Muslims. A people misunderstood. A people categorized. A people stereotyped. A people like everyone else regibt to find their way of life on this world. Just like us.
When you read the first word thoughts such as terrorist, ISIS, and bombings probably came to mind. Don’t worry, those thoughts instinctively came to mind too. But what if for just a second we take a step back and see Muslims for who they are; humans. Humans who are just as broken as we are. Who need just as much hope and love as we do. Who desperately need Jssus as much as we do.
While in South Africa my team and I got the privilege to visit a Muslim mosque. I have never been more fascinated in my life. The mosque was absolutely breathtaking. Designs beyond the imagination of the mind covered the walls and doors created by men but ultimately created by God himself. Paintings and photographs that told history without the need to use words to explain them. Mind blowing.
After touring the gallery we were taken into the mosque itself. We had to take our shoes off and us ladies had to cover our heads with scarves. When we entered into the mosque my mouth literally dropped from how beautiful it was. Hundreds could pray in there. The carpet was soft underneath our feet and placements for people to kneel and pray were imprinted into it. The ceiling was sky high and covered in artwork and designs that you could stare at for hours. A circular chandelier hung low in the middle of the room and Qurans lined the walls. And we got the chance to hear a prayer call sung live. I was enraptured.
We were then taken into a separate room where we were served Turkish tea and given a history of the Islamic faith and of the mosque itself. Learning more about the history and seeing it take place right in front of my eyes not only made the religion real for me, but it made me see the need of the gospel in these peoples lives. The enemy has twisted and manipulated what it means to follow God and have faith. This makes it harder to reach them; but not impossible. What if we stopped looking at the Muslims as terrorists (which is less than 3% of the Muslim population) and looked at them as just normal people? We all need love. We all need hope. We all need saving. And only one God can do that. Who are we and who am I to deny people something that saves them? Deny them what they desperately need? You and I don’t get the luxury to sit back. We have the call and command to love EVERYONE. Even the people who may have even killed loved ones of ours. The people who try to bring fear. The ones who are so lost. The very ones Jesus came for.
I pray for open hearts. Hearts that see these people the way heats Jesus sees them. That have compassion and mercy even when it seems undeserving. For love beyond our own capacity to give out. Because that’s how we show who the Father is to people. And we are to reflect who he is. What a privilege.
Thanks for all you who stay updated and keep reading. It means the world. Stay cool kids.
-Kyla Cal
