Here in Cairo, Egypt symbols are important for me, specifically the cross. 
Recently I draped the cross above our front door with the Muslim prayer beads
that are used to reflect on the 99 characteristics of God.   Personal
inculturation, you know, and tastefully done, I might add.  One evening last
week Yassir, a 22-year old Muslim Egyptian student, Cathy, a 40-year old
Canadian Mennonite church worker in occupied Palestine and I, an almost ancient
Maryknoller, gathered together to make a prayer in front of the cross draped
with the Muslim prayer beads.  Each, in his and her own way, prayed to the One
God of compassion and mercy and love for a better world and that we be
encouraged with God’s patience and strength to help build that world.  Muslim,
Protestant, Catholic standing together, heads bowed before these symbols of
reconciliation and togetherness.  No threat here; no fear or misunderstanding;
just the power of God in us bringing together what has historically been so
apart.