First off, Happy belated Fourth! I would like to bring awareness to our new website, Embracing Sikhism. It is a project between a few sevadars and I to better help introduce people to the Sikh faith. Check it out at the link below. Suggestions (and sevadars) are welcome
I think that it would even be a good read for those who were born into the faith, since I've heard over and over again about how a lot of born and raised Sikhs weren't taught the "why" or even "what" behind things. I can tell that Mrs. Siri Kirpal Kaur Khalsa really did put her full energy into writing, and for that, she deserves some recognition.
"In Texas, we don't call 911." And I personally believe that as Sikhs, we shouldn't completely depend on the police for protection, because we are meant to BE the police ourselves.
And to those on the Gurdwara committees, how about inviting the local police department to a diwan? I've already seen some Gurdwaras doing this and it is having a positive effect on the Sikh community. Better yet, it would be really awesome if we could invite TSA agents to come, sit down, and have langar with us.
The fact of the matter is that being a devote Sikh does not mean taking on parts of Punjabi culture. It means bringing the light of Sikhi into your own culture and uplifting it.
As someone who is a woman and a Sikh, I've decided that I am going to focus this month on learning the history of women in regards to Sikhi.
First of all, I commend all the people who take care of the Gurdwaras on a daily basis. It isn't easy (especially living in the conditions some of ya'll do). But don't you think it would help a lot if the people taking care of the Gurdwara could not only speak Punjabi but the language of the local people?
Uplift and encourage your fellow Sikh brother and sister. If you see someone doing a good job, shout them out. Discuss ways we can contribute to society and tackle social issues/injustices. Just anything that brings light into the world.