Since I have moved to Australia there are a few cultural things that i have stuck out to me like sore thumb. Things like the fact that there are designated prayers rooms located in public places. The prayer rooms on the flights over to the country will even tell you in which direction to face in order to be in line with Mecca. It never fails that when I venture anywhere in the city that I live, I always see a couple ladies in their full burkas with only there eyes to show.
At first it was very intimidating. You would never see a full burka in Texas. I would often catch my self keeping my head down to prevent my self from staring at these mysterious women. After all, I cannot see their face; this only intrigues me. I start to think silly thoughts like "I wonder how hot one of those things are" then my thoughts travel to a more serious state, "I wonder if she is glaring at me for my shorts and tank top, after all I would be seen as a heathen to her."
I started to wonder if the Muslims here in Australia are treated the way that those in America are. I was not about to stop and ask one of these ladies for her thoughts on that matter though.
Instead I started to think. Christians and Muslims go head to head in beliefs as to who is right and who is wrong. My view is obvious from the Christian faith I have, but I am afraid to many times people might assume that means hate for another belief institute that differs from what I believe to be the absolute truth.
Too many times the most negative person of an organization brings down those they fellowships with as the media tends to cling to the negative in things and shrug off the positives. It is seen anywhere from politics to faith, workers unions and the military. As soon as one person belong to said group "stuffs" up or says the wrong thing it is head line news. Many seem to forget, one rotten apple does not mean there is a rotten tree.
My God is a God of love and forgiveness. True i do believe that once you recognize this love and forgiveness it is essential to turn from ways that are displeasing to God, however this Muslim lady that walks past has not recognized this love. Therefor I should be the face of Love.
The first instance in being introduced to any new concept should not be vicious and hateful. It should be of construction and compassion. Acknowledging that the current state of life is not the one intended by God but also enforcing the love and compassion that my God gives.
So as I pass this woman. whom I may never get to speak to, I smile and say hello, because my God is not the god that would turn the cold shoulder because he didn't agree. My God is the God who would show nothing but love and compassion for a sinner. As it is, we are all sinners, aren't we.
