Christian pastor/client teaches me empathy in an usual way.

CarolfromTX said:
I'm not angry, just amused. I have a different point of view, which you clearly cannot stand to hear. Don't be such a snowflake.
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Tis,Tis,Tis...Oh one is not permitted to have an opposing view / point, around here....Oh no one must go with the crowd , or be summarily scolded....LOL!!
 

Here's what is weird about this thread - 99% of the time I think Shalimar is spot on. I find it odd, that to me, she is being guilted into playing dress up to prove she is a caring and warm hearted person. That is the last thing Shalimar she needs to prove. So call me confused. I certainly mean no disrespect to Shalimar and the important work she does.

Also, the wearing of the headscarf is viewed by many Muslims as an option, and those that insist that it is mandated by faith are men who always want to subjugate women. The attached link has more info

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/junaid-jahangir/islam-wearing-hijab_b_14046520.html
 
Hoot N Annie said:
Here's what is weird about this thread - 99% of the time I think Shalimar is spot on. I find it odd, that to me, she is being guilted into playing dress up to prove she is a caring and warm hearted person. That is the last thing Shalimar she needs to prove. So call me confused. I certainly mean no disrespect to Shalimar and the important work she does.

Also, the wearing of the headscarf is viewed by many Muslims as an option, and those that insist that it is mandated by faith are men who always want to subjugate women. The attached link has more info

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/junaid-jahangir/islam-wearing-hijab_b_14046520.html
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Thank you for your concern, but what you perceive as guilt, I see as an opportunity for personal growth. This is a gift, a rare opportunity to see deeper into an aspect of life I have never been privileged to witness before. None of the Muslims I know are anything but moderate, they view the hijab as a personal choice, not an obligation. When the pastor spoke as he did, he invited

me to step outside my comfort zone, to embrace the challenge of walking in the footsteps of a minority which is often the focus of intense prejudice, even the children. In this way, I believe my empathy will be strengthened, and I will gain fresh

perspective regarding some of the challenges many of my clients face. Hopefully, I will then be able to more fully understand their needs and be a more effective therapist. Hoot, part of my ability to reach out to vets who suffer from CPTSD, (complex

post traumatic stress disorder,) is due to the fact that I can relate to many of their symptoms, after all, CPTSD has shadowed my life since I was very young.
 

I’m quite used to western wear, no matter how lewd it may seem to our friends in many other cultures

As far as one choosing to wear Muslim attire?
That takes, guts, moxie
Even though it’s more modest
Even if you have the savvy and wits to back it up, when confronted

Removing the visual barrier of western wear has definitely gotta help in communication

Good on you, Shalimar...good on you
 
Went to visit a friend in the city, took public transit. At one point, a rather drunk middle aged man took it upon himself to call me out for wearing a hijab. I kept my cool, but his rant intensified, then, a priest offered to sit beside me, I thanked

him, and passengers applauded. At next stop, a Sikh military officer took the aisle seat directly opposite us, again to the applause of passengers. (The drunk man subsided into morose silence.) Both these gentlemen were surprised to hear my story, and very approving of my actions. I invited them to accompany me later to Iftar, they agreed. The rest of the day/evening went

very well. I am humbled by the kindness and support of strangers, and proud to be a part of the diverse human family. Shalom, Namaste, Salaam, God bless you all. ❤️
 
Shalimar said:
Went to visit a friend in the city, took public transit. At one point, a rather drunk middle aged man took it upon himself to call me out for wearing a hijab. I kept my cool, but his rant intensified, then, a priest offered to sit beside me, I thanked

him, and passengers applauded. At next stop, a Sikh military officer took the aisle seat directly opposite us, again to the applause of passengers. (The drunk man subsided into morose silence.) Both these gentlemen were surprised to hear my story, and very approving of my actions. I invited them to accompany me later to Iftar, they agreed. The rest of the day/evening went

very well. I am humbled by the kindness and support of strangers, and proud to be a part of the diverse human family. Shalom, Namaste, Salaam, God bless you all. ❤️
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What a lovely ending to a story with an unhappy beginning. What wonderful support you received from the priest, the Sikh officer, and the other passengers. I'd like to believe that in Los Angeles an event with a similar beginning would have a similar ending.

Bless you back, Shalimar.
 
StarSong said:
What a lovely ending to a story with an unhappy beginning. What wonderful support you received from the priest, the Sikh officer, and the other passengers. I'd like to believe that in Los Angeles an event with a similar beginning would have a similar ending.

Bless you back, Shalimar.
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Thank you so much, StarSong.
 
Shalimar said:
Went to visit a friend in the city, took public transit. At one point, a rather drunk middle aged man took it upon himself to call me out for wearing a hijab. I kept my cool, but his rant intensified, then, a priest offered to sit beside me, I thanked

him, and passengers applauded. At next stop, a Sikh military officer took the aisle seat directly opposite us, again to the applause of passengers. (The drunk man subsided into morose silence.) Both these gentlemen were surprised to hear my story, and very approving of my actions. I invited them to accompany me later to Iftar, they agreed. The rest of the day/evening went

very well. I am humbled by the kindness and support of strangers, and proud to be a part of the diverse human family. Shalom, Namaste, Salaam, God bless you all. ❤️
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What a lovely story Shalimar. Most people are nice given the chance.
I’m glad you were respectively protected.
 
Shalimar said:
Thanks, I was grateful. Unsolicited hatred from a stranger because of what I represent is extremely unsettling.
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Since this was part of your motivation (to better understand the feeling of being judged, even if harshly so, based on an outward display of the Islamic faith) when you've sorted through your feelings I'd really love to hear your take-away from the experience.
 

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