For the past few weeks, Hiram’s been on pins and needles preparing for a public forum about what Muslims really believe. The forum was arranged by Imran Dotani, one of the intervention cardiologists he works with in the cath lab. Dr. Dotani asked Hiram to attend as a Christian who has read the Koran.
Hiram read the Muslim holy book as a way to reach out to the doctor he works with every day. Then he challenged the doctor to read the Bible. I don’t know if Dr. Dotani has finished reading it, but the two of them have developed an interesting relationship thourh their discussions about their beliefs.
I don’t know if the doctor quite understood what he was asking my quiet, behind-the-scenes husband to do. Speaking in front of people is way, way out of Hiram’s comfort zone. But he did it because his relationship with his co-worker outweighed his personal comfort. So for the past few weeks, Hiram prayed for wisdom, looked up Bible verses, and rehearsed possible answers to unknown questions. Why? Because he wanted his words, actions and attitudes to convey love for people he doesn’t agree with, but cares for deeply.
Hiram didn’t sit with the panel, but with the audience of about 50 – 60 people. And during the two hourse, he said only one word – Hebrew – in answer to a question about the original language of the Old Testament.
Hiram was relieved to say only one word at yesterday’s forum. He didn’t believe me my assertion that he said much more than “Hebrew” during the afternoon. But I saw respect in the doctor’s eyes as he greeted my husband before the forum and chatted with him afterwards. And the doctor’s wife Nina, who I’ve visited with twice and parties and interviewed once for a magazine article, hugged me. We caught up on each other’s families. She asked about my book and said she plans to buy and read it. We decided the four of us need to get together for supper sometime.
Hiram said plenty yesterday afternoon. Enough to keep the doctor thinking for a long time. My husband is a very quiet man. When he speaks, people listen.
