The Story Hidden Inside Two Wedding Pendants
Sometimes the smallest objects carry the biggest stories.
In this episode of Things That Matter, I had the privilege of sitting down with author Leslie Powell Ahmadi to hear the remarkable story behind two wedding pendants gifted to her by her Iranian in-laws nearly four decades ago.
What first appeared to be simple pieces of jewelry became lasting symbols of unconditional acceptance, intercultural understanding, and love.
Leslie shares her journey as a Black American woman who unexpectedly fell in love with an Iranian graduate student she met while attending Ohio State University. Before moving to Iran, she quietly wrestled with fears fueled by cultural assumptions and uncertainty about whether she would truly be accepted by her husband’s family.
Those fears quickly dissolved.
The first pendant she received featured the word “God.” Initially unsure of its meaning, Leslie soon noticed an engraved cross, a deeply thoughtful acknowledgment of her Christian faith from her Muslim in-laws. That simple gesture communicated love, respect, and acceptance without saying many words.
The second pendant celebrated her marriage itself, depicting a couple united as one. Together, the two gifts became lasting reminders that meaningful relationships are built on understanding rather than assumptions.
Our conversation also explores:
navigating intercultural and interracial marriage
finding common ground through faith
challenging stereotypes through personal experience
preserving family stories through meaningful objects
creating a legacy for future generations
Leslie also shares her memoir, The Road Between Hearts, which chronicles her experiences living in Iran and the lessons she learned about humanity, compassion, and connection.
One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that stories have the power to soften hearts in ways that facts alone often cannot.
The objects we keep are rarely valuable because of what they’re made of.
They’re valuable because of the stories they continue to carry.
Leslie Powell Ahmadi’s captivating memoir, The Road Between Hearts: A Black American Woman Discovering Iran, details a journey into an unfamiliar culture. Grab your copy today on Amazon or Barnes & Noble to experience this story.
To find out more about this beautiful human doing important healing work in the world, connect with her here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliepowellahmadi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieahmadi/
Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com
Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨
If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/
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