by Latrisha Smith-Barney

Created on: May 26, 2009   Last Updated: June 06, 2009

Dialogue on Difference

On Monday afternoon, November 17, 2008, the Clinical Pastoral Education students were given a rare and special treat indeed. We were privileged to sit down to lunch and a discussion on the Islamic faith and culture presented by Dr. Ahmed Howeedy. The luncheon was spectacular and Dr. Howeedy's mother also joined us. Dr. Howeedy's brother, along with several colleagues was also in attendance. Upon arriving, Dr. Howeedy's mother exclaimed, my son talks about you all the time. I had to come and meet these nice people my son talks about.

The food was traditional fare; however, I dare not try to pronounce any names. It was all very interesting and very good. Dr. Howeedy also thoughtfully provided Kosher meals for the Rabbis in attendance. The desert was something akin to baklava, very good, and very sweet. There were pickled vegetables, ground chicken, tandoori chicken, hummus, pita bread, and a very interesting salad that consisted mainly of parsley, which I love. (How did they know that?) There was also a pan of very fragrant rice. The aroma was heavenly.

There were bottles of Coke, Pepsi, and orange sodas, something else it seems we all have in common.

Dr. Howeedy gave us a different view of the life of a Muslim, very different from the version we see on television.

My impression of Dr. Howeedy himself is of a quiet, kind, gracious, soft spoken man, with a peaceful aura. He became known to us at the Pastoral Care department when he began using the Muslim prayer room.

I can only imagine how it must have felt for him to make his presentation to a room full of Christians, Reverends, Rabbis, Priests, and Nuns from every ethnic background imaginable. The Pastoral Care Department is committed to embracing those of different cultures and beliefs.

As I looked around the table, I thought, this could be a meeting at the United Nations. And I thought, at no other clinical pastoral education table could I have had this experience. Only here at our hospital could this happen. What a privilege. What an honor.

There was an aura of peace and respect in the room, as we communed, dialogued, and fellowshipped. There were no voices raised in anger, no accusations, suspicions, or bitterness. (The stuff movies are made of). There were many questions about the recipes, the food, and the culture. There was laughter (Dr. Howeedy has a sense of humor). We all considered it a privilege and an honor to sit together, to laugh, to share, and to learn.

At the conclusion of the presentation,

Dr. Howeedy and his guests went to the Masjid (Muslim prayer room), located next door to my office, to pray.

Understanding multi-culturalism takes work on both parts. It is not as complex and difficult as we make it. It takes daring to find opportunities to share and dialogue with those who are vastly different than ourselves. It takes looking at each other, and finding the similarities. It takes being at peace with the differences. It takes allowing others to be themselves. Sometimes understanding each other takes only a luncheon and a discussion.

Written December 2008

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