Forward to the book
This story is inspired by the teachings of the poet Rumi when he reminds us, “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” One of the hardest lessons we all must learn is that we are indeed fully equipped to traverse life’s many twists and turns. The Light Inside is an effort to convey this teaching from an early age. A parent always wants a child to be completely enveloped in love and safety. Parents want this for all children, not just their own. Many children do not know the truly perfect gift they are to the universe.
This book is an attempt to remind children that they are a mercy and a promise of hope to this world. Our world is changing, but our souls remain unchanged. An innate goodness exists in us. Every human was born in a natural state inclined towards good and in complete wholeness. We are worthy the minute we are born. We do not need to accomplish anything or earn anything to be worthy. We have already arrived. We are the inheritors of love on this earth. I pray your children read this book and know that. Please affirm this in your loved ones and remember it yourself as you flip through.
With the greatest love, thank you for sharing this book.
The Authors
Description
The volume may be just what parents are looking for – something to help their children identify with their innate beautiful inner selves rather than with the difficulties tied to the daily narrative of their lives. This exquisitely illustrated book delivers the most important message that children need to hear today: “You are whole. You are not lost or incomplete. You need to simply be aware of your own inner Light and innate Goodness to interpret the experiences of your life.”
Through the story of Inner Light, the book reminds children that they are equipped to find their path, even through anxiety or doubt. It’s a reminder that our natural state of goodness will undoubtedly guide us home, if we only remember it and follow its promptings.
This book will appeal to children of all ages as well as parents who want to create a framework of empowerment for their children. Children ages 4-12 may benefit most when introduced to the idea that their inner light is like a compass that guides their lives. Parents particularly interested in grounded mindfulness, spirituality, or introspection may find this book helpful in raising their children.
Contributor Biographical Information
Faria Abedin (Author)
Faria holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Computer Science from The Johns Hopkins University. Faria currently works for Bayan Tours, an organization that curates travel experiences centered on Islamic history and heritage. She has been involved in numerous philanthropic and community outreach efforts.
Yasmin Elhady (Author)
Yasmin Elhady is a mother, attorney, and comedian. She has spent her career in public service and can be found on social media connecting hearts and making people laugh. This book captures many of the affirmations she has instilled in her children from a young age.
Demi (Illustrator)
Demi came from a long line of famous Boston artists which included both her mother and grandfather. Her great-grand-uncle, Richard Morris Hunt, in fact, founded and directed the American Institute of Architects – himself designing the base of the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.
A Fulbright Scholar, Demi is the award-winning author of over 300 bestselling children’s books, including Jesus, Al-Ghazali, Rumi, Muhammed, Cyrus the Great, The Psalms of David, and Saint Francis of Assisi. Her titles have sold over five million copies. Both Gandhi and The Nightingale were named New York Times Best Illustrated Books. Major exhibitions of her work have been held in numerous museums in the US, including the Los Angeles County Museum and the Time/Life Gallery in New York City.
