Faith
Vive la difference!
by NICOLA MAJID
I would just like to share a recent experience that opened my eyes.
I was driving my car on 152nd Street and 68th Avenue (in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada). At the light, my car unfortunately shut off and wouldn't start. Luckily, I was able to roll it out of the way of traffic on 152nd.
I called BCAA (The British Columbia Automobile Association) and put my hood up.
I then noticed that, to my right, there was a Christian Centre and also, to my left, there was a Sikh Temple.
Every few minutes, cars would either pull out or into each of the religious institutions' parking lots.
Anytime a car would pass me from the Christian Centre, no one would even look.
But whenever someone would pass me from the Sikh Temple, they would kindly stop and ask if I need assistance. I thanked them for their kindness and said help was on the way.
Well, it must have been a busy morning, because help did not come for another hour and a half, in which time people from the Sikh Temple kept stopping and asking if I needed anything.
Right before the BCAA did arrive, a kind elderly gentleman from the temple came over and asked if I would like some tea or roti. I said, "No, thank you," to which he replied he would bring it to me - I wouldn't have to leave my car to get it.
I was so touched but again, I thanked him and declined.
During this whole incident, I marvelled that not one person from the Christian Centre cared to see if I needed help.
I consider myself a follower of Christ, but I couldn't help thinking of the story in the Bible of the Good Samaritan.
Remember the saying, "What would Jesus do?"
I learned something from this experience: actions speak louder than words!
[Courtesy: Canada.com/Surrey Now]
July 18, 2008
Conversation about this article
1: Tejwant (U.S.A.), July 20, 2008, 10:59 PM.
It is wonderful to know the vibrant Sikhi spirit. Now the next stepiaas proactive Sikhs should be to become Bhai Ghaniayas by not only offering water to the thirsty ones, no matter who, but also lending a helping hand to the needy no matter what creed, hue or background they may belong to. Savouring Langar every Sunday should not become the ultimate Seva.
2: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A), July 21, 2008, 2:31 PM.
Any thing less than this would be unacceptable of Sikhs. As I began reading this article, I knew exactly what would follow, yet my heart was beating with anticipation. What if I read anything other than I had expected... So may times, I find fault with my community and admire the western folks for their values, organization and courtesy; wishing we learned something from them. But I also equally wish we never lose what we already have. For it is so beautiful. It is the essential element of humanity and we have it profusely. The rest is, as they say, the icing on the cake.
3: Victoria Lowe (Salt Lake City, U.S.A.), July 22, 2008, 2:00 AM.
This story came as no suprise to me as it's something I've already been through. Growing up Christian, I was always the one roped into doing services at our church as I was someone who would never say no to doing a service. I got burned out and discouraged seeing everyone around me listening to sermons about being more active in the community but not actually living those same beliefs. It's part of the reason why I've adopted Sikhi beliefs as my own and no longer call myself a Christian. I still keep some of my Christian beliefs, but it's the spirit of the Sikh community that has won me over forever.
4: Gurinder Singh Dhanoa (Melbourne), August 04, 2008, 10:23 AM.
It is the least you'll get from Sikhs. It is our Gurus whose teachings have created a helping heart in every Sikh ... and, there is so much more!