Image: Close-up of book cover, copyright Susanne M. Alexander
Susanne M. Alexander, Chair of the Wilmette Institute’s Relationships, Marriage, and Family Department has authored a new book: Be Brave and Arise: My Life Quest As a Bahá’í Man. She says the book accompanies men ages 15 and up, single or married, in being warriors of the light and striving for excellence. This can include marriage and family, but it’s not a “relationship book.” Here is a thematic quotation:
“When his life is oriented toward service to Bahá’u’lláh, and when every conscious act is performed within this frame of reference, he will not fail to achieve the true purpose of his life.”
On behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual, February 5, 1992
“I’ve been watching men in the Bahá’í community and in the wider world be challenged in their lives, health, choices, and relationships,” says Alexander. “I want to encourage and inspire them to strive for excellence with self-respect and confidence.” One young man offered to be an advance reader for the book. This was his response:
“When I hear ‘Be Brave’ I feel empowered and ennobled. It honors the weight of the dark forces I face in the world each day, as we are truly heading out into a horrific and dangerous battlefield. Nothing other than true heroism, self-effacement, fearlessness, and ultimate detachment seem to be called for in this day when the forces of darkness think they are winning the battle of life.”
“The call to be brave and arise also tells me that I have great opportunity for heroism, and for achieving our ultimate objective which is nearness to God. I appreciate that someone believes I can handle the raw truth and has faith in my inner strength. It’s a call to arise to something greater than myself, regardless of what I perceive my strengths to be, and it’s a call to nobility. And that empowers me. The content of this book is a call to the Kingdom, a call to pass through this earthly battlefield and come out on the other side, to the other realm, having gained the tools I will need for the rest of a mighty journey.”
The book contains:
*spiritual guidance from the Bahá’í Faith and other sources,
*a lot of real sharing and experiences of men,
*practical actions to take, and
*questions for reflection.
Fulfilling a life quest as a spiritual man results in: self-respect and respect from others; character strength and confidence; physical, sexual, mental, emotional, and spiritual health; clear aspirations and goals; contributing to others through work and service; building community; and healthy, unified friendships, marriage, and family.
Copies of the book are available through Susanne’s website, the US Bahá’í Distribution Service, and your favorite online bookstore around the world.
