We all have teachers. Some are dazzling in their acts of kindness; others seem like real life monsters masquerading as friends, relatives, neighbors, repair people, or business associates. We’ve met them all. Their energy has raised us up or brought us to our knees, yet each one was paired with our soul to help us learn whatever lessons we’ve come here to learn. Read the rest of this entry »
Last weekend I spent the evening with a friend and her parents, a lovely couple who have recently retired from work, but certainly not from life.
We talked about terrorism, and the fear that has touched the heart of so many of our world’s citizens, Americans in particular. Because I have lived overseas for nearly seven years, my view of the world is quite different from theirs. I see terrorism as not a single religious issue, but one that has been practiced worldwide by followers of nearly every religious group.
They asked me about my experiences living in a predominately Muslim country and if I am afraid of Muslims. I laughed and cried inside, not at them, but at fear that would make anyone afraid of millions of people. Rather than argue a point that many can not hear, I told them a story that reflects my personal experience with Muslims from every strata of society.
I left Egypt in the wee hours of the morning. The building I lived in was serviced by four guards who worked shifts, as well as a gardener, and a man who cleans the stairways and entrance to the building. When my ride arrived, I was deeply touched to see that everyone had all come to say goodbye. After loading my luggage into the van, they lined up in front of the building to wave goodbye. Tears streamed down their faces and mine.
Email, and an occasional international phone call, keeps me in touch with other friends from Egypt who always begin or end our conversation with exclamations of “Jeanne. I miss you too much!” Each time I return to Egypt, I am embraced by their love, their hospitality and their kindness. These are the Muslim’s I know. I Am Happier to Know You will introduce you to them, too.
Copyright©2008 by Jeanne M. Eck. All rights reserved. For permission to duplicate this article, kindly contact the author via her website at: www.Iamhappiertoknowyou.com. While you’re there, be sure to check out information about her award-winning book I Am Happier to Know You.
My friends are of every age, but when I’m surrounded by those who, like me, are babyboomers, conversations often switch to the deterioration of our bodies rather than to the vitality of our minds and hearts. Read the rest of this entry »
I was in a shop last week. I spend a lot of time and money there. The owner has become a dear friend. When she’s free, we sit and chat over coffee. Read the rest of this entry »
We’re all afraid of something. Most of us are afraid of many things: exposing who we truly are, loss, not being loved by those we love, feeling unsafe, feeling that we’re not in control, and the universal fear of change.