Some think that the body is the substance and exists by itself, and that the spirit is accidental and depends upon the substance of the body, although, on the contrary, the rational soul is the substance, and the body depends upon it. If the accident — that is to say, the body — be destroyed, the substance, the spirit, remains.
—From the Baha’i Scriptures

As a result of my present life circumstances, I am truly living what seems to be an upside-down life, with the evolution of the soul now placed at the forefront, as my primary desire. I must begin the second half of my life by taking a step back from the world of appearances to enter the abode of God’s love for me – there will I find all I need for true happiness. I am taking this on faith, since I often fall into fear, loneliness, self-doubt and want to take control of my life, rather than wait for God’s guidance and assistance. At these times, I take solace in the Baha’i Faith, which has given me tremendous insight into the nature of reality and my purpose here amongst the living.
I became a Baha’i at the Nelsons’ Fireside on the eve of last Thanksgiving, 2010, so this year’s Thornton Chase Memorial, commemorating the 100th year anniversary of his death (last Sunday, September 25th ), was my very first. The weather was perfect, the speakers were inspirational, the prayers were powerful, but I was especially moved by the music. It was through the artistry of Sandy Simmons-Williams, Jamie Findley, Walter Heath, Tim McLane, two friends from the Orange County/San Diego communities and the LA Baha’i Center Choir that I truly felt, to the depths of my soul, the sacredness of this hallowed ground, which Abdu’l-Bahá called the most sacred spot in North America. Indeed, by the end of this joyous occasion, I walked away with an insight into the path that Baha’u’llah is calling me to walk – one of service to God and the Faith through music. I can truly say, without hyperbole, that this event marked a turning point of profound impact for me.
I take inspiration not only from the life of service and sacrifice which Thornton Chase embodied, but also the living examples of Baha’is such as Wilma Ellis-Kazemzadeh, who spoke with such love and humor about the fact that Thornton Chase’s first name was James Brown! The joyous laughter continued later that evening at the Los Angeles Baha’i Center, where we were entertained with Rainn Wilson’s irreverent humor. Such living examples of the Baha’i Faith show me how daily life can be elevated to the level of actual embodiment of the prayers and writings of the Faith – through service, love, good will, music and laughter.
I came away from this celebration feeling uplifted, inspired and empowered to continue the journey inward which the Baha’i Faith entreats me to do. This is sometimes a daunting task, but through so much love, inspiration and powerful prayers, and with the holy ground where Abdu’l-Bahá actually walked so near, I feel supported in my desire to serve the Faith as so many, both living and in the next worlds, are doing every day. God, please help me to remember that I may call upon the guidance of Thornton Chase and the Concourse in times of hardship, fear and despair, and I know that they are there to help and guide me.

Lee Ann Edwards
September 27, 2011