Peaceful Encounters: Finding Common Ground in a Chaotic World

home insemination Kit

By: Jamie Collins

I was rummaging through the pasta aisle for lasagna noodles—clearly, my focus was elsewhere—when I accidentally bumped carts with another shopper. I chuckled and said, “Sorry!” as I glanced up. The woman I’d collided with flashed a warm smile and continued on her way. I couldn’t help but admire her headscarf, a stunning blue and silver ensemble tied perfectly, something I had attempted many times but never quite mastered.

As fate would have it, we crossed paths again in a few aisles, exchanging those polite smiles we’ve all perfected—those “I’m friendly, but please don’t engage me in conversation” expressions. But when we met again in the baking aisle, I decided to break the ice.

“I love your scarf! It’s so gorgeous! I wish I could get mine to lie that smoothly,” I admitted. “Every time I try, it ends up looking like a tangled mess!” Her initial surprise quickly faded into a bright smile.

“Oh, it’s easy!” she replied.

I insisted that despite my attempts, I just couldn’t do it. “Here, let me show you!” she said, starting to unwrap her scarf and removing pins right there in the baking aisle. As she demonstrated the technique step by step, our laughter faded into a genuine conversation. I asked, “Where are you from?”

“Egypt,” she replied.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “Are you Muslim?” Her expression shifted, eyes guarded, and she nodded, “Yes, I am.”

In that moment, unexpectedly, tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m really sorry for the hate you’re facing. It’s terrible that you’re judged for something so unjust. I can’t imagine how it feels to be afraid when someone asks a simple question.” As the words poured out, tears streamed down my face, and I asked if I could give her a hug.

She looked taken aback but nodded, her own eyes glistening with emotion. “Of course,” she replied, wrapping her arms around me.

Her name was Layla, and we ended up chatting for quite a while about the chaotic state of the world. We discussed how there’s both good and bad in every group. There are good and bad people in every religion—Jews, Christians, Muslims—there’s good and bad in everyone.

I’ll be honest; I’ve been wrestling with this concept. I’m just an everyday mom trying to raise my kids in a world that feels increasingly scary. I worry about their future and who will lead us next. And yes, I admit—I’m frightened by ISIS. I think they embody true evil, determined to impose their beliefs on everyone. But they don’t represent every Muslim, and I allowed fear to cloud my thinking.

I’ve been grappling with the implications of new threats facing America. I believe in the right to bear arms, yet I think there should be regulations on gun sales. While I advocate for securing our borders, I also feel a responsibility to help those in need, especially veterans. The biggest threat we face, however, might be letting fear dictate our actions and change our country.

I recognize that my kids are watching my behavior closely. I teach them to be aware, to trust their instincts, and to speak up when they see something amiss. Most importantly, I emphasize that people are generally good, and we shouldn’t judge others based on race, religion, or background. Above all, I encourage them to choose love.

As our conversation continued, I recalled something a friend had posted on social media and asked Layla if she could help me remember it. “As-salamu alaykum,” I said, fumbling a bit. She smiled and patiently taught me how to pronounce it correctly. The phrase rolled off my tongue and settled warmly in my heart. It means “peace” and is a common greeting among Muslims.

Peace—something we all desire, regardless of our faith. And it’s clear that we can’t achieve it through fear; only love can lead us there.

So let’s choose love. Love always prevails.

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Summary

In an unexpected encounter in a grocery store, Jamie Collins shares a heartfelt interaction with Layla, a Muslim woman, highlighting the importance of love over fear amidst societal tensions. Through their connection, they discuss the complexities of good and bad in every group and the necessity of choosing love to combat prejudice. As parents, they both emphasize the value of teaching children to recognize humanity in others, regardless of background.