my country has been ‘duking it out’ with the Middle East for 10 years and
counting now. Because of radicals like Saddam Hussein, The Muslim religion
& Iraqi people in general get a lot of bad heat. I’ve never been one to
take what I see on the news past its face value. I’ve always been pretty keen
to the fact that Americans are not told the entire story.
I’d love to be able to write that I am able to completely rise
above medicracy, that nothing I’ve heard has warped my opinion of people from
the Middle East. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a bias opinion about the
Iraqi nation… Well, here it goes…
As described in my previous blog, we are working with the
International University students in Odessa, Ukraine this month. I want to
elaborate on a group of unexpected students that has single-handedly rocked my
perspective on a many things…
Who? The Iraqi students.
When introductions were first made, my initial thoughts were
completely judgmental. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but in my head I instantly
stereotyped these men as ‘the enemy’ and questioned if we were even supposed to
be hanging out.
WOW. Does this thought make me a RACIST ? To be completely honest…
Yes, even for just a minute. I could blame the TV or American culture, but the
bottom line is that I CHOSE to feel that way. That’s not on anyone but me.
When put to the test, I wasn’t able to rise above judgmental thoughts like I
claimed I could. Talk about being humbled and put in my place…
Here I am on a trip around the world claiming to all of you
back home that I ‘see people like Jesus does’, and when put to the test, I
failed.
It didn’t take more than a minute for my mindset on these
Iraqi men to be pure, but that doesn’t change the fact that my initial thought
of this group was not Godly. I could have very easily left that part out of this
blog, replaced it with ‘wisdom’, and tried to inspire you to ‘be like me’ when
you meet people… But that would have been a lie…
I am not even close to perfect with my thoughts. I strive to
be, but I have a lot of growth to do. No matter what my own nation is doing, I never
want to personally be at ‘war’ with anyone. I am on a mission to be so
solidified with my walk in Christ that I do not stereotype people. I want to
see SIN is the ONLY enemy, never people.
my good Iraqi friends. They would drop
even tagged along to meet some of their professors at
have huge hearts and challenge me to step up with my actions.
Christianity is LOVE. That’s not my interpretation;
it’s plain and clearly stated over and over in the Bible. Without LOVE, there
would be no basis for my faith. So if I am REALLY striving to live a life of
Christianity, using Jesus as the ultimate standard, then I am on a mission to
LOVE… starting with every first impression. Jesus did not discriminate or judge
anyone.
‘Christian’ Americans are no more deserving of God’s grace
than a Muslim Iraqi’s. We are all sinners and no sin is greater than another.
We are each on a unique path, with a calling & purpose.
—
Back to my point. There is a lot more is going on behind the
stories on CBS and Fox. How do I know? Because I have six Iraqi Muslim friends that
refer to themselves as my ‘bodyguards’. They admire George Bush and appreciate
what our country is striving to do for them and they are embarrassed by the
radical Muslims actions. These kinds of stories are purposefully cut out of the
news. Why? I’m not sure. These guys are no different than you or me. They study
hard at Universities. They miss their families. They have high dreams and
aspirations. They take kickboxing lessons. They enjoy coffee. They skip
classes. They are true friends of high character.
Our God is SO big I believe He wants to use THESE men, to
change their nation. GOD wants to reveal himself in such a way that they
question their Muslim upbringing, and radically follow Christ. In fact, He
wants this for everyone.
I don’t agree with the Muslim religion. I don’t support the
Radical terrorists. But desire a mindset like Christ, where I can honestly
say I LOVE them… starting with the first introduction.
The reason for me writing this was simple… to humbly admit I
have a lot of growth to do with my perspectives of people. I am no more
deserving than ANYone else in the world, and I NEVER want my first impression
to lean towards the negative. Hopefully it inspires you as well.
Forgive
me Lord and have mercy on my blindness. Help me to see people as you do. Help
me to see Beauty. Mold me into what you created me to be. Use me be a
peacemaker. Reveal truth. I love you. Thank you for who you are.
