It requires courage to stand up to racism by tackling the issue in person, but 15-year-old Yusra Rafeeqi is demonstrating her conviction by inviting strangers into her home for dinner. By opening her home, she and her family are fighting the battle by demonstrating their faith in people.
Concerned about the spread and openness of Islamophobia during the course of last year’s presidential campaign, Rafeeqi felt that if she could interact personally with people of all convictions, she could serve to educate people on Islam in a whole new way.
Thus was born the Facebook page and program Dine with a Muslim Family. She quickly found relief in how the project was received, especially amid the newly volatile climate many Muslims experienced in the past year.
Speaking to A Plus, Rafeeqi shares, “Knowing that our future president was confident in negative and ignorant thoughts on minorities, specifically Muslims, made me surprised that someone like this was widely supported.”
Prior to launching the program, her experiences gave her a litany of reasons to fear and avoid strangers. “In one instance, a car saw her [mother wearing a headscarf], pulled over while my family and I were walking on the street, and screamed ‘Heil Hitler,’ which made all of us very scared,” she said to HuffPost. However, she quickly realized that it was this instinct and distrust that spawned the anti-Islamic sentiment that she sought to change.
As the post above shares, Yusra and her dad were, quite literally, on the street corner inviting strangers into their home. As one might expect, the meals often begin with a bit of an awkward vibe, with all diners unsure of the expectations on the other side. But soon, after the formalities and requisite questions are addressed, the event evolves into something more lighthearted and jovial, as meals often do.
Heartened by the experiences thus far, Yusra plans on sticking with the program for as long as she can. “I plan to host dinners for as long as I can, at least until it’s time for college,” she said. Based on the experiences shared by her guests on social media, this could become a tough ticket for Northern California diners, so try to get an invite while they’re still available.
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.