lights in the darkness

One thing that continually gives me comfort is that no matter how depraved a total society becomes, somehow the light of understanding and knowledge still finds a way to shine through. There will always be those souls whose lights cannot be put out. That's the miracle that gives me hope.

It has recently struck me, and now never ceases to uplift my spirits to know that there are enlightened souls here in Egypt. Among all the ignorance, fanaticism and hatred that has struck down the people in masses, there are still lights shining! For a long time I felt so demoralized and hopeless about the condition in Egypt. I was thinking to myself, how is anything ever going to change? How can the people here be so blinded and backward in almost every way imaginable? How can they not see how bigoted and abased they are? All the people that think they are so righteous, lording themselves over others. Those who think they have the answers when really it is a code of hatred and corruption. Those who call themselves religious while their hearts are so black with evil that I literally cringe and shudder. Those who lie and cheat and deceive and never think for themselves, being spoonfed always by their teachers or parents or sheikhs.

And yet, there are people, brought up in the same society, with the same problems and depravity, who are different. People who don't just follow the crowd. People who say yes, we have a right to freedom of belief, the right to basic human rights no matter who we are, people who refuse to bribe no matter how much trouble it causes them, people who care about others and try to help others. I can't believe these people exist! But here they are. Here to inspire me to take the higher road. Here to encourage me to not give up my principles, here to show me that we can make a difference by our deeds and actions.

A woman on a bus who smiles at me and wants to hold my daughter, even though I am American. A man at the supermarket who insists on serving people in the order they arrived, putting up with abuse from those customers who want special treatment. A man that came running to help me when a taxi driver started to physically attack me, again even though I am a white woman with loose morals and deserving abuse. A woman that told me how important it is to love and befriend people of all cultures and religious backgrounds, and proceeded to prove it by befriending me, of a different culture and religion. A young teacher that hugs a little African girl and dries her tears away, even though she is black and therefore beneath her. A colleague at work that says take my tea, I won't need it. A woman who offers to lend me money to take my daughter to the doctor. A small group of activists defending the rights of Somalian regufees. A woman's organisation that is helping to educate village women about their rights, solely through volunteers. A driver in the car next to me that lets me go first. My Egyptian husband refusing to let someone lie to our children (stop crying and I'll give you a lollypop).

These are the incidents I choose to keep close to my heart these days. Proof that goodness still exists, and that joy can still be a part of life. So, you see, in the end, I find myself happy to live in Egypt, knowing that there are lights still shining that cannot be put out. Thank you to these precious souls.