how I am dealing with my Islamophobia

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” ~ Prayer of St. Francis of Assissi

My goal is simple: to acknowledge and deal with my inner Islamophobia to bring greater peace to myself and my community. I hope my prayers, reflections and actions will inspire others, resulting in a progressive and cumulative peace, that is much needed, between Christians and Muslims.

And so I pray...

Far reaching God,

Your arms stretch wide to include all people

in your loving embrace,

regardless of faith, race, nationality, language or history,

regardless of past conflict, present tension and present conflict,

including especially today our Muslim sisters and brothers.

Past prejudices and discriminations have been built on

misinformation and misunderstanding.

I acknowledge that I am fearful

of a people, and of individuals, who I do not even know.

For this, I ask your forgiveness God.

Help me to seek greater awareness,

and more accurate reflections of my Muslim community memebers,

that I may rise above and call out

politically convenient fictions,

corporately sponsored biases in reporting

and misguided generalizations.

Inspire me, God, with every day gestures

of kindness, patience and appreciation,

made simply and genuinely

from one person to another:

a smile at a Muslim mother,

and an appreciation for her adorable children.

A compliment at the beauty of her head scarf.

By making small talk at a bus shelter or in a grocery line.

A laugh shared at a funny animal in the park.

A gentle nod and eyelash greeting in passing.

A bonjour, hello, or as recently was said to me

by an elderly Muslim woman,

"Salam" in Arabic, which means "peace".

Faithful people everywhere are praying for peace.

Faithful people everywhere are praying for tolerance

and an end to the misuse of religious and spiritual teachings

to justify violence, abuse of power and alienation.

Faithful Christians and Muslims share these prayers

for peace, tolerance and greater understanding.

I am one of those people!

I will do my part.

I will start slowly and genuinely,

making little connections wherever I see opportunity to do so,

to reveal that in the love and compassion of my faith

we are all one people,

sharing this beautiful planet, this multi-faceted city,

this richly cultured community together.

Amen.

Many thanks for the truth-bearers in these photos. Beautiful young women and girls sharing their voices for peace. You have inspired me, and I take up your work—in deed OUR WORK—together! If you should ever see me, please say hello :) Thank you and Salam! :)