Open Arms

I am not one who particularly enjoys posting on a ‘hot to trot’ topic like the ones currently trending on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook; but I feel that I have no choice given the hatred being spewed in oh- so -many directions.

There are some days where I just want to ignore the news outlets and pretend that we live in a world that sometimes doesn’t scare me.  But, then I log onto my lovely social media accounts and am {unfortunately} reminded that is not the current climate.

As you know, I am technically an Arab American.  I use the term technically because in reality I am an American.  But, our society insists upon dividing itself into categories and labeling its differences, so therefore I am an Arab American.  I grew up with my sister and two brothers.  Like most, I adore my siblings, but life has taken us into different directions; a little over a year ago, my baby brother came out to family, friends, and the world, as transgender.

I will leave her to tell her own story in her own time.

However, I would like to say that you cannot know how you feel about these topics until you experience them first hand.  Until you live in a world where those you love are being told they are unworthy or inadequate.  You will not be able to understand the disheartening sense of Islamaphobia until you fear for the life of a Muslim you love. You cannot form an opinion on transgender rights until someone you love begins transitioning.  I guess you could, but it’ll change; because it is different when it is personal.

Me?  I have found myself spending a lot of time praying.  Praying that they are safe. Praying that the world does not allow its fear as a justification for its hatred.

In my experience, the world is not one that embraces diversity.  Sure, everyone says how boring life would be if we were all the same, but I don’t think they mean it.

It tells us to stop dreaming big and start living small.  It encourages us to stop fighting against inequality and start accepting bias.  It asks us to stop speaking up and standing out and persuades us to sit down and fit in.

I understand the ease of hateful speech being garnered behind a computer screen, but I cannot accept it.  We cannot wait for someone else to make a difference; we must hold each other accountable and be the difference.

Opinions are irrelevant; even if Muslims scare you and even if you believe a transgender individual has a mental illness.  We must remember that Golden Rule we learned oh- so- long- ago, but seem to have forgotten.

Treat others as you would want to be treated…

…online and in life.

I will continue on my quest of promoting kindness.  I believe It matters.  I will continue to live a life rooted in faith.  A faith that encourages love, compassion, and respect. No, forget that. One that just encourages.  I will continue to kneel in prayer and seek direction from The One who has given unconditional love and eternal life to my undeserving soul.  I will continue cultivating my relationship with God, exploring His character and discerning His voice from the distraction the world seems so desperate to provide.

What I have learned is that as a Christian, it is not my job to pass judgement.  It is my responsibility to glorify God in all things: in my words, in my actions, in my heart.

What I know to be true is that Jesus did not turn anyone away from his table.

And neither will I.

Just a thought.

**Also posted on Two Moms On a Mission blog.