Wendy Thomas Russell over on the Patheos Atheist channel has a blog called Natural Wonderers, which is about "raising curious, compassionate kids in a secular family." She occasionally runs a series called "Mommy, What's that?" that is "aimed at giving secular parents some simple, straightforward and open-minded ways to describe religious concepts." She approached me and some of the bloggers at Patheos Muslim to take part in a round table discussion around this question that a child may ask: … [Read more...]
When Anti-Muslim Bigots and Muslim Extremists Follow the Same Playbook – on Pamela Geller and Garland, Tx
May 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Alia Salem, Executive Director at CAIR-Texas Dallas Fort Worth, knew it was going to be a very difficult, dangerous time for Muslims in her area and across Texas at large. With the Pamela Geller-sponsored “Draw the Prophet Muhammad” contest coming in Garland, TX, she decided to make a plea to her community to take the high road.So, on April 25, she posted this on Facebook: Please share this in every group and with every Muslim in DFW. I implore the community.I am calling on ALL com … [Read more...]
Ali Family Autism Truths #30 – We Will Live Truthfully
April 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment
April 30, 2015 - Autism Awareness Month, Autism Truths #30Why should you care? Really, why should you care? There is an earthquake that has devastated Nepal causing the deaths of nearly 4,000 people. In Baltimore, following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, the city is crying for justice, and African Americans across the country are warning that this cannot go on, that post-racial America is a myth, that #BlackLivesMatter. ISIS continues to wreak havoc. California is … [Read more...]
Ali Family Autism Truths #29 – The Way to the Unknown Future
April 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment
April 29, 2015 - Autism Awareness Month, Autism Truths #29Most mornings are a mad rush of arms and legs, cereal bowls, packed lunches, backpacks and last minute signing of forms. Once I get the younger two out the door -- either on the bus or with their Baba -- I turn my attention to D, who usually is up by the time and playing around, waiting to get ready for school.I assist him quickly, using the time we have together to prompt him through his morning routine -- teach him the steps to … [Read more...]
Ali Family Autism Truths #28 – You Can’t Walk Away
April 28, 2015 by Leave a Comment
April 28, 2015 - Autism Awareness Month, Autism Truths #28I was face-timing with my daughter tonight, helping her complete an English assignment. She and the her siblings are at home with their Baba and grandparents, and I am out of town and spending time with my father, who had surgery today.In the background, I heard the voices of D loud and clear. A was in the study working, and when it got too loud where she was, she picked up her phone and computer and took me into the family room. … [Read more...]
Ali Family Autism Truths #27 – The Friends We Make Along the Way
April 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
April 27, 2015, Autism Awareness Month, Autism Truths #27At a birthday party we attended yesterday, the theme was superheroes. The kids were running around in padded superhero costumes, some with capes flying out behind them as they darted in and out of the house, bobbing and weaving through the adults. Teenage girls, the friends of the birthday boy's older sister, were also decked out in teenage-versions of superhero costumes. They were giggling, laughing, taking selfies and scarfing down … [Read more...]
Ali Family Autism Truths #26 – What We Are Afraid to Say Out Loud
April 26, 2015 by Leave a Comment
April 26, 2015 - Autism Awareness Month, Autism Truths #26Sometimes it all feels so fragile -- life held together by bits of tape and pieces of string, with prayers and promises. The slightest quiver in the universe and it all falls apart, despite all our planning, all our praying, all our hopes for the future. We can try and secure the future for our loved ones as best as possible. We can try and keep them safe. But nothing is in our control.Last night our family went in different … [Read more...]
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