i remember being younger and receiving the islamic advice to always assume the best of people in conflict/distress. at the time, i felt that only a fool could move through the world this way. and then i looked into the eyes of those who defended their naivety and compassion with everything they had, and realized they were among the few people who could sustain their light when tested.
the advice was not so much about extending grace to others, but how we might be able to maintain our own.

















