathe and nutrients to help their food grow. Fish

and all sea creatures rely on their habitat

for everything they need to thrive.

Baha’u'llah said that the laws of God are like the ocean, and we are like fish. Every Messenger of God brings new laws to guide and encourage us in our spiritual and moral growth. The teachings of Jesus are in the Bible. The Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, reveals teachings by the Prophet Muhammad. Baha'is follow the teachings revealed by Baha'u'llah, including those in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book.

Baha'u'llah announced His station as a Messenger of God in 1863. Baha'is wrote to Him with questions about the laws of the Faith, but the time wasn't right for Him to share them.

In 1868, Baha'u'llah was banished to the prison-city of ‘Akka, in what is now Israel. At first, He spent over two years confined to a prison cell. Then

In‘Akka, Baha'u'llah was confined to this prison for over two years.

The sea wall of ‘Aka, Israel, the site of Baha'u'llah’ final exile in 1868

Baha'u'llah and His family were moved and placed under house arrest. They lived in several homes in ‘Akka before finally crowding into a small house. There, in 1873, five years after His arrival in ‘Akka, Baha’u'llah revealed His laws in the Kitab-i-Aqdas.

Baha'u'llah shares laws about prayer and the Baha’ Fast, which starts at age 15. He gives us guidance about education, marriage, and family life. And He reveals laws that will keep the Bahai Faith united and establish a peaceful society. Shoghi Effendi, Baha'u'llah’s great-grandson, called the Kitab-i-Aqdas “unique and incomparable among the world’s sacred Scriptures.”

Baha'u'llah encouraged Baha'is to practice the Baha't laws with caution and wisdom. He said that the Kitab-i- Aqdas is not “a mere code of laws.” It is the Mother Book of the Faith. Its laws are “the breath of life unto all created things.” They are “the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples.”

4 Brilliant Star % vol.49 No.6

Images: © Baha’ International Community [Page 5]“My commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, and the keys of My mercy for My ereatures.”. —Bahé’u’llah

The Kitab-i-Aqdas encourages us with these laws for healthy, happy lives. Use the key to decode them.

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 28, vou.49 No.6 »& Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]Dollars & Sense: Moke J Duct Tipe wollet

“The pleasure and peace ... of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

ds and commercials make it seem like we need things you want. Is the item worth its price? Is the quality K specific products in order to be happy. But before good? Is there something else you'd enjoy a lot longer? you buy, think about if it’s a need or a want. Needs, If you decide to buy, compare prices from different

such as nutritious food and basic clothes, help youlivea _ sellers. Can you get the same thing for less, but without the healthy life. Wants are things you'd like to have that aren't + brand name? Can you get it used? Can you borrow the item?

really necessary—like candy, designer shoes, or anew When you practice the art of managing money, it’s electronic gadget. easier to make wise spending decisions. Get started with Take care of your needs first, then think about the this amazing homemade wallet.

[2 Youll Need

+ 2"(5.1cm) wide rolls of duct tape in two colors or patterns

+ ruler

scissors

84"x 11" (216x

27.9 cm) sheet of paper

IMMNKSE MONEY! Y WALLET HELPS INE NM eT

pen

1 Cut duct tape into four 9" x 2" (22.9 x 5.1m) 2. Stick sheets of duct tape together so top sheet strips, and lay them sticky sides up. Overlap is 44" (1.3 cm) below upper edge of bottom sheet. long edges '4" (.6 cm) to combine strips into one sheet. Repeat step with other tape color.

y sg &

6 Brilliant Star % voL49 No.6 [Page 7]3 _a)Fold upper edge of bottom sheet down along upper edge of top sheet. b) Flip over and fold lower edge of bottom sheet up along lower edge of top sheet.

together so top sheet is %2" (1.3 cm) below upper edge of bottom sheet.

7 For pocket, cut two 5" (12.7 cm) strips of tape and put sticky sides Fh res al

4 a)Center paper on sheet of tape. On tape, trace 8 a) Fold edges as in Step 3. b) Trim sides so pocket along paper's edges with pen. b) Cut on lines is 4" (10.2 cm) wide. so tape sheet is 8 4" (21.6 cm).

24

i

5 Fold wallet in half so long edges touch.

9 Place pocket at bottom and side edges of wallet. Use th" (1.3 cm) wide tape to secure pocket's interior edge. Use 1" (2.5 cm) wide tape strips to fold over and secure pocket’s side and bottom edges. Trim excess tape.

6 Cut3%"(8.9 cm) strip of tape. Cut in half lengthwise, so strips are 1" (2.5 cm) wide. Fold a strip along each side to secure wallet. Trim excess tape.

10 Fold wallet in half and finish outlining wallet’s edges with tape.

vo..49 No.6 & Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8].)

Clean Is Gool

id you know that staying

clean isn’t just about looking

good? It actually boosts your spiritual and physical health.

From doorknobs to your family pet, your hands pick up germs from everything you touch. Your skin is like a magic shield that stops germs from entering your body. But they can still get in and make you sick if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick from germs and bacteria and reduce the spread of colds and flu.

Being active is great for your health, but it also gives your two to four million sweat glands a workout. Sweat attracts bacteria that create unpleasant odors. It also mixes with

Curiosity Canopy

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dirt and oil on your scalp, making hair look greasy. Showering regularly washes away the smells and dirt that build up, so you feel fresh. Cleanliness around you is important, too. A cluttered, messy space leads to stress and distraction. A tidy room helps you focus. People also report sleeping better when they have clean sheets and make their beds each day.

Staying clean keeps you looking and feeling your best. The Baha’i writings say that being clean has “a powerful influence on the life of the spirit” and is “pleasing . . . in the sight of God.” So take the time to care for your body and your home, and see what a little extra cleanliness can do for you.

dD: you know? The ancient Greeks were the first to have modern showers. Water was pumped

through aqueducts into a series of pipes that led to

public bathhouses. Before that, if someone wanted a shower, they walked to the nearest waterfall!

Brilliant Star % vol.49 No.6

“Send down..

‘OREST

- from the clouds of Thy

mercy the rains of Thy healing...”

—Baha’u'llah

Explore & Soar: Are You Wise About Washing?

1. Soap is a modern invention. TRUE / FALSE

, oO 2. Washing hands with =a we a soap and water to =~ get rid of germs can <2 reduce the spread of colds and flu by up to 20%. TRUE / FALSE

3. Antibacterial soap works better than regular soap. TRUE / FALSE

4. Hot water works best for hand washing. TRUE / FALSE

a

. In the past, doctors didn't always wash hands before treating patients.

TRUE / FALSE

2

Experts recommend scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds when you wash. TRUE / FALSE

~

. In one study of over 3,500 people, the average hand- washing time was 10 seconds. TRUE / FALSE

Images: Girl by akrp, waterfall by Konstantinos Lagos, Alexander Mikhailov and alenaohneva [Page 9]f you're hungry and see a plate of your favorite chores, you work to get things done. You keep track cookies, you have to keep yourself from grabbing of your stuff instead of losing it. You respect others. a big handful and stuffing them in your mouth. When your family and friends can count on you, You can, because you've got the magic of self-control. and you can count on them, your community can do You use your wondrous power of self-control all magical things. Whether you're having celebrations the time. You make healthy choices. You can handle or doing service projects together, being reliable responsibility. When it’s time to study for a test or do makes life magnificent.

ai aw

f Some of these elves practice great self-contro

1. Use a to-do list anda to plan your activities and be aware of due dates.

}) 7)

} 2. Estimate how long each task will take, so you have enough tofinish.

5. When doing your homework, put phones and screens away and stay ina quiet place.

6. Each night, your stuff for the next day, so mornings aren't rushed.

7.Do the hard things when you have more

8. Talk to your family, friends, and teachers when you need encouragement or

9. Ifyou make a mistake, admit it. Then about what you learned from it.

MM 10. Take good of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and having fun outside.

vo..49 N06 % Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]“In all matters moderation is desirable.” —Baha’u'llah

omputers, tablets, and smartphones give us amazing access to facts, fun, and friends. But too much screen time can backfire. It can mess with your goals, schoolwork, and friendships. Using devices or social media too much can impact your emotions, too. You might compare yourself with others or feel sad because

you think you're missing out on something fun.

More than half of teens in one study said they spend too much time on their phones and have tried to cut back. Think about how to use your screens with moderation. Experiment with putting away the screens and doing things that involve

face-to-face fun!

8.1 talk to my parents if | see bullying or threats online. Often=3 - Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

9.1 can be happy even when | don’t have access to screens. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

10. | stick to our family’s rules about screen time limits. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 - Rarely=1

11. lask my parents before | share any personal information online.

1. If I'm playing games on a screen and friends ask me to go out and play, | go. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

4. | speak up if friends or family are ignoring me because they're focused on screens.

Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

2.1. do my homework without getting distracted by online activities or games.

Often=3 - Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

an hour before bedtime.

3. If I'm online and | see something in the news that worries me, | talk to my parents.

Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

SCORE

36-28 POINTS You practice wisdom and self-discipline in how you use electronic devices. Keep it up!

7. | put away electronic devices for

meals and family time.

27-20 POINTS — You're learning

from the quiz to boost your savvy.

5.| put away electronic devices at least

Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

6. | balance screen time with other activities, such as hobbies or sports. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

self-control about screen use. Try a tip

12. When I'm with friends, we talk or hang out instead of using screens. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

19-12 POINTS You may be overdoing screen time. Choose a few tips from the quiz to find a balance.

Brilliant Star % voi.49 No6

10 [Page 11]EXPLioRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AnD ITS CREATURES

a S Qa “All the members of this endless universe 2 E OME are linked one to another.” —Baha’i Writings )

OUR CONNECTIONS )

How does your smartphone know where you are? It talks to things in outer space! The U.S. Navstar system gives us Global Positioning System (GPS) data using 24 main satellites. They orbit 12,550 miles (20,200 km) above us. Your phone communicates with four satellites to calculate your location. GPS is used for airplane navigation, driverless cars, tracking migrating animals, shark warnings, and more!

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

PROTECTING OUR PLANET J

WOW, REALLY?

Each year, the area of tropical forest destroyed

STAY COOL Over 80% of wildfires are caused by people. Talk to an adult and make sure it’s safe before starting a campfire or cooking.

equals 15 million American football fields (30,900 sq. miles or 80,000 sq. km)!

Rhett Butler, a conservation journalist from California, founded Mongabay.com, an award-winning environmental news website, and kids.mongabay.com. Rhett’s passion for Earth takes him around the globe. He says, “We no longer have the excuse of saying we don’t know what's happening to the world’s rainforests, oceans, and wildlife . . .”

Pumas, found from Canada to Argentina, are also

Mont Blanc (White Mountain) is the highest mountain in Western Europe at 15,781 ft (4,810 m). Glaciers stretch along its slopes, but they're shrinking rapidly due to climate change. Unscramble the letters to find the two countries it’s in:

ECRNAF & YLATI &

known as cougars or panthers. They’re the second largest cats in the Americas, after jaguars. They're powerful jumpers and fast runners with sharp eye- sight. Fill in the blanks to find another name for them:

M U TAI 10 S$

Images: Satelite by SMC/GP, rainforest by lldo Frazao, Rhett Butler by Mongabay, mountain by ChrisPelle, animal by Evgeny555. ANSWERS ON PAGE 28,

Brilliant Star 41

[Page 12]A Brief

Timeline

The hife of the Bab

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

1819 October 20 Birth of the Bab in Shiraz, Iran

1842 August Marries Khadijih Bagum:

1843) Birth of their son, ‘Ahmad, who soon dies

Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Babi Faith

1844 December Announces His station while on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

1847 July

Imprisonment in the fortress of Mah-Ku (The Open Mountain)

1848 April 10 _| Transfer to the fortress of Chihriq, (The Grievous Mountain)

1848 July

Declares His mission to leaders in Tabriz,

Iran, and is punished with the bastinado

1850 July 9 The Bab is martyred in Tabriz, Iran.

life of the Bab: Chi

f you want to get a message to a

friend, you can easily text, call, or

video chat. But sharing news wasn't always so simple.

In Iran during the early 1800s, there was no electricity. It hadn't been invented yet. People delivered letters on foot or by horse. And you were lucky if you even knew how to write a letter! Many people lived in poverty and couldn't afford to go to school. Girls and women usually werent taught how to read and write.

Into this culture, a remarkable child was born on October 20, 1819, in Shiraz. His mother, Fatimih, and His father, Muhammad-Rida, were descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. They named Him ‘Ali-Muhammad, but He later took the name “the Bab,” which means “the Gate" in Arabic.

Serene and gentle, even as a baby, the Bab became known for His courteous and sweet character as He grew. His father died when He was young, and His uncle, Haji Mirza Siyyid ‘Alt, loved and raised Him like his own son. When the Bab went to school, He showed such extraordinary knowledge that His teacher took Him home and told His uncle, “He, verily, stands in no need of teachers such as I.”

The Bab's uncle sent Him back to school, telling Him to be silent and listen to His teacher. Still, He continued to reveal amazing wisdom. Even as a child, He was spiritual. On Fridays, when He joined His class on trips to the city’s gardens, instead of playing, He would often find a quiet, shady spot to pray and meditate.

The Qur'an Gate is a famous monument in Shiréz. Ina prayer, the Bab said that here He experienced “the evidences of Thy boundless grace.”

At 15, the Bab began work as a merchant in His uncle's business. Many people admired His humility and truthfulness. He moved to Bushihr to manage the business there, and His reputation for integrity and devotion grew. He gave large sums of money to charity to help others in need. Even in the burning summer heat, He spent hours every Friday praying and meditating on the roof of His house.

The Bab was about 23 when He married Khadijih-Bagum, whom He had known since childhood. She said, “No words can ever convey my wonderful feeling of good fortune.”

In 1844, when He was 25 years old, the Bab declared His mission as a Messenger of God. He prepared the world for another Messenger Who would soon appear—Baha'ullah. The Bab spent the next six years, the last of His brief life, sharing His teachings and inspiring many thousands, like the dawning light of a new day.

12 Brilliant Star % voL49 Noe [Page 13]Prayerful Poths

ave you ever faced a tough decision and struggled isn’t always clear. Investigate lots of options. You can talk with with what to do? Maybe you had an argument family and friends and write about your feelings in a journal. with a friend and you didn’t know how to resolve Prayer can also help. When we pray about a decision, we it. Or you landed a role in the school play, only to discover that © connect our hearts to God and ask for guidance. It may take rehearsals conflicted with band practice. time, but a new idea or a peaceful feeling may be signs that

Life is a journey that’s full of decisions, and the best path you're going in a positive direction.

READ THIS PRAYER, THEN CHECK OUT

Wet SAS ey eo aah O Thou Lord of wondrous grace!

ip“ upon us new blessings. Give to us the freshness of the spring. We are saplings which have been planted by the fingers of Thy bounty and have been formed out of the water and clay of Thy tender affection. We thirst for

the living waters of Thy favors and are dependent upon the outpourings of the clouds of Thy generosity. Abandon not

to itself this grove wherein our hopes aspire, nor withhold therefrom the showers of Thy loving-kindness. Grant that from the clouds of Thy mercy may fall copious rain so that

the trees of our lives may bring forth fruit and we may attain

the most cherished desire of our hearts. —‘Abdu'l-Bahd

DRAW ALINE FROM EACH WORD TO ITS DEFINITION.

1. Bestow A. Generosity

2. Bounty B. Abundant, more than enough

3. Outpourings C. Try to reach a lofty goal, strive

4. Aspire D. To reach or accomplish

5. Copious E. Loved, held close, dear een wee 6. Attain F. Something that streams out rapidly ott, 7. Cherished G. Give a gift

What is a “most cherished desire” of your heart?

What are some blessings that you're thankful for?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 vo..49 N06 % Brilliant Star 13 [Page 14]IT’S TIME TO REVEAL MY MASTER PLAN. PREPARE THE MEDIA BROADCAST!

YOU CAN'T SOLVE PROBLEMS LIKE POVERTY WITH GOOPNESS. YOU SOLVE THEM WITH MONEY.

ee AG

i\\

na!

IF YOU’REA “TECH MASTER,” PROVE IT...

FAITH \S FOR THE WEAK! MONEY AN? TECHNOLOGY ARE THE ONLY THINGS WE NEEV TO LEARN ABOUT.

LWANT ALL THE DATA FROM THAT POP. WATCH EVERY STEP HE MAKES!

IVECLARE WAR ON SCHOOLS, ILLUSIONS OF CHURCHES, COLLEGES, SO-CALLED LIBRARIES, AND ALL THOSE GOODNESS

WHO TEACH SPIRITUALITY! HOLD US BACK.

—— | ke iF J

HE THINKS MONEY CAN FIX EVERYTHING. HE’S SO WRONG!

NO WAY! WHAT WOULD THE WORLD 70 WITHOUT SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AN CHURCHES?

[Page 15]I’M WORRIED, THEY’RE STRONG. WITH ABOUT BRIVEET THE UPLIFTERS ON THE AN? BAXTE! CASE, IT’S THE ERASERS

iy

WHO SHOUL? WORRY!

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

IS IT TRUE THE BOSS LOCKED UP UPLIFTEKS? AREN’T THEY SUPER STRONG?

HEH! HE FINZS WAYS TO CONTROL THEIR POWERS.

OH. UH, COOL. YOU’ NEVER KNOW

THEY’RE IN THE DUNGEON RIGHT NEXT TO US.

[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: Basketball player

Virtue | admire most: Kindness

Hobbies or sports: Art, basketball, soccer, play[ing] games

Favorite Baha’i activities: Children’s classes

Anew skill I'd love to learn: I would love to run very fast, because you never know when it will help.

| like to help people by: Being friendly Place I'd love to visit:

Machu Picchu [in Peru]

A hero or role model: My sister

Important skills for a happy,

healthy life: Exercising, eating well

A meal |’d love to know

how to cook: a

Kebab

When | feel sad or worried, | Draw or think of sports

My favorite way to help

my family:

I like to do chores like the dishes, bring the groceries from our car into the house, and fold laundry.

Qualities | look for in

Age: 14

| want to be: An artist

This career interests me because:

I really like making things and drawing.

Virtue | admire most: Empathy...

Hobbies or sports: Eating and swimming and sometimes basketball

Favorite Baha'i activities: Singing Baha'i songs together, studying Baha’i history

A big challenge | faced: Moving to the U.S. [from China] and getting used to the culture. I handled it by doing lots of shopping and being around people...

Age: 11 | live in: lowa, U.S.

| want to be: A biologist or zoologist

This career interests me because:

Ican study animals... learn more about them and help them...

Virtue | admire most: as Willpower and when

people keep working to achieve inner beauty

N

| live in: Florida, U.S. >)

A hero or role model:

My parents , Anew skill I'd love to learn: How to dance really

well, because it would be fun

Important skills for a happy, healthy life:

Practice the virtues

and have good communication and organization skills

Qualities | look for in

a good friend:

Someone I can laugh with and have a good time and be myself with. We should be able to trust each other...

Favorite Baha'i activities: Children’s classes, holy days, 19-day Feast... and prayer time or devotionals*

llike to help people by: Trying to be a good influence to them...I also like to follow the Golden Rule and treat others with respect and dignity.

Ameal I'd love to know

how to cook:

Spicy chicken ramen, Indian dorcas, and spicy lamb curry...

Anew skill I'd love to learn: Karate... want to know how to defend myself, and also it sounds a little fun.

When | feel sad or worried, |: Take a deep breath,

) a good friend: ; A hero or role model: count to 10 in my head, Took for a friend who [Snowboarding and say positive things is funny and kind. champion] Chloe Kim to myself ani Photo of Bahia by Nancy Wont * Feast is a Baha'i community gathering with prayers, 16 Brilliant Star % voL49 No.6 ames a consulaton, and flowship. Devationals are gaherngs

for sharing prayers, holy writings, and music. [Page 17]Age: 10 I live in: Wicklow, Ireland | want to be: An actor

This career interests me because:

Ilove drama and telling stories. Hobbies or sports:

Playing ukulele and violin, video games, and making films

Favorite Baha’i activities: 19-day Feasts and Ayyam-i-Ha*

Place I'd love to visit: The Holy Land in Haifa, Israel

Anew skill I'd love to learn: How to play the guitar, because I love the sound and it’s a very well- known instrument

Hero or role model: ‘Abdu’l-Baha

Age: 10 | live in: Arizona, U.S. | want to be: A cop

This career interests me because

I want to fight crime and make the world a better place.

Virtue | admire most: Kindness

Favorite Baha'i activities: Helping the children’s class *

| like to help people by: Helping them learn from their mistakes

A hero or role model: My grandpa

A big challenge | faced: [Getting along with] my sister. I handle it

by just [putting myself] in her shoes.

Important skills for

a happy, healthy life: Self-control, conscientiousness, consultation, and cooking

When | feel sad or worried, |: Try to be patient with myself

Skills | try to bring toa group project:

Patience, enthusiasm, creativity, and... fun

My favorite way to help my family: Shopping for the house

Anew skill I'd love to learn To sew, [so] if Irip something, I [would] know how to sew it.

When | feel sad or worried, | Tell my mom, and she helps me go past it.

Skills | try to bring toa group project:

[I] listen to everybody’s ideas and work it out.

My favorite way to help my family:

Always listening > to them

SAT}

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: 13 | live in: Kentucky, U.S. | want to be: Orthodontist

This career interests

me because:

Iam on my second set of braces, and I feel that my experiences will help me be... empathetic...

Favorite Baha'i activities: Feast and Sunday classes

Important skills for a happy, healthy life: Self-discipline, patience, and forgiveness

A big challenge | faced: +

Virtue | admire most:

Humility

Hobbies or sports:

Ballet and piano. I have

trained in ballet since Being judged by my I was three. Last year, I classmates at... ballet. danced the main role of Iam hyperflexible, so *

Clarain The Nutcracker ittakes longer...

Ayydm-i-Hé isa festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Baha Fast.

...Lalso love playing piano...

Ameal I'd love to know how to cook:

Tiropita with tzatziki [Greek cheese pies with yogurt-cucumber sauce]. My maternal grandparents live in Greece...

1. If you're age 7-14, go to www. brilliantstarmagazine.org.

e

to build strength. Ihad to wait for another

six months after my friends to get on pointe (ballet shoes). I handled this by focusing on my strong points...

When | feel sad or worried, |: Listen to music and draw

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.

rh

. 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,

protected images (like school portraits).

low-resolution digital images, or copyright- x®

yoL.49 No.6 %& Brilliant Star

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

rt

17 [Page 18]*

Layli G.

> A hero or role model: y

Age: 11

I live in: My mom

Massachusetts, U.S. When | feel sad or worried, |:

| want to be: * Hug my mom, say

Amarine biologist prayers

This career interests me croup pec toa

because: 7

Ilove the ocean and Helpfulness and xb communication

want to take care of it.

Favorite Baha'i activities: [Unit] Convention* and Ayyam-i-Ha

My favorite way to help my family:

Taking my dog for a walk

Place I'd love to visit:

Chincoteague Island,

Qualities | look for ina

Seoini good friend: Virginia They make me laugh, Important skills fora happy, andIcanbe myself . . healthy life: Saying prayers, sharing, and being kind A big challenge | faced: e When I got injured, I stayed calm by holding things that comforted me. Kamil S. 2 4 Age: 9 Virtue | admire most: |live in: California, U.s, Honesty

Ahero or role model: »

| want to be: A cryptozoologist ee Myidad [studies creaturesthat A big challenge | faced:

are rumored to exist] [On] the first day of

This career i

school, I was nervous,

nterests me and I walked up to

because: FAITH vanlcantteschtaral someone. They said hi, explore different and we became best friends. parts of the world P AF cay ih When | feel sad or worried, |: Favorite Baha’ activities: 5 ’ [Grand Canyon Baha'i Bie) Graaf 00 Conference in] Arizona and ital iayetalirico cei lown

Anew skill

'd love to learn: ; - > How to doa backflip... Skills | try to bring toa

group project: Be nice to everybody

My favorite way to help

Bera A. Age: 10 I live in: lowa, U.S.

| want to be: Professional soccer player

This career interests me because

Ijust love the sport, Important skills for a happy, and I love running. healthy life:

Eat healthy, exercise,

Virtue | admire most: -* and study a ton

Bravery A big challenge | faced:

When I was away from my family, my sister’s eye got cut with a knife.

Favorite Baha'i activities: Art projects at children’s class

Place I'd love to visit: I prayed.

Africa! Mostly because When | feel sad or worried, | Soy Sn Tne CEMA ELLs Spend a lot of time

| like to help people by: in my room witha Making them feel prayer book. - important Qualities | look for in

My favorite way to help a good friend

my family: Someone that doesn’t Do chores for them make fun of others

Elsie D. ) Age: 9 - | live in: New York, U.S. - Lo.

| want to be: An author This career interests me

because: llike to create new worlds and characters. Anew skill I'd love to learn:

' To dance like the older

Virtue ladmire most: girls on pointe Justice kisbitesenarants Important skills for a

oo happy, healthy life:

[Rletisclas valeting, Eating good food, saying swimming. prayers, and practic[ing] Favorite Baha'i activities: virtues and qualities Celebrating holy days A big challenge | faced: Ahero or role model: Istood up for my friend

Elsie Austin [a Baha’i]** | when he was bullied.

When I feel sad or worried, |: My favorite way to * Take deep breaths and help my family:

18

Brilliant Star % vo1.49 No6

my family: drink a cup of water Doing what I’m told to, Cleaning the house Ameal I'd love to know and setting the table... Qualities | look for in a how to cook: Qualities | look for in good friend: Pasta carbonara, a good friend: Kindness and because it is one of Hope, encouragement, truthfulness my favorite dishes! and truthfulness

Photo of Bera by Nancy Wong * Unit Convention isa regional meting of Banas.

- Learn about Elsie Austin at brilliantstarmagazine.org/

atticles/shining-lamp-elsie-austin [Page 19]o-ko-ru-kooo! If you've ever lived near roosters, to reset your built-in clock. First, make sure you're getting you've heard their loud crowing at dawn. They're enough sleep. Most kids need 9-12 hours. When your alarm d | claiming their territory early in the day. Plants, goes offin the morning, don’t hit the snooze button. Just put Pele

animals, and humans have a built-in biological clock called your feet on the floor and stand up. Open the curtains for acircadian rhythm. It cycles about every 24 hours. It tells natural light, or turn on a light. Say a prayer. Then play your yy flowers to open, roosters to crow, and people to wake up. favorite music during your morning routine. Soon you'll be If you have trouble getting up in the morning, you may need wide awake and just as ready for the day as the roosters!

) WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?

[Page 20]ASHA SPACE SCIENTIST

Our uni i i ae vuestone andes sent thom some of the most mind-boggling are in space. Curious kid

, and we sent them to two space scientists. H i ” Send them to brilliant@usbne.org (with your name and wae) sueauestonsapousen’

How was our galaxy formed ina spiral shape? —Hugo, age 9

Hi, Hugo,

Scientists don’t fully know how the Milky Way galaxy was formed. But they know a lot about its structure from years

of study. [thas a disk shape with a bulging center and spiral arms. The bulging center contains the oldest stars in the galaxy. These stars were formed because gravity collapsed clouds of gas in the early universe. The spiral arms which orbit the center of the galaxy have younger stars. Our Sun is one of these younger stars.

But the origin of the spiral armsis less certain. They could be from smaller galaxies that merged with the Milky Way. They might be from near collisions with other galaxies. Scientists now use computers to better understand how galaxies form. Computers can simulate the universe evolving, from soon after the Big Bang until the present day. Spiral galaxies develop in these simulations over billions of years, through gravity and collisions. —Steve

Artist’s concept of our Milky Way galaxy, which has two major spiral arms extending from the ends of a central bar of stars. Between them are minor arms.

< In 1983, aboard the space shuttle Challenger,

Guy Bluford became the first African American to Ss fly in space. What did he do during the launch? A) Practiced magic tricks B) Counted backward from 1,000

C) Laughed and giggled with glee D) Sang the U.S. national anthem

20

Brilliant Star % vol.49 No.6

Images: NASA, NASAVJPL, NAS) a | INGWERS On PAGE 8 , NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC/Caltech), NASA/KSC [Page 21]Do the astronauts ever get scared to go to space? — Christopher, age 14

Hi, Christopher, Not really! In my case, | trained so much for each of my flights that | was extremely well prepared. | felt | was ready to handle anything! My confidence was soaring! But| will admit that | get scared when | watch alaunch. This is probably because when | watch a launch | am not doing anything, just watching. When you are inside the rocket, an astronaut is very busy running checklists, moving switches, checking systems, and making radio calls. It helps to be busy! One way to ease potential fears is to work together as a group. This is something astronauts must do to successfully complete a mission. We support each other and provide each other with a source of strength. As the mission commander, | want my crew to be 100% prepared for the launch. | want them to be focused on their duties, not worried about the launch. Therefore, | assure them of my confidence in them, as well as my confidence that our spacecraft was prepared by the best engineers and technicians in the world! —Eileen

e shuttle Discovery, ~Prmmanded by Eileen Collins (the first female shuttle

commander) in 2005

i Spa

Which planet is the hottest in our solar system? Its surface reaches 880°F (470°C), which

S

iS would melt lead. 8 SN

A) Mercury C) Zilizag B) Venus D) Jupiter

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. Watching the first astronaut launched into space inspired his interest in space exploration, and he enjoys sharing his enthusiasm about science and space with kids.

EILEEN COLLINS is a retired Air Force officer, pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. She flew in space four times, including the first mission to rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir (1995), the sixth docking flight with Mir (1997), the deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (1999), and the “Return to Flight” mission, which tested tools and techniques to keep the shuttle safely flying (2005). She is currently a consultant in the aerospace industry.

Check out our interview with Eileen at brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/eileen-collins

vo.49 No.6 # Brilliant Star a1 [Page 22]a jae) N < O pe <= 7)

Victoria Smalls

Q: What's your favorite childhood memory?

A: People coming to visit... our farm ... it was a great place for Baha'is who were traveling to come and stay or camp... My fondest ... memory growing up is being surrounded . .. by Baha'is from everywhere.

Q: Your parents had the first inter- racial marriage on St. Helena Island. Did they face racism?

A: In the Baha'i Faith, you [need] permission to get married ... My mother's . .. parents ... refused [at first, but] finally... granted her permission after two years of her asking. Some of her siblings disowned her . . . [My parents] couldn't get married in South Carolina. It was against the law... They [got] married in Michigan . . .

ave you ever felt like an outsider, even among people who

seem similar? Victoria Smalls grew up on St. Helena Island,

South Carolina, in the Gullah Geechee culture. Gullah people are descendants of Central and West Africans who were enslaved in the southern U.S. Their language combines African languages and English. When Victoria visited the nearest city seven miles away, she was “devastated” when people laughed at her way of speaking.

Victoria stayed strong. She became equally fluent in formal English and Gullah and earned a master's degree in education. While teaching, she began to express her Gullah heritage through her own paintings. In 2012, she went to work at Penn Center, an organization focused on Gullah culture.

She now combines her passions in her work for the Zinn

Education Project, visiting South Carolina schools to share African American history. Victoria lives on St. Helena Island with her daughter, Layla.

Left: On their farm on St. Helena Island, Victoria (age 13) helped her family raise most of their own food. Right: At 17, Victoria (no. 55) was a star varsity player on her high school basketball team.

Q: What was your most challenging experience when you were a kid, and how did you handle it?

A: | was... about 14... and on St. Helena Island, at that time .. . it was about 95-98% African-American Gullah people ... Even though my father is black and my mother is white . . . we never really faced any racism at all on the island... [But] | remember going into Beaufort [seven miles inland] ...and | spoke... in my Gullah accent, and someone laughed at me... | soon realized, oh, they are laughing at the way that | talk, and it hurt me so much... Being an African American . . . person on St. Helena Island is different from the experience just seven miles on the mainland . . . And the little Gullah girl wanted to come out so badly that | would stutter. . .

Brilliant Star % vol.49 No.6

Portrait and work photos by Paul Nurnberg; Basketball photo by Lynn Bryant [Page 23]Answers with an

Q: How does the Baha’i Faith influence you in your work?

A: There's not a time that | don't talk about the Faith when I'm doing a presentation ... When I'm talking about . . . anything regarding the Gullah culture... I'm always bringing in the Faith somehow ... It's just who | am ... Penn Center [was] ... one of two sites in the South where whites and blacks could come together during segregation . . . | talk about Baha'i. . . schools [held there] . .. That's where my parents met...

Q: What advice do you have for kids who want to be artists?

A: Create something every day. It doesn't matter if it's a stick figure, if you're cutting out images [from] a magazine and... making a collage, writing something... . Do something every day to help spark that, and don't keep it to yourself. Share it with someone.

Victoria encourages her kids to appreciate their culture. Left to right are Christopher, Layla, Julian, and Victoria in South Carolina in 2014.

In her former job as Director of History, Art and Culture at Penn Center, Victoria examined art depicting Penn Officials meeting with educator Booker T. Washington and others around the early 1900s.

What is something you find interesting about Gullah Geechee culture?

A:

Gullah Geechee people are the people that have most of their Africanisms still intact. They have much of their African culture... being passed on from generation to generation . . . So | feel like I'm one of those culture keepers to help keep the culture alive, because there are people that are still living the Gullah ways...

Why are you passionate about this culture?

When | was working at Penn Center, | realized so many people... [had]

never heard of the Gullah Geechee culture ... And there's so much beauty in it... The people are beautiful. They are welcoming . . . loving ... giving ...| like to educate people about things . . . that have not been told... but are so important . . . to the total story of America.

This issue of Brilliant Star is about life skills. What three skills are

most important for kids to develop?

Well, compassion, number one. [And] believing in yourself... And sharing

... Whenever we would grow crops... or... go fishing . . . [we would share with] the elders in the community ... My father... would go from house to house .. . and take them food . .. | had that happen to me four years ago when my 16-year-old [son] Julian passed away [after an illness in 2014]. A young person ... left a bag of squash and zucchini and vegetables on my doorstep, and .. . it reminded me of what my father did.

Read more about Victoria at brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/victoria-smalls

vo..49 No.6 # Brilliant Star

[Page 24]I’M FINDING COOL WAYS TO CHILL OUT!

“When our thoughts are filled with the bitterness of this world, let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of God’s compassion and He will send us heavenly calm!” —‘Abdu'L- Bale

=~) ME

FIND YOUR CALM WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

y friend spilled soda on my science project M after I'd asked her to be careful. I worked on the project for weeks! Even though it was an accident and she apologized, I got angry and almost lost my cool! But I took a walk outside instead. That helped me relax so we could talk it over peacefully. Everyone gets angry sometimes. It could be

because of something accidental. Anger can also be a helpful sign that something’s wrong and needs to

change. But how you handle those feelings is what matters most. If you hold anger inside, it could hurt your physical or mental health. If you let it out toward others, it could hurt them.

It helps to be prepared for how to calm down when anger strikes. I have a harder time staying calm when I see someone being mean or unfair. Experiment with my ideas below. See what works best in different situations, and try out some of your own. Stay cool!

MAYA’S TRANQUIL TIPS Unscramble words to discover ways to calm down when you feel frustrated or angry.

. Release negative energy 6. by getting (SRICEXEE)

going in and out of your nose.

. Find a safe, quiet spot to (LXAER) , such as a place in nature.

. (SREPESX)

feelings with dance or art.

. Say prayers, (TIEAMTDE)

or journal to help you think of solutions.

. Relax tense (CEULMSS) , such as in your shoulders and feet.

Brilliant Star % vo1.49 No6

24

Focus on your (RTAHBE) 8.

with a friend or parent.

Even when others are negative, stay hopeful and be (VTOIESPT)

slowly

Without backbiting, (ESHRA)

the situation 9. Listen to peaceful (USCMI)

or watch a funny movie.

. Take a soothing (WHSROE) or bath.

. (EVELA) the room for time out from

the upsetting situation.

. Garden or spend time with gentle (MNASAIL)

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 25]ig

|i | Mold

hen ee re acting in a play, it’s fun to have Ww an audience. But if you accidentally trip on

a busy sidewalk or drop your tray in a packed lunchroom, you wish you could turn invisible.

The feeling that every eye is on you when some- thing goes wrong is called the spotlight effect. Most of

us have felt that way, but research shows it’s an illusion.

| ert thiiih |

We overestimate how many people notice our blunders.

They're usually concerned about their own stuff. Everybody makes embarrassing mistakes. If

you get teased, try to laugh it off. Don’t replay your

mistake in your head or put yourself down. Focus on

your strengths and family and friends who support you,

and you may see the situation in a new light.

| N

[Page 26]i i ce A Baha'i who served humanity wih ain

By Susan Engle

lavery was abolished after the Civil War in

the US., but injustice against black people

was far from over. Into this hostile and turbulent atmosphere, Robert Sengstacke Abbott was born in Georgia in 1868. He faced bullying and discrimination, yet grew up to be a champion of unity.

A few months after Robert was born, his father, Thomas Abbott, died. His mother, Flora, cared for him on her own, in spite of relatives who wanted to take him away. When Robert was five, Flora married John Sengstacke. John loved Robert and taught him that all people are God's children in one human family.

After high school, Robert had a chance to attend the Juilliard School in New York with a vocal music scholarship, but he decided that prejudice would make it hard for him to earn a living. Instead, he eamed a law degree. But narrow-mindedness followed him—he couldn't get clients to hire him. Robert had studied printing in college, so he tured his energy toward journalism.

When Robert began the Chicago Defender in 1905 at age 37, he had 25 cents in his pocket. From this small beginning, the Defender grew into a popular publication that reported the hardships that African Americans suffered. Black citizens were beaten, shot, and killed by white people. Since most papers were written by whites, the stories of African Americans weren't told. But the Defender spoke up, even though Robert's life was threatened by racists.

The paper's slogan was “American race prejudice must be destroyed.”

Robert wanted to empower kids as well as adults. In 1921, he began a section for kids called the Defender Junior with its own kid editor who had a fictional name: Bud Billiken. Later, the Bud Billiken Parade was started in Chicago. It's now one of the largest annual parades in the US. In time, the Defender published 200,000 copies per issue and was read throughout the country.

In 1912, Robert attended a talk in Chicago on the oneness of humanity. The speaker was ‘Abdu'l-Baha, the leader of the Baha’ Faith at the time. After the meeting, ‘Abdu'l-Baha put his hand on Robert's head and told him that he would someday offer

“a service for the benefit of humanity."

Robert had read books about the Baha'i Faith and written articles about it. In 1934, he stood up before a roomful of Bahda’is and said, “I am identifying myself with this Cause and I go up with you or down with you. Anything for this Cause! Let it go out and remove the darkness everywhere. Save my people! Save America from herself!”

Just six years later, Robert Sengstacke Abbott died at age 71. The front page of the Chicago Defender announced, "He educated his race to demand their rights as men... His early life as a journalist and abolitionist against wrong was one of toil, poverty and hardship .. . Farewell, Chief, you have pointed to a star... may it give light to our weary feet along the pathway to hope...”

Brilliant Star % vo1.49 No6

26

Photo courtesy of Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, Chicago Defender Charities, Inc. [Page 27]FOL AS: _ = USS“(CEBERG or SUCLESS <

olccess or failure, gain or loss, must, therefore, depend upon man’s own exertions.” —Baha‘u'llah

magine sailing across a smooth, vast ocean,

when you suddenly spot something glittering

in the distance. As you carefully draw closer, you discover that it’s a mountain of ice the size of a 10-story building! With their incredible size, icebergs inspire awe and wonder. But we're only seeing a small piece of a very big picture. Up to 90% of an iceberg is actually under water!

Like an iceberg, success has a lot going on beneath the surface. When we watch friends do well on atest or score the game point, their achievements can look easy. But behind every moment of success are days of effort and practice that we don’t often see.

So don’t get discouraged if others soar with triumph while you struggle to stay afloat. You're only seeing the tip of their iceberg. Remember their challenges and celebrate their hard work. Their accomplishments can motivate you to keep climbing.

= |

a U} >- ;

co. \ E IE ’ =a

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 vo..49 No.6 w& Brilliant Star 27 [Page 28]O'S CORNER

SM

Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.

CO

3. When we use our skills to the best of our ability and share them generously, it’s the greatest we can give. (p. 3)

<<

4. When your family and friends can count on you, and you can count on them, your community can do

things. (p. 9)

6. Talk to people with jobs that are exciting to you, and ask lots of (p. 29)

10. When Robert S. Abbott began the Defender in 1905 at age 37, he had 25 cents in his pocket. (p. 26)

12. The Kitab-i-Aqdas encourages us to be kind to__. (p. 5)

14. Adib and Destiney both admire this virtue the most. (pp. 16, 17)

y

FROM OUR MAILBOX

What | like most about Brilliant Star is how it connects fun and activities with spiritual thoughts and connections. | also love the style and colors of illustrations that make the magazine what it is. The magazine makes me feel happy! It's fun and entertaining, and the best part is: it connects spiritual Baha'i qualities with it. —Shayan B., age 11, Massachusetts, U.S.

-Diahte.

WHY 70 ELVES MAKE GOOD LISTENERS?

BECAUSE & WE'RE ALL

EARS. 6x3)

1. Victoria believes these three life skills are most important: , believing in yourself, and sharing. (p. 23)

2. Focus on your support you. (p. 25)

5. Think about how to use your screens with ___. (p.10)

7. When setting a goal, break it into small, distinct

.(p. 2) 8. Up to 90% of an 9. Washing your

11. Our Milky Way arms. (p. 20)

13. Take care of your things you want. (p. 6)

and family and friends who

is actually under water! (p. 27)

thoroughly with soap is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. (p. 8)

has a disc shape with spiral

first, then think about the

We

dj

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

Page 3: 1) Bountiful Baskel, 2) Balanced Bo, 3) Caring Carton, 4) Joytul Ja 5) Grateful Git, 6) Peaceful Pouch, 7) Modest Mair, 8) Patent Package, 9) Trustworthy Tole Bag

Page 5: 1) Be friends with people o ll faiths.

2) Be kind to animals. 3) Pray every marning and right 4) Choose ajob—a craft rtrade—to focus on,

5) Working is spiral acti the sare as worship 6) Dontuse cohol or drug. 7) Dont backbit or gossip. 8) Get your pares consent before you mary.

Page 8:1) False, The earliest known soap is from 2800 BCE! It was made from fats, wood ash, and water. 2) True. It can also reduce stomach illness ty 30% 3) False, Theres no proof that antibacterial 0ap is beter. 4) False, The temperature ofthe water doesn't matter as long as you use soap.

5) Tue, The importance of hand washing has only been known far about 150 years! 6) True. 7) False. The average time was about six seconds!

Page 9:1) calendar, 2) me, 3) ass, 4) habit, 5) focused 6) organize, 7) energy, 8) help, 9) think, 10) care

Page 11: France & tay, Mountain ions Page 13:1) G,2)A,3)F,4)C,5)B,6)D, 7)E Pages 20 and 21: Cand B

Page 24:1) exercise, 2) relax, 3) Express, 4) meditate, 5) muscles, 6) breath 7) share, 8) postive, 9) musi, 40) shower, 11) Leave, 12) animals

Page 27, lft to right hope, strive, rowth,effor, consultation, initiative, reflection, determined, patience, learning, resilient, perseverance

Brilliant Star % voL49 No6

28

NN VN

[Page 29]aeMAZEing

. GAIRGER PATH GLIMD ADVENTURE

“Exar every offer to acquire the various branches of knowledge and true understanding.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha nyour life, you'll make lots of choices about how to use your Talk to people with jobs that are exciting to you, and ask Gis: tohelp the world. Finding a career path youlovecan _ lots of questions. Look for activities that can build your skills. bea steep challenge. Think about what excites you and which When doors open and opportunities feel right, you may be skills come naturally. Which classes or service projects get you _ seeing confirmations that you’re on a steady path. fired up? Do you love animals and want to save endangered There may be twists, turns, or even setbacks as you navigate i species? Maybe you’d like to study the stars and explore Your journey. You might slide into frustration or confusion. But

outer space. You might want to hike icy landscapes andseek _ stay strong — with perseverance, you can discover rewarding ~ solutions to climate change. work that warms your heart. N y

44 Ai S Help the friends reach the cabin. When you enter an ice patch, you can only slide straight across until - Y =; n.

vou.49 No.6 »& Brilliant Star 29 [Page 30]“The Force which energizes your mission is limitless in its range and incalculable in its potency.”

—Shoghi Effendi