My mom’s claim to fame, in addition to raising four kids, living with my dad for 40 years and following Jesus with her whole heart and helping others do the same, is this: She caught one of the biggest dolphins (fish, not bottle nose!) in South Carolina in 1972! For an Indiana girl, that’s big stuff!
When she hooked the fish on a boat off the coast of Charleston, it leapt out of the ocean and shook, causing her to cry out to her boat mates and the staff, “Help me! Somebody help me.” They did, she landed the beast, got her picture taken and we all had dolphin filets through the long, cold Hoosier winter.
I tell you that story because it’s been too long since Mom’s got a decent shout out in Muslim Connect; also because I want you to remember this: Needing help is one of the best ways to initiate conversation and friendship with another person, particularly a Muslim.
This goes against the American value expressed both by William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus,” line, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,” and the average American guy’s resistance to asking for directions.
Ask a Muslim for help and you’ll likely get it, and may get a friend in the bargain. Here are some possibilities.
- Visit a Halal grocery store and ask for help finding something. They’re often small and you could find it on your own, but ask for help first!
- In our soccer scenario from last week, ask about football rules, strategy, even the score!
- “Our church is hosting a food drive. Do you know anyone who needs food? Would you like to donate some?”
- “Could I borrow a [ladder, screw driver, cup of sugar]? This one is double good because you get to take it back! (Or a portion of whatever yummy thing you made with the sugar!)
- “Can you help me with this work project.” Or, “Hey, will you be on our team for this school presentation?”
May God bring some Muslims across our paths this week who can help us in an area of need. He knows we have many.