I Am Courageous...I Think!
I have always been one of those people that is a little on the reserved side. I’m not exactly what you would call an extrovert, and prefer authentic, deeper conversation over small talk. So, naturally, you would think that the concept of getting to know Muslim women would feel a little overwhelming at first. Don’t get me wrong, I have always been fascinated by other cultures and opinions don’t intimidate me. It is the awkwardness of those nagging questions of “what do I say”? “How do I relate”? “In what way do I connect”? In my past, these insecurities would typically leave me avoiding the potential of an awkward encounter and the process of getting to know someone new altogether.
But the Lord is showing me who I am in Christ and where my identity truly resides. Fear and anxiety have begun to lose their grip in my life as I spend time reading what the bible says to be true about who I am as a follower of Jesus. As a result, I am becoming more willing to take steps toward others whom I may not have been so willing to get to know in the past. When doubts or fearful thoughts such as “what do I say” or “how do I relate” come to my mind, I have learned to take those thoughts captive and replace them with what the bible says to be true such as “do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
When the Lord first laid upon my heart the desire to begin developing friendships with Muslim women, I wasn’t sure where to start. I simply knew God was moving and I had a desire to connect with a woman because the love of Christ compelled me. I know what it is to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. I know the beauty, peace and rest it brings to my soul. I want others to taste and see it too! So, I contacted a friend who was also meeting Muslims online. I asked to be introduced and was quickly connected with 3 women from Muslim countries. The exchange was incredibly sweet and, to my surprise, not awkward or intimidating at all. The women I met were all very welcoming and openly accepted me as a new friend. Our communication flowed naturally as though I was chatting with a friend that I had known for quite some time. Any misconceptions or fear of the unknown trying to creep up on me was quickly dismantled I was reminded that we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). If I could say one thing it would be this: women are women the world over. It doesn’t matter if we are Christian or Muslim, Atheist or Agnostic. We all have a desire deep within us to be loved and truly known. It is a desire that is placed there by God and meant to be filled by Him alone. If we look past the obstacles in our minds and simply see each other as women with similar inherent desires to be known and loved, we will realize we have all we need for meaningful conversation and authentic relationships.