I Stand by You, Larycia Hawkins

Dear Larycia Hawkins,

Words can’t express the deep feelings of solidarity and love that I have after reading about your story and seeing you donning hijab in support of the Muslim community who is under attack right now by the political right and their conspirators in the corporate media. At a time when hate crimes against Muslims are on a very scary rise – glimmers of light shine through – glimmers of hope- in the form of people like you.

My mother is Catholic and my father was Muslim. I grew up in a home where we worshiped … yes … the same One God.  We respected church. We respected mosque. It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized there is so much ignorance, distrust and hatred in the world.

Christianity, Judaism and Islam are cousin faiths under Abraham.  We are monotheistic. We are supposed to love and support each other.  Thank you for supporting the Muslim community. And now- after learning that Wheaton College decided to discipline you for speaking facts – we are rallying around you to support you. No matter what! We are here.  If you need anything from me, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Muslim American Blogger and your sister in humanity,

Yasmina