Day 29: Sharing our stories
O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Quran, Surah al-Hujurat (49:13)
I'm reading an excellent book -- Karen Armstrong's "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life". It's MoverMoms' current book club selection, and I'm a huge fan of the author. The thesis is that compassion is central to all the world's major religions, and that we have to work deliberately to cultivate our capacity for compassion. When Armstrong won the TED prize in 2008, she was given one wish that could change the world. Her desire: to make compassion the center of faith and action. So began the "Charter for Compassion".
If I had one such wish, I think it would involve sharing our stories. For me, personal stories are pretty powerful. They allow us to share emotions that are universal, while describing situations that are unique. They help us see each other beyond generalizations and stereotypes, as human beings -- as friends and neighbors with the same aspirations, dreams, frailties and fears. Stories humanize.
I realized the power of a personal story when I wrote my own. It was never meant to be published; I simply wanted to share it with my kids and my parents. But when the Washingtonian published it, I started receiving emails and letters saying that it was wonderful to get to know a Muslim family up close and personal, like you would a neighbor over a cup of tea. To get a glimpse into our lives, to hear our history, and relate to our challenges -- and to realize that we share much more in common than not.
I think sharing personal stories is very much linked to Armstrong's quest to promote compassion. After all, as something I read said, it's hard to hate someone, whose story you know.
Thank you so much for reading this blog the past 29 days, and allowing me to share some stories. I would love to hear yours -- email me at salmahasanali@yahoo.com -- and perhaps we can find a way to continue the conversation we've started, about our faith, our families, and all that connects us. Day 29: Deed 29: Sharing our stories.
personal essay: http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/people/10466.html