My husband, kids, and I went out to eat with our Muslim friends. We were seated at the restaurant by a friendly hostess and began looking over the menu. My Muslim friend had not been in America very long, so I helped her know which food options were halal (not containing pork or alcohol) and okay for her to eat.

After a couple of minutes, our dinner arrived, and we all enjoyed a wonderful meal. The kids made a mess at their end of the table while the adults laughed and told stories at ours. It was a really fun evening.

About halfway through our meal, though, I noticed an elderly gentleman looking my way. Through his unhappy glances, I could tell that my Muslim friend’s hijab was making him uncomfortable and possibly even a bit angry. A couple of times I saw him adjust in his chair, and I thought that he might come over and say something unkind. I silently ran through all the scenarios in my head of what to possibly do if he were to make a scene.

As our dinner was drawing to a close, the man did it—he stood up and started walking in our direction. I completely froze. I panicked. I could feel the “defensive mamma bear” in me rise, and all the anxious angry emotions rushed to the forefront of my mind. I didn’t know what to say, but my twelve year old son came to the rescue.

The elderly man happened to be wearing a Vietnam War ball cap, and my son had taken notice. Just as the gentleman was about to open his mouth and possibly say insulting words towards our Muslim friends, my son stepped in front of him, stuck out his hand, and thanked him for serving our country.

The look on the gentleman’s face instantly melted. In a matter of seconds his expression went from wrinkled anger to a peaceful (and a bit surprised) smile. It was amazing for me to watch his demeanor completely change after my son’s words of kindness.

I don’t know if I have ever been a prouder parent. That day I was challenged by my son’s sensitivity and example of kindness. It reminds me of this verse:

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

In today’s climate, I think these words are more important than ever. My prayer for us (me included) is that as Jesus followers we will respond with loving kindness to an outraged world. May those who need to know Jesus be attracted to the kindness in us, especially our Muslim friends and neighbors.