Hijabs & Hoodies – Get a Grip, America!

Yesterday, Shaima Alawadi was laid to rest in the Holy City of Najab, Iraq. Shaima was a 32 year old mother of 5, who was bludgeoned to death in her El Cajon, California home. She moved to the U.S. with her family in 1993, fleeing the terror of Saddam Hussein’s regime following a failed Shiite uprising. Her uncle was hanged by Iraqi troops. This Iraqi-American fled the horrors of Iraq only to be beaten to death in her California home. Next to her beaten body was a note: “Go back to your country, you terrorist”. Who is terrorizing whom?

Since when do hijabs and hoodies make persons “suspicious”, “criminals”, or “terrorists”? Get a grip, America! The hatred and intolerance in this country has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks with the killing of Trayvon Martin and now Shaima Alawadi. The racism and religious intolerance in this country is appalling. The anti-Muslim sentiments of today are reminiscent of the anti-Semitism of Nazi Germany. It needs to end – NOW. How can anyone claim that the United States of America is a Christian Nation?  This is NOT the Christianity that I know and believe. We need to step up to the plate and live up to the Christian message.

This week is Holy Week. Christians all across America will be remembering Jesus’ last week before his brutal crucifixion, death and resurrection. We must pause to remember why Christ shared our common humanity and the foundation of his ministry … love of neighbor. He promoted love and peace. Though he was both God and human, he did not Lord himself over others. He was a humble servant. He stood up for and ministered to the poor, the sick, the disabled, and the outcasts. He condemned injustice and would not condone violence. His was a ministry of love. And he demonstrated such profound, unconditional love that he laid down his life for the salvation of ALL of humanity. Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, we will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection – his victory over death and the grave. In our celebration, let us remember that this gift of grace is grounded in love.

As Christians, we must take up our cross and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by standing up against the bigotry and violence that is permeating our society today. We must speak out against racism, religious intolerance and violence. We must stand in solidarity with Muslims, Jews, Hindus and other faith traditions to promote peace and love. This is America – Land of the free and home of the brave. We need to bravely use our freedom of speech to cry out against this senseless violence and to promote and uphold freedom of religion. We need to foster an America that where everyone, from sea to shining sea, can experience freedom from fear of racial and religious hatred and violence.

Merciful God, as we enter this Holy Week, help us remember the ministry and supreme sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth. Give us the courage and strength to live up to the Christian message. Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to love our enemies and pray for those who unjustly persecute others. Help us end the bigotry and violence and foster a world filled with peace. As we remember that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins, help us to forgive but let us never forget the crimes against humanity. Amen.