“Celebrating Our Journey: Faith, Kindness, and Shared Humanity”
Written by Fadia Rostom Makdisi, principal, Saint Agnes Academy, Diocese of Springfield, [email protected]
The news can be overwhelming, and often it is. We face trials and tribulations in a world of nearly eight billion souls. There are moments when our hearts are broken and our faith is tested to its limits. We may be treading carefully, hesitant to speak our truths, express our convictions, or even carry out our daily responsibilities. But as people of faith, can we not share stories of grace, love and the beauty of ordinary life during these challenging times? Can we not speak of hope and passion? Can we not share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and humanity’s impact as His hands and feet on earth while keeping our hearts open to His guidance?
As a first-generation immigrant and mother of three, I have witnessed the profound impact of education, faith and compassion. My journey from Syria to the United States has spanned more than twenty years, shaping my perspective as an educator and community leader. It has also deepened my ties to my roots while enabling me to soar to new heights.
As a sophisticated reader and writer in my native language, someone who has been on stage to share my poetry and short stories, it was painful when I struggled to find the right words to make simple, essential communication. Immersing oneself in a new culture could strip away the fluency that once defined your identity, leaving you grappling with the most essential communication elements.
Navigating a new language and culture in America felt overwhelming, but it also allowed me to discover deep and meaningful human connections. Throughout my journey, I have met exceptional individuals whose kindness has left a lasting impact on me. Neighbors, friends and teachers have not only been part of my story but, at times, the story itself.
Throughout my two-decade journey from Syria to the USA, I encountered countless acts of human kindness that profoundly shaped my understanding of identity and belonging. These experiences illuminated the vital importance of kindness in fostering connection and personal growth.
The kind people I encountered showed that embracing who you truly are is not just compatible with belonging; it’s crucial. Their warmth fostered a supportive environment that enabled me to thrive while remaining connected to my roots. Like a tree, I discovered how to anchor myself firmly in my identity while reaching new heights, extending my branches to welcome various experiences and relationships and accepting the greatest gift of others’ kindness.
Human kindness was a catalyst, transforming my unique essence from a perceived barrier into a bridge for meaningful relationships. The journey between my “roots” and my “wings” became a tapestry of stories, growth and interconnectedness, all woven together by threads of kindness and empathy.
In my educational journey, compassionate teachers became pivotal supports. My history teacher consistently stayed after class, patiently helping me understand complex concepts and never allowing me to surrender, while my English teacher recognized my potential as a non-native speaker and courageously pushed me to participate in a writing competition. To this day, I have a recommendation letter from her stating that I have the potential to be a great public speaker. My teacher probably did not know the true impact of her recommendation letter on me.
As I navigated cultural adaptation, friends became my lifeline. My friends patiently decoded local customs and slang, transforming my sense of alienation into belonging. Welcoming friends extended extraordinary kindness, inviting me to Thanksgiving dinner and introducing me to cherished traditions, while another neighbor generously offered to watch my newborn during an unexpected family emergency.
Within my academic community, support transcended traditional boundaries. A professor visited me at home to help with coursework while I cared for newborn twins and my study group flexibly rearranged schedules to accommodate my parenting responsibilities. Community integration happened through profound interactions – a community center asked me to volunteer to read books in my original language to the blind, and a religious leader provided a genuine sense of belonging.
This kindness-fueled journey taught me that identity is not a limitation but a wellspring of strength. It empowered me to adapt, grow and thrive in various environments while remaining authentically myself. The kindness I received nourished my sense of self-worth and fostered resilience, allowing me to navigate the challenges of cultural transition with grace and openness.
Ultimately, the importance of human kindness in my journey cannot be overstated. It provided the emotional sustenance and support necessary to cultivate a sense of belonging without sacrificing my authentic self. This experience reinforced that kindness is a pleasant gesture and a powerful force that can transform lives, bridge cultural divides and create a more compassionate, interconnected world.
In line with this spirit of kindness, I welcome the idea of “The Three Celebrations”:
- Celebrating ME acknowledges our distinct cultural identities.
- Celebrating YOU emphasizes the importance of building empathy and understanding for others.
- Celebrating US aims to discover shared values that bring us together.
Collectively, these celebrations embody the core of kindness and its power to nurture connection and mutual understanding among diverse people.
Amidst the often-overwhelming news and challenges of our times, these celebrations act as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our shared humanity. By embracing kindness and honoring our diverse yet interconnected lives, we affirm the initial question: We can discuss hope and passion. Yes, we can share testimonies of God’s faithfulness and highlight humanity’s role as His hands and feet on earth. Through acts of kindness and celebrating our collective experiences, we remain receptive to His guidance and contribute to a better world, one interaction at a time.
