Liz’s Interview with Pastor Mofid
Liz: All right, Mofid.. So first things first; tell us about the blue and the blue shirts.
Mofid: So, when I was young, I used to wear different colors because that's what we could afford. It was just like whatever was available you wore.I took from my brothers or whatever was available. But I always love the color blue. I see it differently than any other colors. I only see red, black, white and blue. That's it.
Liz: You're color blind?! So you only see those four colors?
Mofid: Yes. So the other colors will be either light blue, dark blue, light red…
Liz:: So you can't see green… what does this plant look like to you?
Mofid: This is like light blue. So, Eden (Mofid’s grand-daughter) keeps correcting me all the time.A few weeks ago, she said, oh, grandpa, how many times do I have to tell you?
Liz: She already knows more than you. There you go. Come on, grandpa.
Mofid: One time, Bruce gave me a red shirt as a gift. I had to apologize to him and give it back.
Liz: I’m sure he understood. So, when you were able to afford to buy your own clothes, is that when you decided to wear blue all the time?
Mofid: When I graduated from seminary and became minister in Egypt; I started to buy my own stuff (that was in 1987).
Liz: So, then how did the ties start?
Mofid: Over 20 years ago. Miral bought me some ties online with bible verses. So when I wore them during visits, especially hospitals, I notice people look at it and start to comment on them, and I use it as an excuse to start a conversation about the Bible. Wearing a tie to a visit makes a big difference.People look at you differently; you get more respect. People see you with the Bible in your hand, and tie and right away they respect you.
Liz: I'm assuming, over time, people in the congregation and all your friends and family started buying you biblical ties. Are there some that are extra special to you?
Mofid The ones I like best have only verses on them; no pictures, just words. There’s one I from Joshua, that says, “I'll never leave, or forsake you.” I was in Vons and the cashier said, “Oh, I bet your wife bought you this one!” So I said, “That's pretty funny. Let me tell you the story… so we just stood there and talked about it. So, it’s really a great outreach.
Liz: Where do you get the ties?
Mofid: Most of the ties I did not buy. Most of them are gifts from the people. Some from the thrift store.. Most of the gifts, ties. So, last Christmas, I told everybody I don't need anything but ties.
Liz Oh that’s nice. My dad and my husband are the hardest people to shop, so it makes things easier for your family! Do you have any idea how many ties you own?
Mofid: No, no. Ha, ha, ha.
Liz:How do you store them at home?
Mofid: Just in the closet? On hangers; I have several hangers.
Liz: Do you organize them in any specific way?
Mofid: Ha, ha, ha, ha, no, no, no.
Liz: Steve Jobs wore the same thing every day. He always had the black turtleneck and jeans, and part of it was so he didn't have to spend any of his mental energy picking out what to wear. You are kind of similar. You know you're gonna wear navy slacks, a blue button down, a tie, either a jacket or a vest. Does it simplify the process of getting ready in the morning?
MofidL And I think that could be. But it’s more about the idea to respect my position, my ministry.
I have to look nice for the sake of the ministry. Call me a dinosaur.
Liz: Oh, I would never call you a dinosaur.
Mofid: No, but I think it's especially going out into the world, you know, I've heard the story of a Catholic priest who went to a hospital but did not wear the collar. And as he walked into the room, they didn't wanna see him. So he went back to the car and changed. The priest went to the same room and they welcomed him.
Liz: Thanks so much for your time, Mofid.
Mofid: You're great.