Rani Consults with her Local Spiritual Assembly

Rani Consults with her Local Spiritual Assembly

Rani and her Mom are sitting on a comfortable couch. Rani is dressed in her favourite outfit, because tonight, she is meeting with the Local Spiritual Assembly.

“Now remember,” Mom says, “you’re meeting with the Assembly alone.”

“Why?” Rani asks.

“Because your conversation is private, between you and the Assembly.”

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“But Dad is a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly,” Rani says, “and can tell you all about it.”

“You’re right, he can tell me,” Mom says. “But he shouldn’t. I will only know what you tell me.”

Just then, the door to the meeting room opens.

“Alláh-u-Abhá, Rani!” says Mrs. Bolouri. “Please come in. The Assembly is eager to meet with you!”

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Rani walks into the meeting room, where all nine members of the Assembly,

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wearing big smiles, are standing… just to greet her!

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“Welcome, Rani,” says Mrs. Bolouri. “The Local Spiritual Assembly is so happy to receive you! Please, have a seat.”

Rani sits in the one empty chair.

“As you know,” Mrs. Bolouri continues, “I am the chairperson of the Assembly. I will be guiding this consultation, as per the guidance and wishes of the Assembly. Let’s start with prayers!”

Prayers are shared by some members of the Assembly. Rani recognises them all as prayers for children. She, too, shares a prayer, but hers is about unity. She hopes the Assembly members won’t mind.

“Thank you,” Mrs. Bolouri says, smiling at her. “It’s so nice to have you here, dear Rani. I have shared with the Assembly the main points of our conversation, but we would appreciate if you could share your concerns with us again today, please.

After that, the members of the Assembly might have clarifying questions to ask you.

After questions, we will bring out some of the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, or the Universal House of Justice, to help enlighten our consultation and figure out the best approach to take. The Assembly will continue consulting after you leave and make some decisions. I will call you in a few days to follow-up with you. Does that sound good?”

Rani isn’t too sure; it’s a lot of information, and her mind is a little jumbled. So she just nods.

Mrs. Bolouri is still smiling. “All right then. Dear Rani, whenever you are ready, you can share with us the reason you are here.”

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End of this sample.

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