I remember the two words that drew my complete attention to this bundle of Filipina joy, "I'm Muslim".
Wait, what?
"I'm Muslim. But my family doesn't talk to me anymore since I am now Christian."
Really, tell me more about that.
As I listened to her story unfold two thoughts washed over me: 1) I love her boldness and 2) The timeline is incomplete, there are gaps. Craters of pain so deep that it is not safe to explore them in the short ride home from a feeding. Alas, her eyes, welling at times with tears, said it all, I didn't need to push.
"I lead a bible study each week. When I don't know the answer I just text my friends and they help me."
Conviction and admiration swelled. Majil you are without excuse. Here this precious sister is so convinced in her infant faith that she is leading a bible study because she knows studying the Word is important. She hasn't waited until she is knows all the answers rather, she embraces the time for what it is, a study. She is looking for the answers. And in complete humility, asking questions along the way, she is letting others in on her journey and leading out in faith.
I loved her first for her heart and her boldness. I love her even more now for her laugh, her servant heart, her mad Karaoke skills and her commitment to her son.
"He never knew we were eating other peoples left overs. He just thought he was the luckiest kid in the world to eat McDonalds every day."
I could write a whole series of posts regarding what this 33 year old mother has experienced in her life: leukemia, poverty, flight from the family that was supposed to love, death, injury, and the list goes on. But, rather than looking back, she sets the pace in looking forward. Running hard toward Jesus she invites any nearby party into the joy of Joseph and her journey.
Rona, count me in!
