Resilient Hearts: Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear for South Asian Women
From Nuzhat’s Perspective
As I stand here today, looking at my beautiful daughter Humaira, dressed in her bridal attire, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. This is a day every mother dreams of, seeing her daughter step into a new chapter of life, surrounded by love, family, and the promise of a future filled with happiness. But what makes this day even more special for me is the journey that brought us here—our story, our resilience, and everything we’ve overcome together.
Humaira has always been my pride and joy. From the moment she was born, I knew she was destined to be a light in this world. She’s always had a quiet strength about her, even as a little girl. I remember when she was only six or seven, and I would find her helping the other kids in school, standing up for the ones who were being picked on. She was never loud or attention-seeking, but she had this unshakable sense of justice.
As she grew older, that sense of responsibility only deepened. But life, as we know, doesn’t always reward the kind-hearted. There were times when Humaira faced challenges—times when fear crept into our lives. Being a South Asian woman isn’t always easy. There’s pressure, expectations, and sometimes, moments when you feel like the world is trying to clip your wings. But Humaira never let that stop her.
I remember when she was preparing for university. There were so many people who said she should study something “safe” or “expected.” They said she should follow the traditional path, but Humaira had her own dreams. She wanted to study psychology, a field that would let her help others, especially women like us, who sometimes feel their voices aren’t heard. And as her mother, I supported her every step of the way, even when people questioned our decisions.
Humaira and I have had countless late-night conversations, where we’ve shared our fears and doubts, but we’ve also shared our dreams. We’ve talked about what it means to be strong in a world that sometimes doesn’t want you to be. We’ve talked about the courage it takes to speak up when you’re scared and to keep moving forward when the world seems to want you to stand still. And through all of those moments, Humaira’s resilience has shone through.
There was one moment, in particular, that I’ll never forget. She had just come home from university, visibly upset after a particularly hard day. Someone had made her feel small, less than she was, simply because she was a woman who wanted more out of life. She sat down with me, her eyes full of frustration, and I could see how much it hurt her. But do you know what she said to me? She said, “Ammi, I’m going to rise above this. I won’t let anyone tell me what I can or can’t do.”
And she did. Humaira went on to excel in her studies, not just for herself, but to make a difference. Today, as I stand here giving this speech on her nikah day, I am not just proud of the woman she has become—I am in awe of her. She didn’t just survive the challenges she faced; she thrived despite them. And as she embarks on this new journey with her husband, I know she will continue to shine.
Humaira, my beautiful daughter, you have taught me so much. You’ve shown me that fear is something we face together, as a family, and that strength doesn’t come from never falling—it comes from rising, time and time again. Today, you are not just a bride; you are a beacon of resilience and love.
To my dear son-in-law, you are marrying an extraordinary woman. She is kind, she is strong, and she will always stand by your side, just as she has stood by mine through all of life’s ups and downs. You are both beginning a new chapter, and I couldn’t be happier for you.
And to everyone here today, especially the women, let us remember that our hearts are stronger than we give them credit for. We may face fear, doubt, and challenges, but we have the power to overcome them. Just like Humaira, we are resilient. We are unstoppable.
So, my darling, as you take this next step, always remember who you are and where you come from. You are loved, you are cherished, and you are resilient. May your marriage be filled with happiness, laughter, and the same strength that has carried you this far.
Humaira, today is just the beginning.
Picture Source: Pinterest
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