Helpful Stranger
I was holidaying in Malaysia when, in my haste to get back to my hotel before it started raining, I slipped on a puddle along a walkway. I hit my back and it hurt really bad. I realized that a crowd was gathering but no one came forward to help me. And then, amidst the crowd walked an old Malay woman dressed in traditional Malay costume. She helped me up and walked me to a nearby bench. She then helped massage my back and it felt much better after that. I wanted to give her a token but she refused and even reminded me to see a doctor if my back got worst. I felt humbled and deeply grateful.
The lesson learned:
Never prejudge a person or make generalizations about anyone. After 911, our attitudes towards Muslims have sometimes altered our perceptions and clouded our better judgement. Many times, we forget that extremists are more the exception than the norm and that there are still many not just good but great people within our midst. -BT
