Episode 05: The Purpose of Life is To Keep Living
Who are you?
I am a single mother to two boys, teacher and blogger.
What gives you Purpose?
Purpose has changed for me over the years. When I got married, my purpose was different. After my husband passed away, that was a turning point for me. I found myself questioning, “Why am I here, if he is no longer here?” When I was 10, or 15, even when I was unmarried or got married, even after having kids, I never really thought about my purpose. I was just living my life. But after my husband passed away, I really started to question my purpose. Thinking about my purpose helped me move forward.
Madiha Sarwar with her husband, Syed Muntajib Ahmed, and their two boys.
Who helped you discover your Purpose?
God played a huge role in my life. If He didn’t play a huge role in my life, I don’t know what I would’ve done after my husband passed away. I had just someone call me and unfortunately she lost her husband a year ago and she asked me, “What did you do?” I just said I prayed, that’s what I did and that’s how I found peace. I am not saying that it’s some kind of magic, that you pray and that everything will be ok. That’s not the point. The point of prayer is that you are asking for His help.
Madiha Sarwar’s husband, Captain Syed Muntajib Ahmed, passed away in a tragic plane crash on July 28, 2010.
What are you living for at this moment?
Obviously, I am living for my kids. I feel like I have to be here for my kids. Also, to do something good for the community. Even if I can make one person feel better, I will feel like I did something. There are so many people who are going through hardships. If talking to them or sharing my story through my writing, they feel some kind of hope or if my story brings them closer to God, I’d be the happiest person.
What is the one thing you want to change in the world?
I would ask people to have a little bit more empathy and kindness. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. Words have power.
I don’t want sympathy, I want empathy. I want people to remember me as someone who is strong and resilient.