What a waste of time
What a waste of talent
To confine a person with so many gifts
And why?
Because he cares about the education of the next generation
Because he cares about good morals and serving one’s community
Because he wants to spread joy and love
And for these reasons he must be confined
What an utter waste of talent and time
February 10th, 2023
For Afif Naimi who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Iran for being a Baha’i 
The suspense is over
You got the prize
It’s seven years
Seven years of sacrifice
And as they hand you the trophy
You smile and give thanks
That you have won yet again
This is the second time
Some will say
This is not a prize
How can it be?
They can’t see the medal
The standing ovation
Or the podium you stand on
But in your heart you know
This is better than any recognition you could have got
Your face is serene
Your heart is full of love
You gladly accept this honor
And what is to come
February 8th, 2023
Dear Afif Naimi, a former member of the leadership of the Baha’i community in Iran, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after having already spent ten years there in the past.
What do you do when you want to go out and there is nowhere to go?
The stores are closed
It’s cold outside
Can’t visit friends
Can’t write in a coffee shop
It feels a little like a prison to me
But it’s also far from a prison’s reality
I feel ashamed to complain
When others spent years in prison and did not complain
I’m complaining about a few days of lockdown
Although I’m still in touch with my friends around the world
Although I can leave the house if I want
Although I’m not being held against my will
So, in reality I have nothing to complain about
We are creatures that seek comfort and ease
We wish to have our way in things
Freedom to go where we want and do what we want is paramount
The emphasis is on me and I
We need to step back and look at the big picture
We need to think about what others need
We need to be of service to humanity
Comfort and ease will pass
What remains is the lessons we’ve learned
The service we’ve rendered
The souls we’ve touched
What remains after we leave this world
Is hopefully our vibrant spirit tried in the trials of life
And purified in the fire of adversity
These are the things I need to remind myself of again and again
Remember the example others have set
And at the very least, complain less
December 27th, 2020
*The prisoners referred to here are people who were in prison because of their Faith, members of the Baha’i community in Iran.
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