“I Almost Didn’t Go In. I Knew No One. ‘Are You a Muslim?’ I Said ‘No, Ma’am, Christian’…I Prayed It Was the Right Thing to Do”

It’s always been the thread for me. The thread of what connects us all; the thread that fascinates and motivates me.

Lately, (or maybe always) but lately, everyone seems so polarized, so far apart in their respective ‘sides.’

It breaks my heart.

My books have all derived from such heartbreak in a way. One from Columbine, one from a dying little boy who made a wish to be known throughout the world and one from Christianity being so often misrepresented.

Empathy can easily become anxiety’s cruel cousin if not protected. I know both emotions well.

After the brutal attack in New Zealand, my empathy bordered on panic. So, I took a small step of action.

I followed the thread.

There was a call to proverbial arms by Christian leaders asking to stand in solidarity and sister/brotherhood with our Muslim neighbors after the horrid mosque murders.

I listened.

I made a simple sign.

5 words.

‘Pray differently, grieve the same.’

I had to google ‘mosque near me’ and found there was one a mere 20 miles away.

I almost didn’t go in.

I knew no one.

All of the women had head-coverings and I didn’t. I parked my car and prayed it was the right thing to do.

It was Khutbah prayer time — and I clearly was new.

I stepped out of the car with my rolled sign and walked toward the doors of an unfamiliar mosque where I was greeted by a man who looked official, but kind.

Tentatively, and with a teary catch in my throat, I asked ‘May I leave this sign as an offering?’ as I planned to leave quietly.