Look Who's Talking

watch original V-Blog in Persian

When you grow up as an Iranian Baha'i outside of Iran, you often sub-consciously shy away from Moslem Iranians. Considering the history of persecutions of Baha'is in Iran, this might be understandable, but not excusable.

Our Faith teaches us the uncompromising love and acceptance of all faiths and peoples of the earth. We believe that the world's collective salvation depends on the very unity of all the world's people. But as a kid, vulnerable, incomplete and striving (as I am now) to be a Baha'i, I had fear of being rejected by Moslems if they knew I was a Baha'i. This has been greatly remedied by an amazing Moslem family that I've gotten to know over the last 2 years. They have been the catalyst for us coming together, they have initiated social get-togethers, nourished our friendship and accepted and loved us despite our shortcomings - and we have many. My husband and I, being quite "westernized" in our upbringing, have many habits that come across as insensitive towards Persians, and yet they have dealt with us, always, with a sin-covering eye. Now if that is not a sign that there is great hope for the people of Iran, then I don't know. Here is a perfect example of people who sacrifice so much to show us love. They have tried to create an atmosphere in their home where we feel comfortable. I'm am deeply touched and this makes me feel super hopeful for Iran's future.

On a side note: I want to acknowledge a few other people who are of different Faiths, but have been agents of unity and love, reaching across cultural and religious boundaries and deep into my heart: I have a welter of Born-Again Christian friends at the African Children's Choir who have worked with me and have also been amazingly loving. They never make me feel like I'm not going to heaven ☺ - they make me feel like I'm already there. My friend Rebby, who is a devout Catholic, and has loved and shared with me our mutual love of Christ and of God since childhood, my friends in Tel Aviv who are Jewish Iranians and who's generosity and love for peace and unity has been indescribably inspiring to me, my Hindu friends Yashika and Sadhna, my Buddhist friend Alyna, my Sikh friend Kuldeep and his generous family and my Zoroastrian friends that I've met in Austria and who's wisdom and patience has tenderized many a heart.