With just 6 more nights of class left before completing the substance abuse program, we were asked to step out of our comfort zone and either interview someone who is a different culture, religion, or actually attend a function that you would of never of imagined yourself going to outside of your comfort zone, and write a paper and share it with the rest of our class...
Here you have it.... a blessing for me....I always knew what humble looked like, now I know what it feels like...
The mind is a powerful thing; the memories, the endless tasks, the entire environment, and most importanly, the people will forever be etched in my mind as long as I live. Many wanted to know how it was and what it was like. It was an enlightenly aswesome experience. I do know God shows up all of the time. In fact, He never leaves. During the three weeks that I was a Red Cross volunteer in Louisana, shortly after Hurrican Katrina, He showed up all the time. He showed up in small ways and sometime in BIG ways. I considered doing my paper on this entire experience, because I could list hundreds of things that happened down there, from people I met to endless tasks I did without even thinking. I've decided to leave this "step-out-of-comfort-zone experience" right here. God's plans will always prevail, and I pray that I will forever continue to see His grace and mercy in my everyday life. I have felt God's gentle nudge to do a cultral/belieft/ religion interview.
I know this is what I needed to do. .. I am glad and blessed that I have chosen to truly get to know one of the Dentist that I work for. I don't work for him on a daily basis, but he is one of the owners of the dental office, and I see him in passing almost every day. I have a vague opinion and a few thoughts that i have kept to myself over the past years. Because of these small issure, I wanted to know more. Within an hour, I have gone way beyond my vague knowledge of this man. In one hour of talking to him, I now know why he shaves his kids heads at 7 days old, I also know he is a very strong, dedicated, sincere, well-meaning gentleman. I have always had high respect for him as a person and a dentist. He not only sees or treats his patientss, he gets on their level. He sings Barney songs to or with some of his patients, he comforts them, and reassures them that they are going to be ok.
This man is way more than just a great dentist, a great dad, husband and friend. There is so much more to him. He is a middle-aged man who was born and raised in southern California. His roots are from Palestine, of Middle Eastern descent. He is 100% plus faithful and very involved in the Muslim religion. He prays five times a day, no matter where he is; the mall, work, wherever he is when its time. He is the strenght and one of the main supporters in building their first Mosque in Manteca. He graduated from dental school in Southern Californisa. He takes pride and loves his work as a dentist and adores all of the children. He is amazing with specail needs children.
Muslims are the second largest religious group in the world after Catholics. The group is racially and ethnically diverse. Unfortunately, after the terroritst attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon building near Washington D.C. on September 11, 2001, Muslims have been ster-typed.
Currently, over a billion Muslims live in Europe, Asia, Aftica and all over the world. There are roughly forty four Islamic countries in the world. We briefly talked about the five pillars. The first being the profession of faith; the second pillar is prayer; the third pillar being a religious tax required of those who have enough money to give to the poor adn needy ( this is not an option but a duty from Islamic law). The fourth pillar we talked about was Ramadon. Every year Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset during the Islamic month of Ramadon. During this time they are to reflect on their spiritual beliefs toward those who are less fortunate then themselves. The final pillar of Islam is pilgrimage. During the 12th month of Islamic calendar, Muslims who are physically and financially able, and required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. This needs to be done only once in a persons lifetime. This man has taken part in this pilgrimage several years ago.
Muslims do not celebrate Christmas, EAster or partake in other Holidays, yet is not offended when others do. He also does not consume any alcohol. Actually he is not to be around others ifthey are consuming alcohol (this is for all Muslims. When a baby is born, and on the 7th day, you are to shave the baby's head, weigh the hair, and then give money to charity as a gift back to God. When asked if I would be welcomed into their Mosque, he said "yes, but you may be asked to cover up your hair.
The United States is not the only country where Muslims face racism and persecution due to misunderstanding of their culture and religious belief. Most Muslims are ster-typed as either participants in or supports of terrorism. It's a very unfortunate theory. As I am very grateful and have a complete sense of peace, after shairng some very intimate, meaningful, heartfelt, faith, belief and culture with this man. It doesn't matter if he dresses different , if he prays 5 times a day, shaves his children's head at 7 days old, doesn't eat port, or drink alcohol, he is very honorable, respected, upstanding citizen. He has a huge heart, respects his fellow man and very willing to help oters however is needed.
Thank you sir, i actually feel like i know him well enough to occasionally call him by his first name, for being so willing, so open and hones in sharing a huge part of his life..
Because of His AMAZING GRACE...
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