Ladies of the Nile

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/24/egypt.women.optimism.harassment/index.html?hpt=C2

This article about the advancement of women in Egypt is an excellent follow up to what I previously highlighted. It's so exciting to hear that women are feeling less afraid of sexual harassment and getting involved politically. A striking statement from the above article indicated some of the dire realities of the situation: "A survey in 2008 by the Egyptian Center for Human Rights claimed that 98% of foreign women and 83% of Egyptian women in the country have been sexually harassed." We saw a stark example of that with the Lara Logan travesty. It's important to remember though that, even if we don't hear their stories across international news, countless hearts and bodies have still been hurt.

However, I don't want to paint an anti-male picture. Granted, men are almost solely responsible for the perpetuation of the harassment, but the article highlights the deeper cause: "In an oppressive society, people oppress each other. It's justification for everyone to be unjust, " Doaa Abdelaal was quoted as saying. "Under a more open society these things can be discussed." Note the example of the woman who got out of her car and slapped the officer who harassed her. Because now, she finally can. And I would wager that he will learn and move forward with a little thought in the future. Baby steps: all change starts that way.

We live in a fallen world where the ache and cry of havocking sin leaves us longing for wholeness. It's exciting to see that restoration is happening. Dark corners are seeing the Light they've longed for and always knew existed.

An Early Wake Up Call

A neighbor was in trouble last night. Around 2:30 AM our buzzer rang, as did the one below ours. She had lost her keys. We learned that her wallet, money and cell phone were also lost in the madness. Her tears, confusion and signs of possible abuse immediatley let us know that she needed care. Jordan opened the front door, seated her in the entrance and then quickly found our landlady / live-in-grandmother Claudette for the needed apartment key. I sat on the stairs and wondered what to say as she cried and struggled to hold down her impending puke.

Now our brownstown is occupied by Jordan and myself, our landlord David, his sister Claudette (a 60 something Jamaican) and this dear girl. We're a small bunch and have grown familially close to Claudette who immediatley sprung into action. With bleary eyes, Jordan and I then sat and listened to Claudette become mother, friend, counselor and doctor.

We stiffled audible responses as she wasted no time saying, "Did somebody hurt you? What do you need, coffee? I'll make you scrambled eggs and coffee." Our hurt neighbor interjected through tears, "I don't belong here.... should go home." Claudette then proclaimed, "Look, you are tough. We've gotta be tough here. All of us. There are no sissies in the house, and I don't mean gay. We're all tough and strong. You're gonna be ok."

It was an awful and wonderful moment. Our neighbor's pain was indeed painful, but the sense of family, and the rallying support and comforting concern from our dear Claudette was touching, moving.

As I left the house this morning, Claudette caught me to ask if she should take her $20 or coffee? She also said that "although I'm not a religious woman I feel God sent you to me." I responded, "We feel the same, Claudette." And it's true.

When I had said goodbye and reached the door, a letter was in our mailbox: "Dear Elizabeth and Jordan, 'The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless and unremembered acts of kindness and love.' - Wordsworth. Thank you for last night. You are special. - Claudette"

Today, I believe that Claudette is indeed the one that is special.

Making Music

I don't read music terribly well. I never have. I studied Suzuki violin for 15 years and a heavy emphasis was placed on playing by ear. I'm incredibly thankful for this, but also wonder what implications sounder sight reading would have meant for me musically. I do enjoy the occassional moments of terror when I'm forced to stick to a score; they're good for me. They make me better.
Even still, I love the feeling of simply sensing music; just waiting and reacting to a chord change, providing a suspension or unexpectedly creating a melodic riff. I think this part of my musical creativity, or perhaps more aptly titled, my reaction-ivity, is the same part of me that loves the unexpected on stage as an actor. The vehicle is different, the road is the same. It's a bit of the thrill seeker in me, perhaps. Or it's just searching for the moments of knowing you are truly creating something, right now. Here, in this moment. Perhaps it will never come back, but we had it for a minute.
So yes, I'm limited in my skill and I will admit I need to keep moving forward in learning, trying to get better. But I also confess I'm quite happy swaying back and forth with a song and having no idea where it may go. The reward is not only the music, but the discovery.

Women: At Home and Abroad

The oppression of woman in the workforce is next to abhorrent. Still. It's subtle, no doubt, but ever present; a vicious reminder of the destructive paradigm that persists. However, while I wail and moan about Mad Men-esque harassment and slights, I'm reminded of the plight of women in Egypt that has come to our collective, international attention. Suddenly, being passed over for an advancement or relegated to ever-more secretary doesn't seem so dire. Perhaps I need to count my gender's American blessings?


Indeed, yes. BUT I think it better, for the situation to remind us / draw our attention to injustices across the globe, at home AND abroad that perpetually afflict and destroy the advancement of women. I'm challenged, wondering what I can do to be more active in this field.


Check out www.restorenyc.com for more info about what some people are doing right here in NYC to take on the travesty of sex trafficking.