Seeds of Spiritual Curiosity 

I was born in the East End of London. My family weren’t religious at all, though my older brother had been christened and I can remember wishing that I had been too. I’d found an old Bible in the house one day, and used to read it in the garden, its pages calling out to my youthful curiosity. I also used to wear a St. Christopher necklace around my neck, believing that it would keep me safe when travelling. As I got older these things were forgotten about. I moved with my family to the northeast of Scotland when I was an adolescent. Religion remained a peripheral aspect in my life, something observed from afar during occasional church visits for weddings or other ceremonies. My own spiritual journey remained dormant, buried beneath the concerns of school, work, and socialising. 

The Evangelical Influence 

Fate had other plans in store for me, and it was through the unexpected transformation of my family that the first seeds of spiritual exploration were sown. It began with my uncle’s newfound devotion to Christianity.  Suddenly, the once-distant concept of faith became a very real presence in our lives, as my uncle’s evangelical zeal engulfed us all. 

As my uncle embraced Christianity, I found myself drawn into the intense atmosphere that now surrounded us. But it was a path that never quite felt right to me. My uncle’s beliefs, with the stark warnings of damnation, left me feeling unsettled. The fear of hellfire and the constant talk of demons felt overwhelming and far removed from the path I was seeking. 

Seeking a Different Path 

It was during this tumultuous time that I first encountered the Bahá’í Faith when I was 20, through my brother. 

My brother had made some Bahá’í friends and declared. It was intriguing because he seemed genuinely transformed. He was more at peace and less caught up in the chaos of the world around us.  

There was such a contrast between my uncle’s intense evangelical preaching and my brother’s newfound sense of inner peace.  

His journey seemed to spark something within me, although I didn’t fully understand it at the time. 

He began inviting me to meet other Bahá’ís.  I attended a summer school and instantly became best friends with another young Bahá’í, Beth. It was at these events that I met my future husband, Ian. 

I found myself spending more time with the Bahá’ís, attending gatherings, firesides, and forming meaningful connections. 

Community and Belonging 

I wasn’t actively seeking spirituality, but I couldn’t deny the positive changes I witnessed in my brother and the sense of community I felt among the Bahá’ís. 

One of the most impactful aspects of my journey was the acceptance I found among the Bahá’ís. Unlike any other group I had encountered, they were always welcoming and inclusive, regardless of my background or beliefs. 

There was a genuine warmth that resonated deeply with me and made me feel like I belonged. 

Despite feeling drawn to the Faith, I hesitated to formally declare. There were moments of uncertainty and wondering why I hadn’t taken the step yet. I recall once in my bedroom agonising over if I should accept the Faith or not – but at that point nobody had asked me formally to declare. 

Grandmother’s Guidance 

By 1990, the friendship between Ian and I had evolved into a relationship. Seeking the consent of his family, a concept that felt somewhat alien to me, I flew to Malaysia.  

During this visit, I had the privilege of encountering Shirin Fozdar, Ian’s grandmother. Shirin exuded audacity and a charisma that left a lasting impression on me. Her unwavering dedication to the causes of women’s rights resonated most deeply.  

I was a young British girl and from a totally different background to her, but she befriended me and showed me great kindness.  

She directly challenged me to confront my doubts and embrace what I already admired about the Faith. 

In Malaysia, amidst the warmth of Shirin’s guidance, I formally declared my belief in Bahá’u’lláh. 

Nurturing my spiritual growth 

After getting married in January 1991, Ian and I embarked on a journey that took us to different parts of the world, including Amsterdam. There, we found a vibrant Bahá’í community that welcomed us with open arms. Our home became a hub for gatherings, and fellowship, enriching our spiritual journey even further. It was during this time that my mother, through her own investigation, also declared as a Bahá’í. 

Reflecting on my early days as a Bahá’í, I realise that I didn’t have a structured approach to deepening my understanding of the Faith. Ian had provided me with a stack of Bahá’í literature to study, but in truth, my journey was more a process of learning the principles and trying putting them into practice in my daily life. 

Upon returning to Scotland, we continued to be involved in the Bahá’í community, despite the challenges of transitioning from a bustling city to a quieter rural setting. 

My father, initially hesitant about the family’s steady enlistment as Bahá’ís, eventually came to appreciate its positive impact, especially through the Ruhi Institute. 

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Lorrie Fozdar 

Ridvan 2024 

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