I came across a disturbing headline this morning: North Dakota Woman Sentenced For Stalking Muslim. I wanted to say that in North Dakota, that’s the exception, and not the rule.
At least in my case. I am not muslim, but I belong to a religion that is largely misunderstood, sometimes even persecuted. I haven’t experienced that here. I’ve found I’m able to talk freely about my religion, and people listen without fear. That doesn’t mean they embrace what I believe, but they don’t attack or shun me, either.
For me, that’s a precious measure of peace, freedom and security. I don’t have to worry about my children in school or my husband at work. We have found friends in abundance. I suspect that’s true for most people in situations like ours.
Stories like the one I linked to above always bring strong feelings to the surface. If I could, I would reach out to every muslim woman in North Dakota to let them know they are treasured for who and what they are.
To everyone else, I would encourage a moment of reflection. After all, North Dakota was home to the first Mosque in America.
Was she originally from ND? The article I read said she did the stalking in Rochester, but now lives in ND. Not that it matters all that much, except that it stings a bit to see our state’s name associated with such an atrocity. Thanks for posting the links to the articles on the first US mosque–I was not aware of this part of our state’s history, but I’m certainly proud of it!
Thanks for posting the links to the articles on the first US mosque–I was not aware of this part of our state’s history, but I’m certainly proud of it!
Why are you proud of hosting a venue for one of the most hateful and intolerant religions in the world?
Islam is evil.
I’m not saying I agree with Islam. What I believe (and deeply) is that every individual deserves a chance to be appreciated.
We create the ideal situation for terrorism when we focus on the things that make us different rather than the things that bring us together. As a nation struggling with our economy and enormous political divisions, we simply cannot afford to stereotype every individual. This makes it too easy for terrorists to play up our fears and then act on them.
There are always innocent individuals behind any movement, and it seems to me that these are the ones that most often get hurt. There is nothing wrong with being kind.
I see the true power of kindness acting in several ways: 1) Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness turn the hearts of our enemies to us, and they may join us in what we believe and do; 2) blessings of safety and peace come for everyone as we practice living as kindly simply because God always blesses that kind of obedience; and 3) WE HELP EASE THE SUFFERING OF SOMEONE ELSE.
I think that third reason is reason enough to be kind, no matter what the religion.
I have confidence that we can be kind to people of other religions without tolerating the evil practices that some use religion to rationalize. Being kind to others will help to defuse those situations.
Kindness unifies us. It’s really its own reward.