To all my Muslim Neighbors

To all my Muslim Neighbors,

This afternoon, in a nation that seems to want to block you out, your body of believers welcomed the community around you to an open house of sorts. While 100s gathered in front of your mosque with signs of love and support, you were there with arms wide open, inviting us into your house of worship, explaining your beliefs and sharing some delicious sweets. While many in this country do not want you here, you were nothing but accepting to us all. 

Today, you showed me something. 

You showed me that kindness crosses borders and executive orders. Kindness can knock down walls and kindness doesn’t stop because words become hateful. You showed me that kindness in the face of evil, is beautiful and strong and forgiving. 

Today, you reminded me of how Christ’s love was meant to be. 

This may sound strange, since you and I may not believe in the exact same things, but today I felt the presence of Christ far more than I have in a very long time. When I was growing up, I learned from the Bible that God’s love wasn’t supposed to judge. Time taught me that maybe God’s love doesn’t judge, but the love of his followers sure does. During a period in our lives when religion is used as a source of discrimination, knowing very well that your beliefs are a target and your safety is not promised, you didn’t judge anyone there. You said, “We’re thankful for you and for who you are.” You said, “Love and friendship doesn’t have to stop because the holy books we hold in our hands are different.” You were more "Christ-like" than I have seen many "Christians" act these days.

Today, you taught me an important lesson. 

I will admit, many years ago I used to be afraid of Muslims and Islam and people from “over there.” I had my own prejudices and beliefs about your religion and the countries that you came from. Sometimes I was scared of the news I heard and the stories I read. I didn’t understand. But once I started getting to know people from out of “my box” and seeing the world around me, I realized that my preconceptions were wrong and hurtful and unfounded. Today, you taught me how important it is to speak out, to be an ally, but to also just listen. Today you taught me that we are all human. We are all still learning and growing and figuring ourselves out, and we’re all still making mistakes. But when it comes down to it, our goals, our dreams, our hopes for our future are essentially the same.

And today, I hope I taught you something too. 

That people can change. That fear and hate can be corrected. That for most of us, the words you have been hearing against your homelands and your families are disgusting and shameful and not our idea of what America is supposed to represent.

But most importantly, I hope today represented the support you need and have, from us, your neighbors.

Please remember that you and your families are not alone. This community appreciates you, even when the current administration does not. You are valued, you are cherished, you are respected and you are welcome here. You are not “the other” but you are “us.” However, I understand words mean nothing if our actions do not follow. To this, I promise, I am more than my words, I am more than my well wishes, I am more than this sign I hold in my hands. 

Today you represented the good in our community. 

I hope we did too. 

Your friend and neighbor,
Michelle