Flight from Independence

On a return flight from the Kansas City International Airport, I once found myself having a very peculiar conversation. The man I sat next to appeared to be about my age and well mannered. Little did I know when I boarded the plane that our families shared a colorful story on the frontier of the United States.

We started with the usual airplane small talk. I was going home and he was leaving it. We were both traveling on business. I mentioned that I was an architect and had been doing work in Independence, Missouri. He was in law enforcement. From the way things went, I would have predicted a rather short conversation. Things changed when I mentioned that three of my relatives were also in law enforcement. With a common thread, we spent the next hour and a half sharing experiences.

In the course of our conversation, my new acquaintance told me that his family had lived in Caldwell County, Missouri, for the last five generations. That caught my attention. I, too, had family who lived there several generations back.

We discovered in a few short minutes that our ancestors had very opposing views, and they were not afraid to show it. Animosity between them and others in the area escalated to a conflict known as the battle of Crooked River. My third-great-grandfather was one of the leaders in that unfortunate battle. Fortunately, neither of our families were wounded.

I thought it unique that the two of us were sitting together, realizing that our grandparents had tried to kill each other, and we were okay with that. There were no grudges or awkward feelings, just a mutual understanding. I think we both acknowledged that there are better ways of solving disputes.

The Savior once instructed his disciples, “If ye are not one, ye are not mine.” I believe this direction goes beyond just removing barriers. It means making an effort to love and appreciate others, not just tolerate them. I find the more I know about someone, the easier it is to like them, and forgive them.

Knowing someone and knowing about them are two different things. I can learn about someone from a second hand source, but my impressions are often incorrect or incomplete. Knowing someone, however, requires direct interaction and exchange. It usually involves a little more time and effort. I feel it brings me closer to being “one” as the Savior described.

I’ve since gained a greater appreciation for looking at things from someone else’s perspective, especially if they are at odds with me. The ability to do so, and at least appreciate their view for what it is, is essential in breaking down walls that divide us. Each story has two sides, and often more. This man’s family obviously had a very different point of view from mine, but I couldn’t say that they were wrong. Our conversation certainly didn’t change my beliefs, but it did change my understanding. I had a more complete picture to reference.

Following our conversation, the man and I said goodbye and we have not seen each other again. The memory, though, is clear. I am especially glad that we found a common thread for a discussion. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

A Visit to the Mosque

I’d never been to a mosque before. It was the 6th Annual Open Mosque Day for the Islamic Society of Orange County – an event to promote a correct awareness of the Islamic faith. With the rise of public opinions informed and sponsored by the news media, I jumped at the chance to go with my cousin, Elliott.

With friendly welcomes and greetings, we removed our shoes and entered the prayer room. It was a large room where rows of individuals would face the front and prostrate themselves in prayer. A number were already gathered for the afternoon prayer observation. We were invited to sit while some were finishing their prayers. As I watched, I felt a reverence that was very familiar to me. I also felt a peaceful calm. I wanted to pray with them, and not just in my heart.

After the prayer observation, we listened to a few presentations and the Q&A that followed. We were then invited to eat food they had prepared for the occasion. It was delicious. My regret is that I no longer remember the names of the dishes they had prepared for their guests.

My experience gave me much to ponder, both there and long after we left. I reflected on the beautiful modesty of the Hijab the women wore. I noted the friendly handshake I had received from many of the men. I felt greatly impressed by their kindness.

Certainly there were some differences between their faith and mine, but I found there was much more we shared in common. Somehow, the differences didn’t seem to stand in the way of feelings I felt in my heart. I felt that we are truly brothers and sisters worshiping the same God. Their reverence and submission was inspiring. If anything, I realized there were some ways in which they were better at living my religion than I am.

Among the several lessons I learned in my brief visit, the blessing of prayer is one that was reaffirmed in my mind. I couldn’t help but feel the love of God as I watched others offer prayers to him. Some prayers may more closely resemble recitation than conversation, but I truly believe that God answers those who earnestly seek him.

I look at my own life, and I can without hesitation say that God answers my prayers daily – not just generally, but specific answers that make it clear someone is helping me. Clearly the Christian scripture teaches, “Ask and ye shall receive,” because Father will give good things to His children who ask Him.

During the times in my life when I am least selfish, and most focused on helping other people, I feel closest to Father. I feel Him guiding my footsteps and filling my heart with peace and happiness. It is during those times that I feel closer to Him in prayer, and I feel that He answers my prayers with greater rapidity.

I feel blessed to have visited the mosque this last Sunday. I am strengthened by others’ careful practice of prayer. More so now I am inclined to ask myself, “Am I as diligent as I can be in my personal prayer? How can I be more submissive, more grateful, and more sincere?”

Thank you, my brothers of another faith. As I was greeted, “Assalamu Alaikum.” Or in English, “Peace be upon you.”

For more information about the Islamic Society of Orange County, visit www.isocmasjid.com.