This Is Personal Because This Is Our Home

By Eileen Doolong, RSM

Posted on 2/15/2017

Reading the Omid Safi’s blog on the On Being website has become a weekly ritual for me. Not only is his writing incisive and insightful, but it is often inspirational. Being a Muslim and an American citizen born here in the U.S., Omid is now confronted with the realities of life in our imperfect union.

In last week’s blog, “This Is Personal Because This Is Our Home,” Omid writes:

“My daughter came to me with tears in her eyes because she had heard that Trump would not allow Muslims in the country. She wanted to know if that meant we had to move, and that she would not get to play with her friend across the street anymore. Her question was not about the ‘United States of America,’ something that is too big for her mind to understand, and too small for her soul. No, she simply wanted to know if she could continue to play with her best friend.”

Omid comforted her and assured her that they would not need to move and that he would keep her safe. And then he writes:

"But what do I do when in my own heart, I am not sure? How can I promise that she is safe…? What will happen if (when?) there is another terrorist attack on American soil?"

So much angst for a dad who just wants his children to be happy, healthy and safe.

He ends with this:

“Yes, this is about Syrian refugees and Iranians and Iraqis, Yemenis and Somalis, Sudanese and Libyans. Yes, this is about Muslims and Hispanics and African Americans and Jews and women. It’s also about America. This America that will be and must be.

"This is personal to me.”

Yes, this issue is personal to all of us. Who is in and who is out? Who measures up and who is not up to standards? Who is safe and who is not? What side of the wall are we on? So much division! So much us vs them.

Omid’s column struck a chord with me, reminding me that, in our hearts, we are all the same. We all want health, happiness and safety for our children. We all want to live good lives and be better in our living and our loving. We all want a peaceful and just world where the earth itself and all its inhabitants thrive. This is personal. This is about us.

I will be privileged to meet Omid Safi when he comes to Mercy by the Sea April 21-22 to offer a retreat, “Rumi and the Path of Divine Love Tradition in Islam.” I encourage you follow Omid’s blog. His writing has caused me to deeply reflect. Perhaps, he will do the same for you.