Friday, October 7, 2011
Occupy Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but at the same time I feel like I have been exposed to all sorts of cancers since the beginning of this month. First, I start with Breast Cancer---if you look into your contacts you will know someone who has this or know someone who knows someone who is going through it (six degrees of separation). Unfortunately in 2011, I think I've met more people who have had or do have breast cancer including those close to me. My grandma was diagnosed in her old age and I wonder if this contributed to all the other medical issues she had before she died in 2009, but we will never know. The point is, it's everywhere.
I also know people who are suffering from lukemia, lymphoma and prostate cancer. And most recently was the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs who just passed from pancreatic cancer just two days ago. I heard the news while I was waking at the Lukemia and Lymphoma society's light the night walk in downtown Manhattan (i'll get to this experience in a minute)....so I was a bit overwhelmed with all the cancer going around. It's very easy to be brought down just by being surrounded by this. I wonder how oncologists deal with cancer patients knowing that some cases are not curable...but like me, I feel like strength is drawn by the survivors and their families, which brings me to Light the Night walk.
I was told about this walk by a good friend of mine. I thought this would be a perfect time to take my camera and go shoot some pictures and then after join the Occupy Wall Street protests that were literally blocks away from this walk. I ended up in a sea of balloons--Red for Supporters, White for Survivors and Gold for In Memorium. Amongst the crowd I saw mainly red balloons, followed by gold then few white ones. I decided to walk with the crowd up to the Brooklyn bridge where they would cross the bridge and return to hang up their balloon outside of city hall. I was beyond touched and speechless that night. There was an energy in the crowd that I couldn't describe. Along the walk route were pictures of people who fought the good fight and it was touching to see some of the family members stand by a picture proud of their relative who fought so hard to survive. I saw old people and I saw children in those photos. I saw teams of families walk for their love ones who they lost to cancer but they were cheering along for their family member. I met a lady who has two daughters, one with breast cancer and one with lukemia...her face was stern but she spoke about how hard this journey has been on her and that she had to do this. I heard many of the walkers say that this was a better cause than the Occupy Wall Street protests that was only blocks away. Before I arrived at the finished line, I decided to look at my Twitter feed--saw that Steve Jobs died from cancer....I was overcome with emotion...I went through the finish line with sadness, but what kept me going was the energetic people around me. After the finish line, people hung their red, white or gold balloon for their relatives. I was touched to see a white balloon person who walked and just paused looking at the balloons surrounding her. I saw many gold balloons taking moments of silence...I can't imagine their struggles because the families go through the process of cancer just like the patient.
I ended up sitting for a bit because I was still filled with emotion of the news of Steve Jobs dying from cancer. I was at a walk for cancer as well...I was overwhelmed. I happened to sit underneath a picture of a young child where it said 'two time cancer survivor'. I saw many just stand and stare and also tear up in front of this picture. I didn't find it appropriate to attend the wall street protests after this...I felt like I was with people who were paying tribute to their loved ones....this cause surpasses any type of political or class issues...it is universal with all walks of life.
It's too often that we hear someone we know has cancer. However I dont see outrage to fight this amongst the general public. I know it's not a political or economic protest---but once you are somehow touched by this, you want to find a way to fix things. I just know the only way I can help is through support...I believe the presence at these events to raise money speaks volumes to support the survivors and their families. It shows we have compassion and can think outside of our technologically hooked lives where we dont see past our own phones or computers. If it's not cancer, it should be something else that we reach out to the human race---it can be feeding the homeless or whatever it takes to go from a selfish to a selfless society. I hope that just as Americans are protesting the injustice of wealth we also protest and occupy the horrible diseases like cancer.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
reflections of a dual identity after 9/11
I was born in Brooklyn, NY. My father came from Egypt in the late 60s and mom in mid-70s. I grew up in suburban Westchester County outside of NYC area from first grade on. In first grade, I learned all the patriotic hymns like God bless America; You're a Grand Ole' Flag, This Land is Your Land and of course our national anthem The Star Spangled Banner. I was the only Egyptian-American student in my school at the time...I didn't think about being Egyptian because I was too busy being a patriotic American every morning saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a patriotic song. I learned about American History and how great the USA is. My dad told me that in 2nd grade that my teacher was going to quiz me on all the Capitals of the US. So I spent my summer memorizing the US map. Until today, I can probably remember about 90% of the Capitals. That same summer, was my first trip to Egypt. I didn't know much about it except for the Pyramids, my church that I went to on Sunday recited prayers in Arabic. I think the entire family met us at Cairo Airport. I got applause coming out sitting on the luggage carriage waving both the American and Egyptian flags. I think people thought I was a daughter of some diplomat but I was just showing Egypt that I was ready to meet my ethnicity and that I was American born and raised. I had no concept of religion outside of Christianity, so I did ask my uncle why there were so many nuns in the country. I had no concept of what Islam was and that women were wearing the hijab--they weren't nuns (i was 7 years old by the way)
Growing up, my parents wanted me to learn my Egyptian culture, by forcing me to speak Arabic on the weekends. I threw tantrums to speak English, but Saturday mornings were met with a 'switch'. I was embarrassed because my friends would have to hear me speak to my parents in some crazy language. I think I gained popularity in school when there was a unit done on Egypt and I brought in Omar Sharif's narration of Mystery of the Pyramids. In college, I decided to take Arabic classes and concentrate in Middle Eastern Studies (as part of my international affairs degree). I became more in tune with the Egyptian/Arab culture, while also tuning into everything Washington DC had to offer. I volunteered for the NATO 50th anniversary celebration. Everytime you stepped on 23rd Street at that period there was another motorcade. We tried to guess who was in there....going to volunteer there, I went to old government buildings--there was history, grandeur--contributing to my country was a great feeling.
9/11 happened. It was my first week as a paralegal at a firm in DC. I was just out of college. My family and friends were in NY. I had to evacuate not knowing how to get back to my house in Virginia. I randomly found someone in the office who was going in my direction and we hitched hike from constitution ave in DC to courthouse area in virginia . We knew this was dangerous, but honestly we didn't know what was going on. I immediately got on the phone and attempted to call everyone in NYC but wasnt able to. 2 hrs of trying to actually get out of DC we walked from courthouse to clarendon and could smell the smoke coming from the Pentagon....we ended up in a coffee shop where we would rest before my coworker dropped me off at home. I got through to people speaking half English/ half Arabic. My coworker said 'honey if I were you, I wouldn't be speaking that language now'. I responded 'I dont care what you think'. We watched CNN at the coffee shop and I was already dealing with the sorrow of what was going on with my city but I had to deal with the ignorance at that point of my ethnic origin. 9/11 I thought of the WTC and how I was just there just weeks before the towers went down, I thought of Trinity Church and the day care center they had because I was in the first class of their day care. I thought of all the people I knew and what was going to happen next. That evening, I attended a prayer meeting at the Coptic Church in Virginia where so many people came up to me to make sure everyone I knew was okay. I called my family in Egypt and Canada to let them know we were safe. I felt the unity of everyone coming together....there was kindness...and there was darkness as well.
Darkness came from attacks on people who looked remotely Middle Eastern...even Sikhs got targeted. These last 10 years I have had to prove that I am a loyal American. I have been met with discrimination due to my ethnicity at the workplace and on vacation. So many times someone asks 'where are you from?' I respond: 'New York'. They ask: 'no ethnicity'. Me: "I'm Egyptian'.....and the smile goes away and body becomes all tense. sometimes they continue the conversation by asking 'So do you like celebrate Ramadan?'...I say 'Um, do you see this cross I'm wearing? I'm Christian'. Them: 'oh so you're not Muslim but you're Egyptian?'....me: 'not everyone from the Middle East is Muslim and not everyone is a terrorist'...I walk away because I can't believe the ignorance. One lady at work refused to work with Arabs....three years later when she was forced to sit next to me while I was filling in for her partner, she apologized for her racism saying that 9/11 affected her and made her angry against all Arabs.....I told her that those who terrorized us that day were not representative of the entire community....and I had to remind her that I was AMERICAN and I was brought up in a dual culture household; proud that my ancestors were the likes of King Tut (well she bought it...I can't track my family that far back)
When going to Egypt, I was met with some animosity since I did come from the US...it didn't help that I was Christian. During the 00 decade, I would go to Egypt at least once a year to see my ailing family (uncle and grandma God rest their souls). I remember being in a supermarket getting a stare down from women because I wasnt veiled. I was extremely uncomfortable...I got hissed and whistled at...but I was told to ignore -- something I normally don't do. I was hissed and whisteled at in Morocco back in 2000--and they didnt think I understood Arabic...until I opened my mouth and basically gave it to the two guys sitting making obnoxious comments..... They're mouths literally dropped to the ground (the NYer in me can't just stay quiet). So many other things I realized in Egypt, I'm not an equal to the rest of the population.
It is plain and simple ignorance on both sides of the Atlantic. Proving I am just as American as Wonder bread has not been an easy task. And in Egypt, completely different story. At times, I didnt think I belonged anywhere. Only during early 2011 when people would ask about my ethnicity and I would respond: Egyptian...I got hi fives for the revolution. I had people who I was out of touch for years come out of the woodwork to ask about my family and the Egyptian revolution. If anything, the terrorist stereotype briefly vanished as everyone wanted to know what was going on, listen to my opinions and to ask when my mother would be able to leave the country (she was stuck in Alexandria and left late Feb back to the States). It was a great feeling because I was able to use what I knew through my culture and education to give an educated view of what was occurring in Egypt.
Now it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I choose to honor those who perished that day. I choose to honor the first responders and all those who sacrificed their safety to help others. I will not be making this political. I've seen some articles regarding how American Muslims have been discriminated against in the past 10 years....media, it's not just the Muslims, but anyone who looks remotely 'Arab' regardless of religion. I'm not Muslim but I have felt the brunt of discrimination. My goal is to continue to educate to show that there are great American citizens of with ethnic origins that trace back to the Pharoahs and to 2011 revolutionaries, while of course I continue to sing my heart out at the Yankee game 7th inning stretch of God Bless America.
Growing up, my parents wanted me to learn my Egyptian culture, by forcing me to speak Arabic on the weekends. I threw tantrums to speak English, but Saturday mornings were met with a 'switch'. I was embarrassed because my friends would have to hear me speak to my parents in some crazy language. I think I gained popularity in school when there was a unit done on Egypt and I brought in Omar Sharif's narration of Mystery of the Pyramids. In college, I decided to take Arabic classes and concentrate in Middle Eastern Studies (as part of my international affairs degree). I became more in tune with the Egyptian/Arab culture, while also tuning into everything Washington DC had to offer. I volunteered for the NATO 50th anniversary celebration. Everytime you stepped on 23rd Street at that period there was another motorcade. We tried to guess who was in there....going to volunteer there, I went to old government buildings--there was history, grandeur--contributing to my country was a great feeling.
9/11 happened. It was my first week as a paralegal at a firm in DC. I was just out of college. My family and friends were in NY. I had to evacuate not knowing how to get back to my house in Virginia. I randomly found someone in the office who was going in my direction and we hitched hike from constitution ave in DC to courthouse area in virginia . We knew this was dangerous, but honestly we didn't know what was going on. I immediately got on the phone and attempted to call everyone in NYC but wasnt able to. 2 hrs of trying to actually get out of DC we walked from courthouse to clarendon and could smell the smoke coming from the Pentagon....we ended up in a coffee shop where we would rest before my coworker dropped me off at home. I got through to people speaking half English/ half Arabic. My coworker said 'honey if I were you, I wouldn't be speaking that language now'. I responded 'I dont care what you think'. We watched CNN at the coffee shop and I was already dealing with the sorrow of what was going on with my city but I had to deal with the ignorance at that point of my ethnic origin. 9/11 I thought of the WTC and how I was just there just weeks before the towers went down, I thought of Trinity Church and the day care center they had because I was in the first class of their day care. I thought of all the people I knew and what was going to happen next. That evening, I attended a prayer meeting at the Coptic Church in Virginia where so many people came up to me to make sure everyone I knew was okay. I called my family in Egypt and Canada to let them know we were safe. I felt the unity of everyone coming together....there was kindness...and there was darkness as well.
Darkness came from attacks on people who looked remotely Middle Eastern...even Sikhs got targeted. These last 10 years I have had to prove that I am a loyal American. I have been met with discrimination due to my ethnicity at the workplace and on vacation. So many times someone asks 'where are you from?' I respond: 'New York'. They ask: 'no ethnicity'. Me: "I'm Egyptian'.....and the smile goes away and body becomes all tense. sometimes they continue the conversation by asking 'So do you like celebrate Ramadan?'...I say 'Um, do you see this cross I'm wearing? I'm Christian'. Them: 'oh so you're not Muslim but you're Egyptian?'....me: 'not everyone from the Middle East is Muslim and not everyone is a terrorist'...I walk away because I can't believe the ignorance. One lady at work refused to work with Arabs....three years later when she was forced to sit next to me while I was filling in for her partner, she apologized for her racism saying that 9/11 affected her and made her angry against all Arabs.....I told her that those who terrorized us that day were not representative of the entire community....and I had to remind her that I was AMERICAN and I was brought up in a dual culture household; proud that my ancestors were the likes of King Tut (well she bought it...I can't track my family that far back)
When going to Egypt, I was met with some animosity since I did come from the US...it didn't help that I was Christian. During the 00 decade, I would go to Egypt at least once a year to see my ailing family (uncle and grandma God rest their souls). I remember being in a supermarket getting a stare down from women because I wasnt veiled. I was extremely uncomfortable...I got hissed and whistled at...but I was told to ignore -- something I normally don't do. I was hissed and whisteled at in Morocco back in 2000--and they didnt think I understood Arabic...until I opened my mouth and basically gave it to the two guys sitting making obnoxious comments..... They're mouths literally dropped to the ground (the NYer in me can't just stay quiet). So many other things I realized in Egypt, I'm not an equal to the rest of the population.
It is plain and simple ignorance on both sides of the Atlantic. Proving I am just as American as Wonder bread has not been an easy task. And in Egypt, completely different story. At times, I didnt think I belonged anywhere. Only during early 2011 when people would ask about my ethnicity and I would respond: Egyptian...I got hi fives for the revolution. I had people who I was out of touch for years come out of the woodwork to ask about my family and the Egyptian revolution. If anything, the terrorist stereotype briefly vanished as everyone wanted to know what was going on, listen to my opinions and to ask when my mother would be able to leave the country (she was stuck in Alexandria and left late Feb back to the States). It was a great feeling because I was able to use what I knew through my culture and education to give an educated view of what was occurring in Egypt.
Now it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I choose to honor those who perished that day. I choose to honor the first responders and all those who sacrificed their safety to help others. I will not be making this political. I've seen some articles regarding how American Muslims have been discriminated against in the past 10 years....media, it's not just the Muslims, but anyone who looks remotely 'Arab' regardless of religion. I'm not Muslim but I have felt the brunt of discrimination. My goal is to continue to educate to show that there are great American citizens of with ethnic origins that trace back to the Pharoahs and to 2011 revolutionaries, while of course I continue to sing my heart out at the Yankee game 7th inning stretch of God Bless America.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Aftermath...
As many people are aware, Hurricane Irene struck the eastern seaboard of the United States affecting approximately 65 million people. This hurricane was a category 1 and as it moved up towards New England it was downgraded to a tropical storm. This was big news all over the world...we got phone calls from Egypt and other parts of the US making sure that we were okay. Thank God we were. The overnight of the storm was a bit scary as I did hear trees fall. After the storm I saw that half of one tree was down and ontop of it another one. We were the lucky ones...no flooding in my house, but others down the street did, we still had power, just nerves shaken. The story was different from house to house, street to street, town to town, etc. The local news did an excellent job of covering each part of the tri state area, because while people were back into their routines in Manhattan on Monday morning, others were still reeling from the damage. The apparent overhype or whatever you wanna call it from the storm was necessary because people for the most part, heeded the warning and another Katrina aftermath was avoided.
There is a human side to every disaster. After each disaster, we find ourselves coming together as a community. I decided to head out yesterday to survey the damage in the area. I ended up in a Panera Bread while waiting for my car to be serviced. It was packed with people charging their laptops, cellphones, iPads, iPhones, iPods, etc. They have free wi fi and it was turned off because many people who came to eat couldnt find a place to sit due to those who came to Panera Bread just to surf the net. I spoke with some people who told me that their entire town had no power. I also noticed, people were kinder to each other...taking turns using power outlets, etc...I heard a lot of people speak about their experiences to complete strangers. This would not happen on an ordinary day. I headed to a supermarket where the cashier was asking each customer if they were okay. Yesterday I couldn't count how many people asked me if I was okay....I didn't know anyone....this reminded me of other disasters like the blackout, the earthquake of last week, 9/11, blizzard... we all stepped out of our zones of just focusing on self and focused on others. In a busy NY Metro area, we are always rushing to get to the next place, we don't stop...literally we don't. If we do, it's an inconvenience and often we miss out on finding out someone else's story. I got to survey damage of down trees and power lines in front of homes literally on the block behind me. People were just very nice and jokingly told me they would charge me $2 to take a picture. What I took away from this, is that we shouldn't wait for a disaster for us to stop and ask about each other. I met so many resilient people yesterday that had more taken away from them, but they were willing to ask me if I was okay. I was touched...
For those who watched this hurricane from a distance and mocked the media attention...there are places that look like a war zone, people still without basic needs, houses damaged by water, power out, highway collapse and towns that are rivers. Support us with your prayers instead of mocking that this storm was 'nothing'. It was something for many people, life changing event. It was also a missed opportunity for some to reach out to the other. Honestly, I felt the love by so many people who texted, called, sent me twitter/fb messages asking if I was okay...and I was one of the lucky ones... Let's not wait for something horrible to happen to keep in touch but rather let's take away that we all need to pause so that we can see the world through not just our own eyes, but through others.
There is a human side to every disaster. After each disaster, we find ourselves coming together as a community. I decided to head out yesterday to survey the damage in the area. I ended up in a Panera Bread while waiting for my car to be serviced. It was packed with people charging their laptops, cellphones, iPads, iPhones, iPods, etc. They have free wi fi and it was turned off because many people who came to eat couldnt find a place to sit due to those who came to Panera Bread just to surf the net. I spoke with some people who told me that their entire town had no power. I also noticed, people were kinder to each other...taking turns using power outlets, etc...I heard a lot of people speak about their experiences to complete strangers. This would not happen on an ordinary day. I headed to a supermarket where the cashier was asking each customer if they were okay. Yesterday I couldn't count how many people asked me if I was okay....I didn't know anyone....this reminded me of other disasters like the blackout, the earthquake of last week, 9/11, blizzard... we all stepped out of our zones of just focusing on self and focused on others. In a busy NY Metro area, we are always rushing to get to the next place, we don't stop...literally we don't. If we do, it's an inconvenience and often we miss out on finding out someone else's story. I got to survey damage of down trees and power lines in front of homes literally on the block behind me. People were just very nice and jokingly told me they would charge me $2 to take a picture. What I took away from this, is that we shouldn't wait for a disaster for us to stop and ask about each other. I met so many resilient people yesterday that had more taken away from them, but they were willing to ask me if I was okay. I was touched...
For those who watched this hurricane from a distance and mocked the media attention...there are places that look like a war zone, people still without basic needs, houses damaged by water, power out, highway collapse and towns that are rivers. Support us with your prayers instead of mocking that this storm was 'nothing'. It was something for many people, life changing event. It was also a missed opportunity for some to reach out to the other. Honestly, I felt the love by so many people who texted, called, sent me twitter/fb messages asking if I was okay...and I was one of the lucky ones... Let's not wait for something horrible to happen to keep in touch but rather let's take away that we all need to pause so that we can see the world through not just our own eyes, but through others.
Friday, August 12, 2011
confessions of a single coptic woman
i've been avoiding this topic or speaking exclusively about this on my blog for many reasons. however after having so many conversations with people, i think it is time i addressed this issue from solely my perspective with some input from conversations ive had over the past month or so. as always i would like to keep my blog as positive as possible because i feel that we tend to just look at the negative side, however im not going to make this another rosey 'God has a plan' for you type of post. While I firmly believe in God's plan for us, I also believe that some issues need to be addressed.
so yes, i'm over 30, single, Egyptian Coptic American. I'm proud of my status. Our community puts pressure on people like myself asking 'what happened? why aren't you married yet? you're too picky' and hear a whole load of unsolicited comments about my single state. every wedding is a nightmare because you are met with these comments and because you're not married, you get seated with much younger people since all your friends are married. okay i cope and move on...
then i watch CTV--the coptic channel...where i hear bishops and priests talk about this impending 'crisis' that there are so many single women over 30 not married and that the church must get to the bottom of this. hence, there is a convention sponsored by one of the diocese entitle something like 'struggles of a single coptic orthodox christian' for single copts 30 and over. I was told I should attend and when I looked at the flyer my reaction was 'you gotta be kidding me'.
I appreciate that the church is trying to help us over 30 single folk get married, but im kinda sick and tired that the single status is being treated like a disease. It isn't a crisis, it is just a reality that many of us decided not to lower our standards to marry just anyone, we didn't rush because we were focused on our careers and studies and one thing, we refuse to get married to a guy that just wanted to use us as a ticket to America. There's nothing wrong with that and instead of being treated like that we have leprosy, we should be treated with respect. We don't need to be reminded every second while in the church that we need to get married and that there is something wrong with that and because we're single it doesn't mean we don't have lives.
I recently have taken up photography as a hobby, it's great...it doesn't define who I am, but it definitely adds a fresh perspective on life. There's more to life than just getting married and having kids. I really think that everyone has a different path in life and it just so happens that the issue of marriage is delayed for me for a reason only God knows.
Again I appreciate the efforts of the church, but I wish it wasn't so reactionary. We need to have more social gatherings, but not with just getting all single people into one room. Many of us have life balance issues or could be looking into getting into another career field. Focus on that...focus on our spirits that that we are not reminded every second that we are the outcasts...priests shouldn't be asking every second 'haaa fee haga gadeeda?'...I will let you know if there is...but for now...leave everyone alone...give us the spiritual support that we need instead of scrambling to be matchmakers (which most often than not tends to be disastrous...everyone is good in the eyes of a priest).
I have to say while I do struggle a lot, I'm also extremely thankful. You'll hear many people like me say that. We are not in unhealthy relationships, nor are we stuck with someone that we dont want to be, and we know what we want. I'm thankful that God has give me the opportunity to do things in life like travel and serve. I know my path is different than others, I just ask for support instead of just stating the obvious. Believe me when I say, God protects and God knows exactly what we are feeling. It's normal to lose hope, because our culture does a number on us...we have a tendency to look at what others have and not focus on ourselves. Because so and so got married at 25 and has 3 kids by 32, doesn't mean I am the same. It's also saddening when I hear our younger generation like ages 8-10 say that people must get married by 25. I know 25 is old in their mind, but what are the parents teaching them? It's the same attitude that has put our mature single community stereotype that there's something wrong if you're not married by a certain age. We need to instead educate our kids about how God is truly in control of life and that not every Egyptian is meant to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or a pharmacist (with all due respect to those professions). We have to stop putting everyone into a box because the reality is--people are living outside the box doing different things, getting new degrees, traveling the world to serve and learn from different cultures. So I refuse to succumb to the uneducated mentality that my goal in life is to just get married. The goal in life is find my way to eternal life, so my way is different than yours. I respect yours, so respect mine.
in conclusion, i welcome new ways of making the single life more acceptable in our community. it shouldn't be a moseeba, but rather something that people should be proud of. For my single community of friends---i know we will continue to have great conversations and be a support to each other. For my married friends--I love you as well, but please be more understanding and empathetic. To the church--don't be reactionary...be supportive...
so yes, i'm over 30, single, Egyptian Coptic American. I'm proud of my status. Our community puts pressure on people like myself asking 'what happened? why aren't you married yet? you're too picky' and hear a whole load of unsolicited comments about my single state. every wedding is a nightmare because you are met with these comments and because you're not married, you get seated with much younger people since all your friends are married. okay i cope and move on...
then i watch CTV--the coptic channel...where i hear bishops and priests talk about this impending 'crisis' that there are so many single women over 30 not married and that the church must get to the bottom of this. hence, there is a convention sponsored by one of the diocese entitle something like 'struggles of a single coptic orthodox christian' for single copts 30 and over. I was told I should attend and when I looked at the flyer my reaction was 'you gotta be kidding me'.
I appreciate that the church is trying to help us over 30 single folk get married, but im kinda sick and tired that the single status is being treated like a disease. It isn't a crisis, it is just a reality that many of us decided not to lower our standards to marry just anyone, we didn't rush because we were focused on our careers and studies and one thing, we refuse to get married to a guy that just wanted to use us as a ticket to America. There's nothing wrong with that and instead of being treated like that we have leprosy, we should be treated with respect. We don't need to be reminded every second while in the church that we need to get married and that there is something wrong with that and because we're single it doesn't mean we don't have lives.
I recently have taken up photography as a hobby, it's great...it doesn't define who I am, but it definitely adds a fresh perspective on life. There's more to life than just getting married and having kids. I really think that everyone has a different path in life and it just so happens that the issue of marriage is delayed for me for a reason only God knows.
Again I appreciate the efforts of the church, but I wish it wasn't so reactionary. We need to have more social gatherings, but not with just getting all single people into one room. Many of us have life balance issues or could be looking into getting into another career field. Focus on that...focus on our spirits that that we are not reminded every second that we are the outcasts...priests shouldn't be asking every second 'haaa fee haga gadeeda?'...I will let you know if there is...but for now...leave everyone alone...give us the spiritual support that we need instead of scrambling to be matchmakers (which most often than not tends to be disastrous...everyone is good in the eyes of a priest).
I have to say while I do struggle a lot, I'm also extremely thankful. You'll hear many people like me say that. We are not in unhealthy relationships, nor are we stuck with someone that we dont want to be, and we know what we want. I'm thankful that God has give me the opportunity to do things in life like travel and serve. I know my path is different than others, I just ask for support instead of just stating the obvious. Believe me when I say, God protects and God knows exactly what we are feeling. It's normal to lose hope, because our culture does a number on us...we have a tendency to look at what others have and not focus on ourselves. Because so and so got married at 25 and has 3 kids by 32, doesn't mean I am the same. It's also saddening when I hear our younger generation like ages 8-10 say that people must get married by 25. I know 25 is old in their mind, but what are the parents teaching them? It's the same attitude that has put our mature single community stereotype that there's something wrong if you're not married by a certain age. We need to instead educate our kids about how God is truly in control of life and that not every Egyptian is meant to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or a pharmacist (with all due respect to those professions). We have to stop putting everyone into a box because the reality is--people are living outside the box doing different things, getting new degrees, traveling the world to serve and learn from different cultures. So I refuse to succumb to the uneducated mentality that my goal in life is to just get married. The goal in life is find my way to eternal life, so my way is different than yours. I respect yours, so respect mine.
in conclusion, i welcome new ways of making the single life more acceptable in our community. it shouldn't be a moseeba, but rather something that people should be proud of. For my single community of friends---i know we will continue to have great conversations and be a support to each other. For my married friends--I love you as well, but please be more understanding and empathetic. To the church--don't be reactionary...be supportive...
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
stop, drop and roll
every year while i was in elementary school, the local fire department came by the school to educate us what do to do when theres a fire. one of them was stop, drop and roll. you stop what you're doing, drop to the ground and roll on the floor to get rid of the flames. thankfully i have never been in a fire, nor plan on being in one...however this technique was needed for my life..i haven't been blogging since elevator follies, so that i could do just that.
life before my stop drop and roll...has been crazy. i was running around like a crazy person doing everything for everyone and not taking care of myself. this sounds so familiar to so many people...because it happens to everyone. it got to a point where i was not benefitting from my church service and all i wanted to do was give up...i didn't understand why God wasn't helping me out with anything and i started to build a resentment towards God....so i stopped...i got to sit with my father of confession..and if anyone is against talking to a priest or a spiritual guide...you're definitely missing out. it was one of those really tough conversations but i came out feeling like i just unloaded everything that was on my heart and a sense of peace that everything was going to be OKAY.
next i dropped--i went on vacation. i dropped everything at home, work, service and life to embark on an 8 day adventure to Florida with two of my friends. i really can't tell you how much i needed this. every day was the same, wake up, eat, beach/pool, eat, sleep...it was great. i didnt have to run anywhere to be anywhere and at night we got to walk along the beach. one thing i miss is getting in touch with God's creation of this earth...where ever you are a simple walk does it. whether you're in a city, beach, mountains, suburbs, anywhere...these walks are quiet times...
i came back rolling--i felt like i got the flames off of me and i was literally ready to roll, but coming back i dealt with going back to the old ways again before i went on vacation. this time for me was different. i am saying NO to things that i know i cannot humanly possibly do. saying NO is very hard for me because i always like to help out, but i found out that it's okay to say NO if it's really going to make me feel miserable. also im trying to keep up with what makes me happy. going out in small groups, long walks and of course photography. i cannot lose myself in the busyness again. i need to stay connected to the things that make me happy. most importantly--taking care of myself.
so the fire department was right in one thing...the stop, drop and roll technique really does work...it works when there's a fire in your life.
life before my stop drop and roll...has been crazy. i was running around like a crazy person doing everything for everyone and not taking care of myself. this sounds so familiar to so many people...because it happens to everyone. it got to a point where i was not benefitting from my church service and all i wanted to do was give up...i didn't understand why God wasn't helping me out with anything and i started to build a resentment towards God....so i stopped...i got to sit with my father of confession..and if anyone is against talking to a priest or a spiritual guide...you're definitely missing out. it was one of those really tough conversations but i came out feeling like i just unloaded everything that was on my heart and a sense of peace that everything was going to be OKAY.
next i dropped--i went on vacation. i dropped everything at home, work, service and life to embark on an 8 day adventure to Florida with two of my friends. i really can't tell you how much i needed this. every day was the same, wake up, eat, beach/pool, eat, sleep...it was great. i didnt have to run anywhere to be anywhere and at night we got to walk along the beach. one thing i miss is getting in touch with God's creation of this earth...where ever you are a simple walk does it. whether you're in a city, beach, mountains, suburbs, anywhere...these walks are quiet times...
i came back rolling--i felt like i got the flames off of me and i was literally ready to roll, but coming back i dealt with going back to the old ways again before i went on vacation. this time for me was different. i am saying NO to things that i know i cannot humanly possibly do. saying NO is very hard for me because i always like to help out, but i found out that it's okay to say NO if it's really going to make me feel miserable. also im trying to keep up with what makes me happy. going out in small groups, long walks and of course photography. i cannot lose myself in the busyness again. i need to stay connected to the things that make me happy. most importantly--taking care of myself.
so the fire department was right in one thing...the stop, drop and roll technique really does work...it works when there's a fire in your life.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Secular separation
Again so much is happening and I haven't had a chance to really sit down to organize my thoughts until now. However the points that I will be making in this posts are only based on my limited knowledge, I don't have facts but I report what I hear from people that are going through or what I hear in media circles.
Today in Egypt there was a demonstration for civil divorces for Coptic Orthodox Christians to be granted in order to bypass church mandated rules regarding divorce. personally the media that has reported this has left out a lot of information about the stance of the Coptic church regarding this issue, with the exception that the church is against divorce. Okay that's fine but to an outside reader it just puts the church in a very bad light. This situation also brings up the issue of separation between religion and state within Egypt. So that will be another issue that I hope to address.
first you can read all about the sacrament of matrimony according to the Coptic church here http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/thecopticchurch/sacraments/6_matrimony.html
the sacrament of marriage is quite beautiful and if youre not so distracted with all the petty details of the wedding, the prayers are amazing. A mystery is occurring. Even the hymn of the Holy Spirit is sung during the ceremony. A traditional Coptic wedding is done with liturgy immediately following the matrimonial ceremony since the sacraments in the church normally have you take communion immediately following the type of sacrament. It is quite beautiful to see the newlywed couple taking communion together for the first time as husband and wife. I've been to several of these traditional weddings. They are long but they are worth it. I could go on forever, but let's not digress.
Understanding the church's stance on divorce is simple...the church leans on the teaching from the Bible regarding adultery as being the reason. Bishop Paula is the bishop of family affairs and he is the one who ultimately grants the divorce. He has a weekly show on ctv ( Coptic channel ) called beit ala el sakhr or in English: house on a rock. Here he addresses many relationship issues and many people call in or come on the show to speak about their horror stories. Their cases are heartbreaking and some have had their pending cases for many years.
In my own opinion there needs to be more than one bishop assigned to this. It seems like the separation rate within the Coptic church has increased. So I believe the Coptic church needs to somehow reform on how they tackle this, not alter Biblical teaching which they must uphold as church leaders. Part of the reasons of protesting is that many cases have been just dragged on for years without any movement...this can take an emotional and physical toll on the couple.
Those who separate or divorce in the church suffer from being treated like outsiders from other parishioners because somehow we have in our brain that divorce is haram...priests and servants in th church need to do better outreach to families who need help instead of waiting for some big blow out to occur then become the next pariahs of the church.
Getting back on track with this issue is a bigger problem....some people resort to converting to Islam to get what they want. I don't know about you, but converting religions just to get what you want is unacceptable from both ends. I do not want someone converting to Christiantiy just so that they can get married and not really believe in Christ. I believe the same goes for other religions. Taking these extreme measures puts one in a position where they have severed themselves from other sacraments such as Eucharist. I know the situation is difficult but that's where the church can somehow streamline this process and give out their decisions faster.
Civil marriages require a secular state. As of now, Egypt is not a secular state, and many revolutionaries are fighting for this. Egypt has two types of citizens, Muslims and non Muslims. On the national ID card the religion is stated, which can lead to discrimination if you are not Muslim, especially if the person who is trying to hire, help, arrest, or whatever has something against you being not Muslim. Egypt needs to get on the program eliminating this. When I show my driver's license here in the US, my religion is not stated on there. Same should go for Egypt and their national ID card. Have each religious institution deal with their follows in a spiritual not political way. Not all Egyptians follow a religion, so if they were born into it and have to follow these rules that they don't follow to begin with it causes issues. So establishing a secular state will allow for a secular solution to gain divorce.
I can go on and on about this but enough for now. The Coptic church needs to do a better job outreaching families, education thru pre marital sessions and couples meetings after, and delegation of more learned church clergy to assist Bishop Paula in granting divorces or streamline the process so that one is it left 7 years in limbo trying to get a separation from someone who potentially can do physical or emotional harm.
Today in Egypt there was a demonstration for civil divorces for Coptic Orthodox Christians to be granted in order to bypass church mandated rules regarding divorce. personally the media that has reported this has left out a lot of information about the stance of the Coptic church regarding this issue, with the exception that the church is against divorce. Okay that's fine but to an outside reader it just puts the church in a very bad light. This situation also brings up the issue of separation between religion and state within Egypt. So that will be another issue that I hope to address.
first you can read all about the sacrament of matrimony according to the Coptic church here http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/thecopticchurch/sacraments/6_matrimony.html
the sacrament of marriage is quite beautiful and if youre not so distracted with all the petty details of the wedding, the prayers are amazing. A mystery is occurring. Even the hymn of the Holy Spirit is sung during the ceremony. A traditional Coptic wedding is done with liturgy immediately following the matrimonial ceremony since the sacraments in the church normally have you take communion immediately following the type of sacrament. It is quite beautiful to see the newlywed couple taking communion together for the first time as husband and wife. I've been to several of these traditional weddings. They are long but they are worth it. I could go on forever, but let's not digress.
Understanding the church's stance on divorce is simple...the church leans on the teaching from the Bible regarding adultery as being the reason. Bishop Paula is the bishop of family affairs and he is the one who ultimately grants the divorce. He has a weekly show on ctv ( Coptic channel ) called beit ala el sakhr or in English: house on a rock. Here he addresses many relationship issues and many people call in or come on the show to speak about their horror stories. Their cases are heartbreaking and some have had their pending cases for many years.
In my own opinion there needs to be more than one bishop assigned to this. It seems like the separation rate within the Coptic church has increased. So I believe the Coptic church needs to somehow reform on how they tackle this, not alter Biblical teaching which they must uphold as church leaders. Part of the reasons of protesting is that many cases have been just dragged on for years without any movement...this can take an emotional and physical toll on the couple.
Those who separate or divorce in the church suffer from being treated like outsiders from other parishioners because somehow we have in our brain that divorce is haram...priests and servants in th church need to do better outreach to families who need help instead of waiting for some big blow out to occur then become the next pariahs of the church.
Getting back on track with this issue is a bigger problem....some people resort to converting to Islam to get what they want. I don't know about you, but converting religions just to get what you want is unacceptable from both ends. I do not want someone converting to Christiantiy just so that they can get married and not really believe in Christ. I believe the same goes for other religions. Taking these extreme measures puts one in a position where they have severed themselves from other sacraments such as Eucharist. I know the situation is difficult but that's where the church can somehow streamline this process and give out their decisions faster.
Civil marriages require a secular state. As of now, Egypt is not a secular state, and many revolutionaries are fighting for this. Egypt has two types of citizens, Muslims and non Muslims. On the national ID card the religion is stated, which can lead to discrimination if you are not Muslim, especially if the person who is trying to hire, help, arrest, or whatever has something against you being not Muslim. Egypt needs to get on the program eliminating this. When I show my driver's license here in the US, my religion is not stated on there. Same should go for Egypt and their national ID card. Have each religious institution deal with their follows in a spiritual not political way. Not all Egyptians follow a religion, so if they were born into it and have to follow these rules that they don't follow to begin with it causes issues. So establishing a secular state will allow for a secular solution to gain divorce.
I can go on and on about this but enough for now. The Coptic church needs to do a better job outreaching families, education thru pre marital sessions and couples meetings after, and delegation of more learned church clergy to assist Bishop Paula in granting divorces or streamline the process so that one is it left 7 years in limbo trying to get a separation from someone who potentially can do physical or emotional harm.
Monday, June 27, 2011
elevator follies
this past weekend, i attended our church's servants retreat. to be quite honest, i really didn't want to go. ive been really jaded lately regarding church service (i'd rather not go into this now), however this weekend i was pleasantly surprised by how filled i got with the topic regarding the gifts in Romans 12. in addition, something that was truly needed this weekend was to built a bond with the servants in attendance. weekends like this, you get to speak to different people that you normally don't see on a regular sunday since we are all busy serving. it was a good time and then the icing on the cake came on the last day.
there were 12 of us who got onto an elevator. as soon as we get on, martha said 'imagine we got stuck on the elevator'...of course we kind of just joked around about it. the elevator opened on the second floor and mariam got out...we thought we were home free. somewhere between the 3rd and 4th floors, the elevator suddenly stopped and the comment all of a sudden became reality. i have never been stuck in an elevator before in my life. ive always heard about it and you watch stuff on tv where the elevator gets stuck and at the end it can fall all the way down. so i was stuck...all 11 of us were stuck. we called for help and used our cell phones to contact the rest of the people from the retreat just to let them know we were okay.
however i really didn't expect to be stuck for up almost 50 minutes. we kept the mood relatively light as we joked around a lot. we were thankful that we all knew each other, and that there were no kids stuck with us. the most calm person the entire time in the elevator was my dad. sometimes when people are silent they think something is wrong...but my dad had the right attitude. he had taken communion that morning and also for the first time in his life he was asked to hold the Offering of the Lamb in the beginning of liturgy. he was particularly touched by this and he gained a peace he's never had...so in his mind...whatever happens happens and just go with the flow...mr. star again, truly a star :D
i particularly got concerned as it got hot in the elevator and there was a lack of ventilation. i was concerned for the older people as time went on. we kept joking but we also resorted to prayer. yesterday was the feast day of st. george of el-mezahem. if my arabic serves me correctly...mezahem comes from the word of zahma meaning crowded....we sang a tamgeed or glorfication in the elevator mentioning this saint. we also sang kirye eleisons. we heard our group on the outside singing praises as well.
part of me understood why st. paul would praise God in a prison. i mean you can't really compare much between a prison and an elevator. both circumstances are very different but there's a similarity of being trapped and not being in control of the outcome of the situation. we resorted to God joyfully and with a knowledge that there's nothing we can do except praise God and ask for His mercy. this point really hit home as i started fanning myself and the person next to me.
the ending was particularly touching...we felt the elevator move and the power somehow back on. as we got to the lobby everyone greeted us (i did a zaghroota coming off the elevator), the greeting was very touching...they were cheering but i also saw the stress in everyone's faces. some of the mother's were crying and hugged all of us. one person rescued us with water. we had joked in the elevator that we should use this to take advantage of the situation...we wanted all sorts of special treatment with sandwiches and drinks to greet us. but we got something even more special...the love. we were all united in that moment. we knew that everyone was praying inside and out of the elevator. being stuck for that period of time felt like an eternity...and we were almost packed like sardines. we all bonded inside the elevator and we knew there was a bond happening outside.
the ironic thing was that the fire department showed up after we had just stepped off the elevator. apparently there was a lot of politics of trying to get out us and thankfully we were unaware of this. we also found out that we had lost power between the floors...also something we were unaware of. i dont wish to comment on the negative things since the outcome of this was favorable and everyone was safe.
our positive attitude and prayerful spirit is what kept us going. it was a take home lesson for me to always stay hopeful in a negative situation. i hope never to get stuck again in an elevator but for some reason, im thankful for this experience. our group somehow grew closer together and that is the true meaning of fellowship.
there were 12 of us who got onto an elevator. as soon as we get on, martha said 'imagine we got stuck on the elevator'...of course we kind of just joked around about it. the elevator opened on the second floor and mariam got out...we thought we were home free. somewhere between the 3rd and 4th floors, the elevator suddenly stopped and the comment all of a sudden became reality. i have never been stuck in an elevator before in my life. ive always heard about it and you watch stuff on tv where the elevator gets stuck and at the end it can fall all the way down. so i was stuck...all 11 of us were stuck. we called for help and used our cell phones to contact the rest of the people from the retreat just to let them know we were okay.
however i really didn't expect to be stuck for up almost 50 minutes. we kept the mood relatively light as we joked around a lot. we were thankful that we all knew each other, and that there were no kids stuck with us. the most calm person the entire time in the elevator was my dad. sometimes when people are silent they think something is wrong...but my dad had the right attitude. he had taken communion that morning and also for the first time in his life he was asked to hold the Offering of the Lamb in the beginning of liturgy. he was particularly touched by this and he gained a peace he's never had...so in his mind...whatever happens happens and just go with the flow...mr. star again, truly a star :D
i particularly got concerned as it got hot in the elevator and there was a lack of ventilation. i was concerned for the older people as time went on. we kept joking but we also resorted to prayer. yesterday was the feast day of st. george of el-mezahem. if my arabic serves me correctly...mezahem comes from the word of zahma meaning crowded....we sang a tamgeed or glorfication in the elevator mentioning this saint. we also sang kirye eleisons. we heard our group on the outside singing praises as well.
part of me understood why st. paul would praise God in a prison. i mean you can't really compare much between a prison and an elevator. both circumstances are very different but there's a similarity of being trapped and not being in control of the outcome of the situation. we resorted to God joyfully and with a knowledge that there's nothing we can do except praise God and ask for His mercy. this point really hit home as i started fanning myself and the person next to me.
the ending was particularly touching...we felt the elevator move and the power somehow back on. as we got to the lobby everyone greeted us (i did a zaghroota coming off the elevator), the greeting was very touching...they were cheering but i also saw the stress in everyone's faces. some of the mother's were crying and hugged all of us. one person rescued us with water. we had joked in the elevator that we should use this to take advantage of the situation...we wanted all sorts of special treatment with sandwiches and drinks to greet us. but we got something even more special...the love. we were all united in that moment. we knew that everyone was praying inside and out of the elevator. being stuck for that period of time felt like an eternity...and we were almost packed like sardines. we all bonded inside the elevator and we knew there was a bond happening outside.
the ironic thing was that the fire department showed up after we had just stepped off the elevator. apparently there was a lot of politics of trying to get out us and thankfully we were unaware of this. we also found out that we had lost power between the floors...also something we were unaware of. i dont wish to comment on the negative things since the outcome of this was favorable and everyone was safe.
our positive attitude and prayerful spirit is what kept us going. it was a take home lesson for me to always stay hopeful in a negative situation. i hope never to get stuck again in an elevator but for some reason, im thankful for this experience. our group somehow grew closer together and that is the true meaning of fellowship.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wedding Photography Seminar
I don't have any cool title for this posting. I attended a wedding photography seminar yesterday so I wanted to share some of the info as well as my whole feeling on the subject.
I've said this many times, props and respect to all wedding photographers or any photographer out in the field. Photography is an art and you must love it in order so succeed in a cut throat business. I am not a cut throat, competitive business savvy person, however I know that good pictures come when you can connect with your subject. I know somewhere in my pictures I am able to do so, especially when I have a personal relationship with the people I'm shooting.
Here's some useful info and my reaction of course
Equipment--more specifically lenses: I understand why photographers charge an arm and a leg for their services. In addition to time post production, making photo albums, etc, they need to get lenses and perhaps an extra camera body to make the special day right. This particular photographer recommended 70-200 f.28 and 24-70 f2.8 85mm f1.4. now add that all together and the total cost of lenses equals: $4,808. I dont know about you, but for a hobbiest, this a killer in any budget. I'm writing a list of all the things that I can do with $4,808 (including an exotic trip to Europe and beyond), but again if you are doing this as a business, you are charging to cover the costs of this insanely expensive piece that enhances your pics. the 70-200 f.28 is huge because it is a telephoto lens and at 200mm zoomed in, you're still getting an amazing apeture..so it costs to get good lenses that allow a lot of light in the world of photography (and i hit myself for choosing such an expensive hobby). The lady giving the seminar shoots with a Canon but mentioned that Nikon lenses in general are superior (so everyone in the room including myself thanked God we had Nikons but the debate will always be there LOL)
Flash: I learned, when possible always use....I just bought a nikon speedlight sb-700 and I really dont know how to use it...I put it in ttl mode which is equivalent to auto mode. But flash is extremely useful in those low light situations and lit situations as well. Fun fact: flash freezes movement including at a low shutter speed :) the photographer yesterday mentioned she loves to use as much natural light as possible.
Then there was a lot of time focused on how to make it through a wedding. One must have an established relationship with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Wedding photography has evolved into photojournalism, telling the story about the couple. There is some formality that is kept with wedding photography, but many people like to see the story behind the couple. A good photographer can tell this story, so that no matter if there are 100 weddings are at the same church or reception place, each wedding does not look a like. My personal view, is that when shots look the same with different couples same photographer, the photographer is not using his/her creative/artistic ability to show the story or personality of the couple.
Preparation before the wedding is key, knowing the lighting of where you're going. I think the word light or a form of it was used the most yesterday. Photography in general is having that perfect light and the perfect exposure....How do you make the person look their best. There were all other kinds of tips such is bringing a stepstool with you (especially if you're short like me) because shooting from below is not as flattering as above--go Facebook self portraits!
My whole view on this: I don't have the confidence, money or zeal to venture into wedding photography just yet. I was just too overwhelmed me in so many different ways. I am a little scared that I will lose the enjoyment of photography once turned into a business....so for now I'm going to continue to shoot my circle of friends, experiment on them until I gain that command and confidence. I still have a far way to go in learning about photography and the ins and outs of it. I know that every photographer starts with some sort of spark and passion. I know I have it, I just want to enjoy the hobby for now and see where it leads me..
I've said this many times, props and respect to all wedding photographers or any photographer out in the field. Photography is an art and you must love it in order so succeed in a cut throat business. I am not a cut throat, competitive business savvy person, however I know that good pictures come when you can connect with your subject. I know somewhere in my pictures I am able to do so, especially when I have a personal relationship with the people I'm shooting.
Here's some useful info and my reaction of course
Equipment--more specifically lenses: I understand why photographers charge an arm and a leg for their services. In addition to time post production, making photo albums, etc, they need to get lenses and perhaps an extra camera body to make the special day right. This particular photographer recommended 70-200 f.28 and 24-70 f2.8 85mm f1.4. now add that all together and the total cost of lenses equals: $4,808. I dont know about you, but for a hobbiest, this a killer in any budget. I'm writing a list of all the things that I can do with $4,808 (including an exotic trip to Europe and beyond), but again if you are doing this as a business, you are charging to cover the costs of this insanely expensive piece that enhances your pics. the 70-200 f.28 is huge because it is a telephoto lens and at 200mm zoomed in, you're still getting an amazing apeture..so it costs to get good lenses that allow a lot of light in the world of photography (and i hit myself for choosing such an expensive hobby). The lady giving the seminar shoots with a Canon but mentioned that Nikon lenses in general are superior (so everyone in the room including myself thanked God we had Nikons but the debate will always be there LOL)
Flash: I learned, when possible always use....I just bought a nikon speedlight sb-700 and I really dont know how to use it...I put it in ttl mode which is equivalent to auto mode. But flash is extremely useful in those low light situations and lit situations as well. Fun fact: flash freezes movement including at a low shutter speed :) the photographer yesterday mentioned she loves to use as much natural light as possible.
Then there was a lot of time focused on how to make it through a wedding. One must have an established relationship with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Wedding photography has evolved into photojournalism, telling the story about the couple. There is some formality that is kept with wedding photography, but many people like to see the story behind the couple. A good photographer can tell this story, so that no matter if there are 100 weddings are at the same church or reception place, each wedding does not look a like. My personal view, is that when shots look the same with different couples same photographer, the photographer is not using his/her creative/artistic ability to show the story or personality of the couple.
Preparation before the wedding is key, knowing the lighting of where you're going. I think the word light or a form of it was used the most yesterday. Photography in general is having that perfect light and the perfect exposure....How do you make the person look their best. There were all other kinds of tips such is bringing a stepstool with you (especially if you're short like me) because shooting from below is not as flattering as above--go Facebook self portraits!
My whole view on this: I don't have the confidence, money or zeal to venture into wedding photography just yet. I was just too overwhelmed me in so many different ways. I am a little scared that I will lose the enjoyment of photography once turned into a business....so for now I'm going to continue to shoot my circle of friends, experiment on them until I gain that command and confidence. I still have a far way to go in learning about photography and the ins and outs of it. I know that every photographer starts with some sort of spark and passion. I know I have it, I just want to enjoy the hobby for now and see where it leads me..
Friday, June 17, 2011
Daughter of the Star
I am the daughter of the star. Truly I am...My dad's name in Arabic means star. This Sunday marks Father's Day here in the US. I dont think there is a father's day in Egypt, despite it being a patriarchal society. We all celebrate Mother's day with the frill but then Father's day rolls around and we're all too busy trying to find time to celebrate or find a different color tie. I even got a phone call to attend a Cirque du Soliel show with friends. When I mentioned it was Father's day...the person said go celebrate and come after. On Mother's Day that would be completely unacceptable but it's okay on Father's Day? Okay whatever.
So this blog is a tribute to my dad and father like figures. First.--Mr. Star himself. It's no accident his name in arabic means Star because he is a star on every level. My dad is older, but he still has that childlike quality in him that brings out an adventurous side in him. Going on family vacations is fun because he is willing to explore new places and food. yes, he maybe in bed by 9pm but the adventure during the day makes up for sleeping early. He is a great source of wisdom and I can go to him with any issue no matter how uncomfortable it may be. My friends also enjoy speaking to him. He reaches out to people and tries to encourage no matter what they're doing in life. I remember when we were searching for colleges for me to attend. He made sure he ate in every school cafeteria and spoke to students to get a feel for campus. I was embarrassed, but he didn't care since he wanted to make sure that the school I attended fit my personality (and also not get sick from the food). One thing is that he always encourages you to do the right thing, keep the peace with people...something that can be difficult especially when you're hurt by someone. He's fun to be around and I think I'm lucky. I'm not nearly the Star that he is.
Now to all the other 'fathers' in my life...the priests who we call Abouna our Father. Many of them have taken on that father figure role for me...spiritual father....there are few that know me inside and out and when the formality between priest and congregant is taken away, you truly see that fatherly figure in them. They have so many people to look after in the congregation, so I am touched when they reach out to me to see how I'm doing, or have a very candid conversation about what's going on in my life, or even better--just hanging out like normal people. I know priests, especially in the Coptic Church, are pulled in million different directions, but it's those times when you have a gathering or just ask your priest 'let's go out for coffee'...where the father/daughter father/son relationship is shown. So I appreciate the priests out there who have taken me under their wing as their spiritual daughter...
I'm not only a daughter of the Star but also of the King of Kings. Happy Father's Day!
So this blog is a tribute to my dad and father like figures. First.--Mr. Star himself. It's no accident his name in arabic means Star because he is a star on every level. My dad is older, but he still has that childlike quality in him that brings out an adventurous side in him. Going on family vacations is fun because he is willing to explore new places and food. yes, he maybe in bed by 9pm but the adventure during the day makes up for sleeping early. He is a great source of wisdom and I can go to him with any issue no matter how uncomfortable it may be. My friends also enjoy speaking to him. He reaches out to people and tries to encourage no matter what they're doing in life. I remember when we were searching for colleges for me to attend. He made sure he ate in every school cafeteria and spoke to students to get a feel for campus. I was embarrassed, but he didn't care since he wanted to make sure that the school I attended fit my personality (and also not get sick from the food). One thing is that he always encourages you to do the right thing, keep the peace with people...something that can be difficult especially when you're hurt by someone. He's fun to be around and I think I'm lucky. I'm not nearly the Star that he is.
Now to all the other 'fathers' in my life...the priests who we call Abouna our Father. Many of them have taken on that father figure role for me...spiritual father....there are few that know me inside and out and when the formality between priest and congregant is taken away, you truly see that fatherly figure in them. They have so many people to look after in the congregation, so I am touched when they reach out to me to see how I'm doing, or have a very candid conversation about what's going on in my life, or even better--just hanging out like normal people. I know priests, especially in the Coptic Church, are pulled in million different directions, but it's those times when you have a gathering or just ask your priest 'let's go out for coffee'...where the father/daughter father/son relationship is shown. So I appreciate the priests out there who have taken me under their wing as their spiritual daughter...
I'm not only a daughter of the Star but also of the King of Kings. Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pink House on the Corner
It was that pink house on the corner that I took piano lessons from about fifth grade to my senior year of HS. I remember it was always on a Friday evening around 7pm. I remember the countless times I tried to get out of going but I would go every week. It was every week after a long day at school, I would sit down for 30 minutes trying to recant what I did or did not practice over the week. Some weeks were great some were not. It would be around this time of year that we would have our piano recital held at the Pleasantville Public Library. Right before my recital in 8th grade, I broke my wrist. I told my piano teacher that I would not be able to play in the recital, but she had other plans for me. That year, I played the right hand of the song that I was supposed to play, while she played the left hand....it turns out the doctor who treated me heard about this and was pleased.
I know that throughout the years, as much as I hated going to take piano lessons, the more and more I was appreciative of them after I stopped taking lessons. There was a relationship far beyond the scales, sharps, flats, on the piano. My piano teacher was not only just a teacher, she became a mentor and a friend. About 5 years ago, she passed away. I was devestated and I couldn't exactly express my feelings about how I truly felt. It was like someone who was part of my life was there no more, even though I had not seen her in ages after her move to North Carolina. My heart ached also for her daughter who was pregnant with twins. After she died, I remember heading straight to Barnes and Noble and picked out a bunch of CDs for Chopin and Mozart. She was a catalyst behind my love for classical music, which by the way I dont listen to as often, but should. I don't touch my piano anymore, but I know I need to pick it up again...more for a tribute for her.
So this morning, I attended the wake for her husband...her husband is being buried today on their wedding anniversary. Her husband will be by her side today. Today was a remember not just for me to remember her husband, but my teacher. I see her face in her kids and grandchildren. I sensed her spirit today and could almost hear her voice. She was also a support for my mother... it's people like this who enter your life you cherish for the amazing lessons in life they teach you. These lessons all came from the basement of the pink house on the corner.
I know that throughout the years, as much as I hated going to take piano lessons, the more and more I was appreciative of them after I stopped taking lessons. There was a relationship far beyond the scales, sharps, flats, on the piano. My piano teacher was not only just a teacher, she became a mentor and a friend. About 5 years ago, she passed away. I was devestated and I couldn't exactly express my feelings about how I truly felt. It was like someone who was part of my life was there no more, even though I had not seen her in ages after her move to North Carolina. My heart ached also for her daughter who was pregnant with twins. After she died, I remember heading straight to Barnes and Noble and picked out a bunch of CDs for Chopin and Mozart. She was a catalyst behind my love for classical music, which by the way I dont listen to as often, but should. I don't touch my piano anymore, but I know I need to pick it up again...more for a tribute for her.
So this morning, I attended the wake for her husband...her husband is being buried today on their wedding anniversary. Her husband will be by her side today. Today was a remember not just for me to remember her husband, but my teacher. I see her face in her kids and grandchildren. I sensed her spirit today and could almost hear her voice. She was also a support for my mother... it's people like this who enter your life you cherish for the amazing lessons in life they teach you. These lessons all came from the basement of the pink house on the corner.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lessons from a wedding
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to take my camera and new skills to practice at my friend's wedding. It was a lot of fun but also very exhausting. I have a new found appreciation for photographers who shoot weddings, parties and any other event.
Here is what I took from my experience:
1- wear comfortable shoes. I shot in high heels and by the end of the night I couldn't feel my feet or legs. I would have been able to move around more...but fashion does come at a high price. I understand why wedding photographers, especially women tend to dress down at these events.
2- this particular wedding didn't have a professional photographer...so people were snapping and getting in each other's way. There needs to be better coordination...
3- to shoot a Coptic wedding...I cannot get some great shots for the mere fact I'm a woman and I'm not allowed in the altar area, this means I need to team up with a male photographer.
4- it's important to know the ceremony before you go and the shots you want....I also find that taking candid shots are so much fun and turn out to be the best pictures. Giving a behind the scenes look for me is often what I like to display to people
5- it means a lot more when u have a personal relationship with the couple. I wanted them to look their best
6- know your lighting...so important to get to the church or venue early and figure things out. When things get started you don't have time to adjust.
7- have fun...
8- I dont think I could do this for a living just for the mere fact that it is stressful...lol I still need to find what I enjoy shooting...weddings are fun but it is a lot of work.
My pics should be up soon.
Here is what I took from my experience:
1- wear comfortable shoes. I shot in high heels and by the end of the night I couldn't feel my feet or legs. I would have been able to move around more...but fashion does come at a high price. I understand why wedding photographers, especially women tend to dress down at these events.
2- this particular wedding didn't have a professional photographer...so people were snapping and getting in each other's way. There needs to be better coordination...
3- to shoot a Coptic wedding...I cannot get some great shots for the mere fact I'm a woman and I'm not allowed in the altar area, this means I need to team up with a male photographer.
4- it's important to know the ceremony before you go and the shots you want....I also find that taking candid shots are so much fun and turn out to be the best pictures. Giving a behind the scenes look for me is often what I like to display to people
5- it means a lot more when u have a personal relationship with the couple. I wanted them to look their best
6- know your lighting...so important to get to the church or venue early and figure things out. When things get started you don't have time to adjust.
7- have fun...
8- I dont think I could do this for a living just for the mere fact that it is stressful...lol I still need to find what I enjoy shooting...weddings are fun but it is a lot of work.
My pics should be up soon.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Truth
'And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free' -John 8:32
This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible...so simple yet it states a promise that the truth makes or sets (in other translations) us free. Arriving at the truth is the issue. So many of us are blinded by the truth in our everyday lives. We are running around like crazy to the point that sometimes we either don't recognize the truth or we just dont want to face it. More often than not, it's the latter. Not wanting to face the truth---but why? It's supposed to make us free. Yes because the truth hurts. When we take those few seconds to stop and realize that the situation, relationship, job, or whatever it may be is not for us, it hurts. It hurts our pride and it makes us question everything in life. It's the truth that what we have become so used to whatever it is, we know that with that truth we're about to lose it. There's a fear of loss and failure that comes along with finding out the truth.
But it's the truth and it makes me free. Freedom. When we finally let go of whatever it is...we feel relief...that relief is freedom from whatever binds us, the veil is lifted. In the short term, as we gain our freedom from whatever...we deal with the mourning stages of what we just lost, wishing that somehow we still have it again. As time goes by we get stronger...looking back we realize that we were truly bonded...slaves to the thing that kept us from seeing the light. St. John speaks thoroughly in his gospel and epistles about light and darkness...
ex. 1 John 1: 6-7: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
wow. you know we also have to remember in finding the truth, facing it and acting upon it....that everything will be okay....God has amazing promises and I really can't count how many in the bible but here are some of them:
'So I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you' - Joshua 1:5
'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'- Joshua 1:9
'The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace' -Exodus 14:14
'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'-Jeremiah 29:11
Those are just some...so many more I can post....but when you do encounter a 'truth' in your life...know that God is knocking on your door, asking for you to change and to come to that truth. That truth is for your benefit, not destruction. It's out of love, not hate and more importantly it's essential for your salvation. So I pray that God reveals the truths in our everyday lives so that we may live in the truth of Light and spread it others.
This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible...so simple yet it states a promise that the truth makes or sets (in other translations) us free. Arriving at the truth is the issue. So many of us are blinded by the truth in our everyday lives. We are running around like crazy to the point that sometimes we either don't recognize the truth or we just dont want to face it. More often than not, it's the latter. Not wanting to face the truth---but why? It's supposed to make us free. Yes because the truth hurts. When we take those few seconds to stop and realize that the situation, relationship, job, or whatever it may be is not for us, it hurts. It hurts our pride and it makes us question everything in life. It's the truth that what we have become so used to whatever it is, we know that with that truth we're about to lose it. There's a fear of loss and failure that comes along with finding out the truth.
But it's the truth and it makes me free. Freedom. When we finally let go of whatever it is...we feel relief...that relief is freedom from whatever binds us, the veil is lifted. In the short term, as we gain our freedom from whatever...we deal with the mourning stages of what we just lost, wishing that somehow we still have it again. As time goes by we get stronger...looking back we realize that we were truly bonded...slaves to the thing that kept us from seeing the light. St. John speaks thoroughly in his gospel and epistles about light and darkness...
ex. 1 John 1: 6-7: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
wow. you know we also have to remember in finding the truth, facing it and acting upon it....that everything will be okay....God has amazing promises and I really can't count how many in the bible but here are some of them:
'So I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you' - Joshua 1:5
'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go'- Joshua 1:9
'The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace' -Exodus 14:14
'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'-Jeremiah 29:11
Those are just some...so many more I can post....but when you do encounter a 'truth' in your life...know that God is knocking on your door, asking for you to change and to come to that truth. That truth is for your benefit, not destruction. It's out of love, not hate and more importantly it's essential for your salvation. So I pray that God reveals the truths in our everyday lives so that we may live in the truth of Light and spread it others.
Monday, May 23, 2011
random days
it's the season...the fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church has caused for all events to be put during non-fasting periods. In some years, the non-fasting days are limited...however this year, we are only fasting for 52% of the year...not bad. However it's the month of May and already I've been at so many grad, birthday, baby and bridal showers and the engagements and weddings are yet to come. Since everyone in the Coptic community somehow knows each other and if you speak for more than an hour you'll find that you are related from the 18th century....however these gatherings while I'm very excited for the person we celebrate, it's mentally exhausting.
Most of my friends are married and some of them have kids. We attend many of the same functions. After I get the whole 'ou2balik' and that i have to 'wait on the Lord' speech that an amazing guy is going to drop from the sky hopefully by age 40, I'm stuck hearing conversations that are not exactly inviting to the single person. I hear complaints about husbands, about the latest home project and the latest thing to do as a couple. If my friends have kids...I get to hear all about diaper rash, what the kids are allergic to and all other sorts of things. I sit there normally in silence...I don't have anything to contribute to the conversation. I remember one event I attended--I sat in a corner alone eating the delicious catered meal at a kids bday party....then the married people decided to come keep me company, only to speak about their honeymoons...yah ok. I felt invisible and praying to God that the conversation would end soon. Yah I love to travel and even I subscribe to travel and leisure magazine, but this was too much. Point being...there's more to life then just hearing about your married life and kids. Yes I love your kids and actually playing with the kids is more fun than the adult conversations that make me nauseous...I always leave remembering what bonded our friendship before life changed and I still hold onto that bond. I'm a little more selective in what events I attend. I like to have a good time and enjoy great conversations with people.
So there are those random days, the unplanned days where you end up going out with a bunch of girlfriends for a simple starbucks run. Those are the best. Simply because you talk about everything under the sun, bare your soul and come out feeling like a normal human being. You don't feel invisible like at the functions before because you don't belong to the married with kids world...People ask what is going on in your life and you would be surprised at how much people struggle, or listen to them about their latest victory choosing a new hobby. It's normal. It's those conversations you wish others would stop for one minute to just ask what is going on in your life instead of ranting about how your husband can't seem to get the point of leaving the toliet seat down (he's a man, not a dog). it's those conversations and heart to heart conversations that can make a difference in a person's day/week/month. I don't ask for much, but I do ask for just for those to be cognizant that not everyone around them is living in the same type of life. Just as I am subjected to listening to conversations about your crazy married world (w or without kids) I would hope that you could step out of your world for just five minutes to see how others are doing. I know that I may seem harsh...but I still love all my married friends...we are bonded in friendship for a reason.
So here is for random days, for random times to my girlfriends who take the time out to make sure that we are still sane, give an outlet to vent and just enjoy the laughter that is harder to find these days. God bless +
Most of my friends are married and some of them have kids. We attend many of the same functions. After I get the whole 'ou2balik' and that i have to 'wait on the Lord' speech that an amazing guy is going to drop from the sky hopefully by age 40, I'm stuck hearing conversations that are not exactly inviting to the single person. I hear complaints about husbands, about the latest home project and the latest thing to do as a couple. If my friends have kids...I get to hear all about diaper rash, what the kids are allergic to and all other sorts of things. I sit there normally in silence...I don't have anything to contribute to the conversation. I remember one event I attended--I sat in a corner alone eating the delicious catered meal at a kids bday party....then the married people decided to come keep me company, only to speak about their honeymoons...yah ok. I felt invisible and praying to God that the conversation would end soon. Yah I love to travel and even I subscribe to travel and leisure magazine, but this was too much. Point being...there's more to life then just hearing about your married life and kids. Yes I love your kids and actually playing with the kids is more fun than the adult conversations that make me nauseous...I always leave remembering what bonded our friendship before life changed and I still hold onto that bond. I'm a little more selective in what events I attend. I like to have a good time and enjoy great conversations with people.
So there are those random days, the unplanned days where you end up going out with a bunch of girlfriends for a simple starbucks run. Those are the best. Simply because you talk about everything under the sun, bare your soul and come out feeling like a normal human being. You don't feel invisible like at the functions before because you don't belong to the married with kids world...People ask what is going on in your life and you would be surprised at how much people struggle, or listen to them about their latest victory choosing a new hobby. It's normal. It's those conversations you wish others would stop for one minute to just ask what is going on in your life instead of ranting about how your husband can't seem to get the point of leaving the toliet seat down (he's a man, not a dog). it's those conversations and heart to heart conversations that can make a difference in a person's day/week/month. I don't ask for much, but I do ask for just for those to be cognizant that not everyone around them is living in the same type of life. Just as I am subjected to listening to conversations about your crazy married world (w or without kids) I would hope that you could step out of your world for just five minutes to see how others are doing. I know that I may seem harsh...but I still love all my married friends...we are bonded in friendship for a reason.
So here is for random days, for random times to my girlfriends who take the time out to make sure that we are still sane, give an outlet to vent and just enjoy the laughter that is harder to find these days. God bless +
Friday, May 20, 2011
what's next?
So I think it's time for me to finally share my thoughts on the events in Egypt, the revolution and it's aftermath.
Here we go...
I was a skeptic and still am a skeptic. What I see now is not what I think is best for Egypt and I will attempt to present my thoughts in the most logic way possible, but I'm not here to offer negativity but I'd like to be positive in this discussion.
First, the Jan 25th revolution was something unthinkable and unexpected. I'd never thought to see in my lifetime for Mubarak to be overthrown. He has been president for almost my entire life (give or take 1-2 yrs). Tahrir square turned into a symbol of a peaceful revolution that was initiated by youth who basically had enough and wanted positive change. During the days of the revolution, everyone seemed to come out, whether in Tahrir or in the Neighborhood watches to keep the safety during the absence of the police. The youth that Egypt thought was useless, became the crux of the revolution and proved that they were not useless. They had a voice that was raised in Tahrir and protected its citizens when the police retreated. This was victory and perhaps 'yes we can' change Egypt. Then Feb 11th with the departure of Mubarak handing over the country to the military...everyone is singing, dancing in the street filled with joy. I sat in the office just stunned and couldn't believe what just happened. Wow, power to the youth, but wait--Egypt is under MARTIAL LAW AND CONTROL NOW. This isnt the freedom they wanted...do they know this? I didnt bother really commenting because everyone was way to joyful. Egyptians in the streets of Astoria had a celebration in the street...
During the days of the revolution, I kept asking...what's next? What is the plan of the youth to move the country forward? I got no answers in discussions I had. The Egyptian Revolution had no leader. It's not like other revolutions in history where there was a clear group of people in charge--Egypt's own revolution in the 1950s with a group of military officers that overthrew the foreign installed monarchy. It was clear who was in charge then, but there was no clarity in this time around. Alarms went off in my mind.
So let me fast forward until now. There's a lot that has happened between 11 Feb and today 20 May....I won't even touch the issue Muslim/Christian relations/issues because that deserves its own post (still organizing my own thoughts). The Egyptian Army today is in charge...chants went from 'el sha3b wal geesh eid wahda' (people and army one hand) to chants against the army. Why? The solution today in Egypt if you dont like something, you protest. You go to Tahrir every Friday for a different theme, or Copts sit in front of the Egyptian State TV building in Maspero to chant for their rights. Three decades of Mubarak's rule put a lid on freedom of expression, so I can understand when people finally feel free to speak their minds and stand up for their beliefs...i have no problem with that, that's what brought down the regime in the first place and has attracted the attention of the interim government.
My question to the youth, what's next beyond the protests? There are ELECTIONS set for September. I think it's time for the youth who are constantly bashing any government whether it be their own or the US, Israel, Saudi or any other government they blame for their current woes, to act. It's great to protest, but go ask the average Egyptian who dont attend protests. You will hear about their economic, job, security issues. The revolution brought change, but I've spoken to so many people where they're concerned about how their business tanked. Go beyond Tahrir to the different governates, create your own party to show what your plan is for Egypt. Do public outreach, and most importantly listen. I've seen all over the social networks the lack of wanting to listen to others. Comments about Obama's Middle East Speech before he even gave it showed evidence of not wanting to listen. Obama's speech was to show the US understanding of the Middle East/North Africa; pre-election speech and an attempt to outreach the Arab world (which was rejected). The first step in any type of conflict resolution is to listen to the other side....perhaps they do have something to help and contribute to making Egypt a better country. Show the world that you can succeed in revolutions and also help move the country forward in all arenas. Yah I know...I don't live in Egypt. Egyptians abroad do support you and your cause, but honestly it's time to effectively organize and prepare for the next step. It would be unfair for a new government to be elected that is worse than the previous one....it's time to educate the uneducated, and most importantly listen to your fellow countrymen who appreciate your efforts to free them from a dictator. Continue to battle the injustices, but also look to the future...a future without effective planning and organizing can negate the efforts of freedom....
Here we go...
I was a skeptic and still am a skeptic. What I see now is not what I think is best for Egypt and I will attempt to present my thoughts in the most logic way possible, but I'm not here to offer negativity but I'd like to be positive in this discussion.
First, the Jan 25th revolution was something unthinkable and unexpected. I'd never thought to see in my lifetime for Mubarak to be overthrown. He has been president for almost my entire life (give or take 1-2 yrs). Tahrir square turned into a symbol of a peaceful revolution that was initiated by youth who basically had enough and wanted positive change. During the days of the revolution, everyone seemed to come out, whether in Tahrir or in the Neighborhood watches to keep the safety during the absence of the police. The youth that Egypt thought was useless, became the crux of the revolution and proved that they were not useless. They had a voice that was raised in Tahrir and protected its citizens when the police retreated. This was victory and perhaps 'yes we can' change Egypt. Then Feb 11th with the departure of Mubarak handing over the country to the military...everyone is singing, dancing in the street filled with joy. I sat in the office just stunned and couldn't believe what just happened. Wow, power to the youth, but wait--Egypt is under MARTIAL LAW AND CONTROL NOW. This isnt the freedom they wanted...do they know this? I didnt bother really commenting because everyone was way to joyful. Egyptians in the streets of Astoria had a celebration in the street...
During the days of the revolution, I kept asking...what's next? What is the plan of the youth to move the country forward? I got no answers in discussions I had. The Egyptian Revolution had no leader. It's not like other revolutions in history where there was a clear group of people in charge--Egypt's own revolution in the 1950s with a group of military officers that overthrew the foreign installed monarchy. It was clear who was in charge then, but there was no clarity in this time around. Alarms went off in my mind.
So let me fast forward until now. There's a lot that has happened between 11 Feb and today 20 May....I won't even touch the issue Muslim/Christian relations/issues because that deserves its own post (still organizing my own thoughts). The Egyptian Army today is in charge...chants went from 'el sha3b wal geesh eid wahda' (people and army one hand) to chants against the army. Why? The solution today in Egypt if you dont like something, you protest. You go to Tahrir every Friday for a different theme, or Copts sit in front of the Egyptian State TV building in Maspero to chant for their rights. Three decades of Mubarak's rule put a lid on freedom of expression, so I can understand when people finally feel free to speak their minds and stand up for their beliefs...i have no problem with that, that's what brought down the regime in the first place and has attracted the attention of the interim government.
My question to the youth, what's next beyond the protests? There are ELECTIONS set for September. I think it's time for the youth who are constantly bashing any government whether it be their own or the US, Israel, Saudi or any other government they blame for their current woes, to act. It's great to protest, but go ask the average Egyptian who dont attend protests. You will hear about their economic, job, security issues. The revolution brought change, but I've spoken to so many people where they're concerned about how their business tanked. Go beyond Tahrir to the different governates, create your own party to show what your plan is for Egypt. Do public outreach, and most importantly listen. I've seen all over the social networks the lack of wanting to listen to others. Comments about Obama's Middle East Speech before he even gave it showed evidence of not wanting to listen. Obama's speech was to show the US understanding of the Middle East/North Africa; pre-election speech and an attempt to outreach the Arab world (which was rejected). The first step in any type of conflict resolution is to listen to the other side....perhaps they do have something to help and contribute to making Egypt a better country. Show the world that you can succeed in revolutions and also help move the country forward in all arenas. Yah I know...I don't live in Egypt. Egyptians abroad do support you and your cause, but honestly it's time to effectively organize and prepare for the next step. It would be unfair for a new government to be elected that is worse than the previous one....it's time to educate the uneducated, and most importantly listen to your fellow countrymen who appreciate your efforts to free them from a dictator. Continue to battle the injustices, but also look to the future...a future without effective planning and organizing can negate the efforts of freedom....
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
it's just the beginning
again there are so many topics i could write on. things have been just really crazy in our world, especially in egypt. however im leaving current events just for a moment focus on the joys of life. the joys of having a hobby and as you can read from before ive been taking a photography class that ended last night in an exhibit. i know there can be a lot of 'oh who cares, there are plenty of photographers out there' but this has been a journey where it's only just the beginning.
St. Thomas last August: My little point and shoot that I absolutely loved got fried on the last day. My heart was broken because I love to take pictures and to document random things as well. As soon as I landed in NYC I was on the hunt for another point and shoot until a friend of mine told me i should buy a DSLR camera. I've been always 'scared' to get one because i always thought those were for professionals. I did some research on buying a DSLR camera. While I was chaperoning the junior high school convention for church, I decided to take the plunge and showed Father Armia the camera that I was about to buy. I think he thought I was crazy to buy an expensive thing but something told me to do so.
In between unpacking, laundry and repacking from the junior high retreat and going to Spain I made my way to J&R in downtown Manhattan and bought the camera...24 hours later I was off to Spain and took 3000 pics on automatic mode in one week....I enjoyed my new toy and my parents were also impressed with the camera but taken aback by the price.
So I decided to take a class and found Photo Manhattan...a tiny school dedicated to teach people like me how to take proper photos. On a personal level, I wanted to do something for me, because I'm always running around doing something for someone else. Something that didn't really involve 'church' related activities or something where it's not centered around going out to eat. NYC is a fabulous city and we really dont take advantage of what it has to offer. More importantly, because we live in a large city, we tend to forget our basic needs and end up running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. So often we dont develop our God given talents because we are 'too busy' and can't stop for 5 seconds just to calm down.
The class I took was amazing and my instructor was fabulous...words cannot describe the value I got from the class for photo technique and most importantly FOR ME. My final project was on the church....more specifically the church where I grew up and serve at. I had support from the priests, friends, family and congregants to take photos. I shot my photos in between Palm Sunday and Easter where a lot happens in the Coptic church. Our Coptic Orthodox Church is a church that uses the five senses to praise God--I love that about our church...we are a very visual church (yah things may take longer but whatever). Many people don't know too much about our church so my final project was giving that inside view. After taking pictures...many people commented on how beautiful our church is and how they felt like they were present with us during Holy Week. It's taking that time to get the shot from that different angle. I've been at St. George's for my entire life (which is almost 32 years) and just when I think I've seen it all, I know I havent. I believe that's what our Christianity is about...to experience God in a new way on a daily basis. While the hymns stay the same, there's a new meaning or message we can benefit from...
It's the same thru photography, there's a new angle or viewpoint for us to experience despite the 'same old' space.
So last night the exhibit...
My parents came out to support me---they've been my biggest fans and support (now im getting a little teary eyed)
My priest and his wife--they came and took the time to look at each photo at the exhibit. i was personally touched and appreciated that they came out despite their busy lives...again i'm speechless (still teary eyed)
My friends--this group has heard me hours on end talk about photography and my class and take pics here and there...and 'can you be my subject?' LOL the support I got from my friends was just amazing.
My teacher-- you always want to impress the 'professional' but there was a more personal approach to her teaching...she taught photography as if you knew nothing (that was me). the feedback she gave helped so much. critiquing was a lot of fun because she was not out to criticize the subject for the final project but rather make sure that i take the best possible technical photos for the final project. our class bonded towards the end. even as we put up the pictures, she made sure that we shined by putting photos in the correct order. i saw other students not getting that personal attention...it's a testament how her teaching shines thru our work.
You learn people's personalities thru photography. You learn about someone's story. For me getting the right shot was almost a boost in my own self esteem and this 'can do' spirit. Photography is a very competitive field professionally and as people know I'm not a competitive person...actually I run away from it. But tapping into this talent/hobby...I've learned I can own it in my personal way. How I view the world is different. For now, I'm going to keep shooting because I know I have some message to send. For my final project, it was about the church---I got some snapshots of our priests praying, little deacon kids lined up and the things we use for prayer. The pictures came out so amazing and I know that the Author of Life was definitely snapping with me as I took the photos.
St. Thomas last August: My little point and shoot that I absolutely loved got fried on the last day. My heart was broken because I love to take pictures and to document random things as well. As soon as I landed in NYC I was on the hunt for another point and shoot until a friend of mine told me i should buy a DSLR camera. I've been always 'scared' to get one because i always thought those were for professionals. I did some research on buying a DSLR camera. While I was chaperoning the junior high school convention for church, I decided to take the plunge and showed Father Armia the camera that I was about to buy. I think he thought I was crazy to buy an expensive thing but something told me to do so.
In between unpacking, laundry and repacking from the junior high retreat and going to Spain I made my way to J&R in downtown Manhattan and bought the camera...24 hours later I was off to Spain and took 3000 pics on automatic mode in one week....I enjoyed my new toy and my parents were also impressed with the camera but taken aback by the price.
So I decided to take a class and found Photo Manhattan...a tiny school dedicated to teach people like me how to take proper photos. On a personal level, I wanted to do something for me, because I'm always running around doing something for someone else. Something that didn't really involve 'church' related activities or something where it's not centered around going out to eat. NYC is a fabulous city and we really dont take advantage of what it has to offer. More importantly, because we live in a large city, we tend to forget our basic needs and end up running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. So often we dont develop our God given talents because we are 'too busy' and can't stop for 5 seconds just to calm down.
The class I took was amazing and my instructor was fabulous...words cannot describe the value I got from the class for photo technique and most importantly FOR ME. My final project was on the church....more specifically the church where I grew up and serve at. I had support from the priests, friends, family and congregants to take photos. I shot my photos in between Palm Sunday and Easter where a lot happens in the Coptic church. Our Coptic Orthodox Church is a church that uses the five senses to praise God--I love that about our church...we are a very visual church (yah things may take longer but whatever). Many people don't know too much about our church so my final project was giving that inside view. After taking pictures...many people commented on how beautiful our church is and how they felt like they were present with us during Holy Week. It's taking that time to get the shot from that different angle. I've been at St. George's for my entire life (which is almost 32 years) and just when I think I've seen it all, I know I havent. I believe that's what our Christianity is about...to experience God in a new way on a daily basis. While the hymns stay the same, there's a new meaning or message we can benefit from...
It's the same thru photography, there's a new angle or viewpoint for us to experience despite the 'same old' space.
So last night the exhibit...
My parents came out to support me---they've been my biggest fans and support (now im getting a little teary eyed)
My priest and his wife--they came and took the time to look at each photo at the exhibit. i was personally touched and appreciated that they came out despite their busy lives...again i'm speechless (still teary eyed)
My friends--this group has heard me hours on end talk about photography and my class and take pics here and there...and 'can you be my subject?' LOL the support I got from my friends was just amazing.
My teacher-- you always want to impress the 'professional' but there was a more personal approach to her teaching...she taught photography as if you knew nothing (that was me). the feedback she gave helped so much. critiquing was a lot of fun because she was not out to criticize the subject for the final project but rather make sure that i take the best possible technical photos for the final project. our class bonded towards the end. even as we put up the pictures, she made sure that we shined by putting photos in the correct order. i saw other students not getting that personal attention...it's a testament how her teaching shines thru our work.
You learn people's personalities thru photography. You learn about someone's story. For me getting the right shot was almost a boost in my own self esteem and this 'can do' spirit. Photography is a very competitive field professionally and as people know I'm not a competitive person...actually I run away from it. But tapping into this talent/hobby...I've learned I can own it in my personal way. How I view the world is different. For now, I'm going to keep shooting because I know I have some message to send. For my final project, it was about the church---I got some snapshots of our priests praying, little deacon kids lined up and the things we use for prayer. The pictures came out so amazing and I know that the Author of Life was definitely snapping with me as I took the photos.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Solemn Hope
Since hearing the news about the killing of Osama bin Laden, I had this urge to go down to visit ground zero. Sunday and Monday evenings had mass gatherings of those reflecting on the last 10 years as well coming together once again for unity purposes. I really wanted to go down, so I went last night. There were no mass gatherings and honestly I believe I benefitted from the silence. Down at ground zero are posters of fallen ones, flowers, balloons, American flags, newspaper clippings and the most moving--THANK YOUs...to the US military, Intel, first responders, presidents. No one was trying to politicize it...but an outpouring of love and appreciation. The last time I saw posters of those who perished on 9/11 was back in November 2001. It was my first visit back to NYC since the horrible tragedy...I took the train home and Penn Station and Grand Central Station turned into a makeshift headquarters of billboards of people looking for those lost loved ones. I remember I almost could not continue to walk that day. Last night was completely different.
I met two interesting people--first a lady who brought her daughter who stood there, prayed and said 'sometimes if you have the urge to do something, you have to do it, i had to come here tonight'. I shared the same sentiments. She was moved by the outpouring of love along the fence at the construction site. Second was a tourist from Kansas...I found out later that he's originally from Tanzania. He was overwhelmed by the site and the destruction that occurred but was more impressed by the NY spirit to rebuild.
Finally I had time for my own reflection. I stood in the street in front of the entrance of where the two towers once stood. It brought me back to the summer of 1999. I spent the entire summer taking classes on the 50 something floor of Tower 1 in the World Trade Center. I envision the Krispy Kreme donuts and the Borders book store...I remember having breakfast every morning before class--seeing all of NYC and being on top of the brooklyn bridge. The views of NYC from inside the WTC were simply breathtaking. I took a class on NYC history that summer as well as an internship. I learned in that class that where the WTC stood, was not originally part of Manhattan island but was landfill to extend the island. I can remember that view as if it was yesterday. On my way back to my vehicle, I passed by St. Paul's church--one of the oldest churches in the city and the site where many first responders sought refuge to take a nap or eat during the aftermath of 9/11. Then I saw the cross beams that now is on the side of St. Peter's Catholic church. Those cross beams stood as a sign of hope for the first responders.
I left happy that I went on a night where it was pretty much calm. There were a lot of news trucks and beefed up security in preparation for President Obama's visit to be held tomorrow. I benefited from that calm knowing that while there was so much death and destruction and loss on 9/11...but 10 years later there is a sense of rebuilding, moving ahead with a hope of a stronger sense of American spirit and knowing that God is looking over our great American city.
I met two interesting people--first a lady who brought her daughter who stood there, prayed and said 'sometimes if you have the urge to do something, you have to do it, i had to come here tonight'. I shared the same sentiments. She was moved by the outpouring of love along the fence at the construction site. Second was a tourist from Kansas...I found out later that he's originally from Tanzania. He was overwhelmed by the site and the destruction that occurred but was more impressed by the NY spirit to rebuild.
Finally I had time for my own reflection. I stood in the street in front of the entrance of where the two towers once stood. It brought me back to the summer of 1999. I spent the entire summer taking classes on the 50 something floor of Tower 1 in the World Trade Center. I envision the Krispy Kreme donuts and the Borders book store...I remember having breakfast every morning before class--seeing all of NYC and being on top of the brooklyn bridge. The views of NYC from inside the WTC were simply breathtaking. I took a class on NYC history that summer as well as an internship. I learned in that class that where the WTC stood, was not originally part of Manhattan island but was landfill to extend the island. I can remember that view as if it was yesterday. On my way back to my vehicle, I passed by St. Paul's church--one of the oldest churches in the city and the site where many first responders sought refuge to take a nap or eat during the aftermath of 9/11. Then I saw the cross beams that now is on the side of St. Peter's Catholic church. Those cross beams stood as a sign of hope for the first responders.
I left happy that I went on a night where it was pretty much calm. There were a lot of news trucks and beefed up security in preparation for President Obama's visit to be held tomorrow. I benefited from that calm knowing that while there was so much death and destruction and loss on 9/11...but 10 years later there is a sense of rebuilding, moving ahead with a hope of a stronger sense of American spirit and knowing that God is looking over our great American city.
Monday, May 2, 2011
God Bless America
Yesterday I was on my way home from Canada and traveled through Buffalo International Airport to get home. For the first time, I cooperated and used the new x-ray machine that has sparked so much controversy, my mom refused to go through and the TSA agents were understanding. We grumble going through airport security and question why we must do so. On my way to Canada I saw an old lady in a wheelchair getting stripped down and somehow it seemed unfair. However we comply and move on.
On my way home, I got a phone call from my dad saying to turn on 1010wins (the AM radio news/weather station). I thought the bridge going home was shut down so I asked why, so my dad said 'Osama Bin Laden was captured'...so I hung up with dad and immediately turned on CNN on my satellite radio...I didn't need the dunkin donuts coffee to keep me awake for the rest of the way. I learned that Osama Bin Laden was dead, not captured. I crossed over the Whitestone Bridge and to my left a very clear NYC skyline that put a huge smile on my face. Tears came to my eyes, because it was 1- 10 yrs after 9/11 he got killed 2- We learn about his death on the Feast of St. George. 3-somehow justice is served.
I'm not one to rejoice over someone getting killed...and I dont think that this does much to bring back the 3000 + people who died on 9/11, but it gives us a new focus. Almost 10 years after that fateful day, we have had constant debates if Gitmo should be closed, role of US troops and intelligence, questionable involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, etc; however last night we were united in that American spirit. I witnessed the joy in Washington, DC the night Obama was elected into presidency, I witnessed all of us when we displayed our patriotism on the days after 9/11...but regardless of political affiliation, last night was for America and a symbolic victory that our country has spent countless hours and taxpayer dollars trying to find.
I thank our United States Military and Intelligence Personnel who have put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety. It is so easy for us to debate their role without a full understanding the danger behind protecting our country. Watching the 9/11 families this morning comment on their feelings...was just something so moving....We will never forget those who perished and we will never forget the efforts to keep our country safe. As we rebuild NYC, the destroyer was killed....we remain vigilant, strong and hopeful for our future.
God bless America +
On my way home, I got a phone call from my dad saying to turn on 1010wins (the AM radio news/weather station). I thought the bridge going home was shut down so I asked why, so my dad said 'Osama Bin Laden was captured'...so I hung up with dad and immediately turned on CNN on my satellite radio...I didn't need the dunkin donuts coffee to keep me awake for the rest of the way. I learned that Osama Bin Laden was dead, not captured. I crossed over the Whitestone Bridge and to my left a very clear NYC skyline that put a huge smile on my face. Tears came to my eyes, because it was 1- 10 yrs after 9/11 he got killed 2- We learn about his death on the Feast of St. George. 3-somehow justice is served.
I'm not one to rejoice over someone getting killed...and I dont think that this does much to bring back the 3000 + people who died on 9/11, but it gives us a new focus. Almost 10 years after that fateful day, we have had constant debates if Gitmo should be closed, role of US troops and intelligence, questionable involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, etc; however last night we were united in that American spirit. I witnessed the joy in Washington, DC the night Obama was elected into presidency, I witnessed all of us when we displayed our patriotism on the days after 9/11...but regardless of political affiliation, last night was for America and a symbolic victory that our country has spent countless hours and taxpayer dollars trying to find.
I thank our United States Military and Intelligence Personnel who have put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety. It is so easy for us to debate their role without a full understanding the danger behind protecting our country. Watching the 9/11 families this morning comment on their feelings...was just something so moving....We will never forget those who perished and we will never forget the efforts to keep our country safe. As we rebuild NYC, the destroyer was killed....we remain vigilant, strong and hopeful for our future.
God bless America +
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
de-facebook experiment
photography is going well....the exhibition is in 2 weeks and I took over 800 photos for Holy week, you can see some on facebook. now to what i want to talk about...my deactivation from facebook for lent. I decided to do this for many reasons but one main reason was that i was just wasting a lot of time. i felt that this social network became the way i knew about everyone's business without really asking about them to their face. So as I saw uploads and status messages, I felt the more traditional means of communication was becoming obsolete, but i was also finding that close friendships started to strain as a result of not having a normal phone conversation...so I deactivated.
In the first 2-3 days of my deactivation, part of me wanted to reactivate, but I stuck to my guns. I spent 55 days not knowing if someone was sick, if they were in the bathroom, what they were eating and I found myself that my time that I spent on facebook went to other things (okay so I do have a twitter account), but I was a little more productive with my time and I had more meaningful one on one conversations with people. I did however miss out on invitations to places since I just wasnt on facebook for people to click on me and invite me to a party....but I was okay with out understanding that it's just easier to invite on facebook rather than sending out a mass text or heaven forbid a phone call.
Easter Sunday rolled around and I reactivated and I found myself to be overwhelmed by information overload. Once again I know about the 600 or so 'friends' I have on facebook. Here are my findings from this social deactivation experiment.
1- Facebook is an excellent tool to find people you've lost touch over the years (that includes the people I grew up with in Pleasantville and college friends)
2- I can't possibly remember everyone's birthdays--facebook is great for that...
3- Facebook has made us socially lazy to have one on one communications....in my opinion, nothing is better than having a good old conversation :)
4- Photos---many people missed my photo postings and it was literally one of things I did after i reactivated.
5- I need to be more active in reaching out to people individually and privately without the social tool.
There's a lot more I'm going to stop for now....watch out for more posts regarding my photography expeditions....
In the first 2-3 days of my deactivation, part of me wanted to reactivate, but I stuck to my guns. I spent 55 days not knowing if someone was sick, if they were in the bathroom, what they were eating and I found myself that my time that I spent on facebook went to other things (okay so I do have a twitter account), but I was a little more productive with my time and I had more meaningful one on one conversations with people. I did however miss out on invitations to places since I just wasnt on facebook for people to click on me and invite me to a party....but I was okay with out understanding that it's just easier to invite on facebook rather than sending out a mass text or heaven forbid a phone call.
Easter Sunday rolled around and I reactivated and I found myself to be overwhelmed by information overload. Once again I know about the 600 or so 'friends' I have on facebook. Here are my findings from this social deactivation experiment.
1- Facebook is an excellent tool to find people you've lost touch over the years (that includes the people I grew up with in Pleasantville and college friends)
2- I can't possibly remember everyone's birthdays--facebook is great for that...
3- Facebook has made us socially lazy to have one on one communications....in my opinion, nothing is better than having a good old conversation :)
4- Photos---many people missed my photo postings and it was literally one of things I did after i reactivated.
5- I need to be more active in reaching out to people individually and privately without the social tool.
There's a lot more I'm going to stop for now....watch out for more posts regarding my photography expeditions....
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
some days arent the best
The other day I had the most awesome opportunity to use friends during for a photo shoot. It was my first photo shoot using my camera in manual mode. I was really excited and so were there. As I kept snapping I noticed I had major lighting issues, my subjects (friends) were either too light or too dark. I was getting frustrated. I started questioning my talent for photography and felt a little down. I can't give up though. I was really humbled knowing that there's just a lot to learn and also that my friends are supporting my hobby. Many people have been telling me that I should start a side business but I feel at this point in time it would take the fun out of what I love to do. There's something about capturing a moment at the right time (with of course the right exposure)....At the end of the day I realized that all photographers go through this....there are some bad/off days, but I did manage to come out with some nice shots.
I have a new respect for photographers who do shoots for a living...there is so much effort and pressure to make sure that the image is perfect.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
photo love
so much has happened this year and i haven't kept up on this blog to document the egyptian revolution and the aftermath that basically brought out all sorts of skeletons in the closet. one of which including that the egyptian interior ministry was behind the bombing in alexandria....there was an earthquake in japan followed by a tsunami...one of the worst disasters recorded....
however behind the current events, i started to do something that i love....photography. i started taking classes. i was so scared my first day not knowing if i would make friends or even if i would be good at it. it turns out, i have made new friends, and i find some sort of refuge by taking photos. this past weekend i had an amazing backdrop to actually snap in manual mode....and i impressed myself, although others haven't stopped with the critiques. all those photo lovers with point and shoot...you're missing out on manual mode...the reason being...you have extra creative control....
so hopefully ill post more about my experience, it's truly amazing for me :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 has begun with the blood of the martyrs
It was around this time last year or so, mid-December of 2009, the Virgin Mary appeared at her church in Warraq, Cairo....everyone was so happy and for a minute Egypt was united with this amazing sight in the sky. Knowing that the heavenly came to the earthly was comforting for all. Then the first of a series of disasters struck as parishioners were coming out of Christmas liturgy on 7 January 2010 in the southern city of Nagga Hammadi...6 people died as a result of a shooting and others were injured. Until today the people who committed these crimes have not faced a trial. Throughout 2010 a series events occurred with the final straw in November in Omranaya, Giza where the government detained over 100 persons over an issue dealing with an improper permit of expanding the church...this prompted protests and the government used tear gas and force against those people who exercised their frustration over an antiquated law to build/repair churches....this sparked protests all over the world, including in NYC. The bishops across the United States participated in an ecumenical prayer service with a powerful speech given by HG Bishop Suriel outlining the Coptic frustration.
Then the unthinkable happened just after midnight at the Saints Church in Alexandria. As the congregation was praying 'Holy Holy Holy, Lord of Hosts Heaven and Earth are full of Your Holy glory' a bomb went off right outside of the church. Hysteria struck and the priest told the congregation 'Don't be scared, there's nothing'--he didn't know at that point what had happened but out of his leadership, he tried to calm the people down and continued praying the conclusion hymn.
Our Coptic community over the past couple of days has faced many sad emotions...however I feel that we can take several things from the series of events.
1- Uniting in the body of Christ--- this is a time for us to ask about those who you haven't seen in awhile....it is a time for our gatherings to have a Christ centered foundation instead of all play and jokes...it is a time for us to unite together in prayer...over the past year I've seen so many divisions within churches that has caused people to stray because they don't feel the love of Christ....time for us to unite again
2- ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.---Zechariah 1:3 It is a time for us to once again to return and cling to Him, no matter what wrong we have done. We are sick and He is the Physician of our souls and bodies.
3- Live a life preparing for the kingdom of heaven....we only remember this when disaster strikes. I remember after 9/11 I struggled with the thought of 'why not me and why others?'....God is giving us a chance to renew our lives in Him....we live in a world filled with distractions from God.
4- Show love--I know I emphasized in my first point, but I've seen a lot of anti-Muslim messages on Facebook. I really don't think this helps the situation but only adds fuel to the fire. Christianity is based on love...the easiest Bible verse we remember as kids "God is love"--showing hatred against a religion goes against our beliefs. We only hate the sin and not the sinner...the power of love of God is what moves people's hearts back to God. As Nahed said at our church a couple of months ago...we don't live in God's grace and His love on a daily basis....she converted based on love from another Christian.
We know the heavenly church is standing with us, I don't believe that St Mary's apparition was an accident. I believe the heavenly church is praying for us in front of the throne of God. Our newest martyrs are doing the same for us now. They are living in peace, let's try to do the same 'on earth as it is heaven' and live by the words of the hymn the congregation was singing during the blast praising God saying 'heaven and earth are full of Your Holy glory'
Keep the faith, keep the love and keep praying
Then the unthinkable happened just after midnight at the Saints Church in Alexandria. As the congregation was praying 'Holy Holy Holy, Lord of Hosts Heaven and Earth are full of Your Holy glory' a bomb went off right outside of the church. Hysteria struck and the priest told the congregation 'Don't be scared, there's nothing'--he didn't know at that point what had happened but out of his leadership, he tried to calm the people down and continued praying the conclusion hymn.
Our Coptic community over the past couple of days has faced many sad emotions...however I feel that we can take several things from the series of events.
1- Uniting in the body of Christ--- this is a time for us to ask about those who you haven't seen in awhile....it is a time for our gatherings to have a Christ centered foundation instead of all play and jokes...it is a time for us to unite together in prayer...over the past year I've seen so many divisions within churches that has caused people to stray because they don't feel the love of Christ....time for us to unite again
2- ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.---Zechariah 1:3 It is a time for us to once again to return and cling to Him, no matter what wrong we have done. We are sick and He is the Physician of our souls and bodies.
3- Live a life preparing for the kingdom of heaven....we only remember this when disaster strikes. I remember after 9/11 I struggled with the thought of 'why not me and why others?'....God is giving us a chance to renew our lives in Him....we live in a world filled with distractions from God.
4- Show love--I know I emphasized in my first point, but I've seen a lot of anti-Muslim messages on Facebook. I really don't think this helps the situation but only adds fuel to the fire. Christianity is based on love...the easiest Bible verse we remember as kids "God is love"--showing hatred against a religion goes against our beliefs. We only hate the sin and not the sinner...the power of love of God is what moves people's hearts back to God. As Nahed said at our church a couple of months ago...we don't live in God's grace and His love on a daily basis....she converted based on love from another Christian.
We know the heavenly church is standing with us, I don't believe that St Mary's apparition was an accident. I believe the heavenly church is praying for us in front of the throne of God. Our newest martyrs are doing the same for us now. They are living in peace, let's try to do the same 'on earth as it is heaven' and live by the words of the hymn the congregation was singing during the blast praising God saying 'heaven and earth are full of Your Holy glory'
Keep the faith, keep the love and keep praying
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