First and foremost, this article is not an indictment against the faith of Islam. Let that disclaimer resonate in your minds prior to making a judgment call. I am using this situation as an example of a greater issue.
That said, Rifqa Bary converted her faith from Islam to Christianity recently. When her father found out about it, he allegedly stated that her blood was haram (forbidden/unclean), leading to the philosophy that she brought shame to her family. As a result, to kill her, as some Islamic sects believe, would bring honor back to her family name.
My husband and I were discussing this news story, and he said, “If she goes back, she’ll die.”
I agree on more than one level. His statement shook me to my core, not because this is a seemingly Muslim vs. Christian issue. Abraham’s kids have been fighting since the beginning of time, and nothing beyond the Second Coming of Christ will change that.
Yet what happens when WE decide to go back to harmful situations that are no good for us? I have a friend that spent three years in a dead end relationship with a man who disrespected her and cheated on her over and over and over again. They broke up a few months back, but recently, she considered reconciling with him.
If she goes back, she’ll die.
Maybe not physically, as Miss Bary feels threatened, but emotionally. When a parasite attaches itself to a living being, it will suck the life out of that being until there is nothing left. Then it will exit, leaving the carrier hollow and void of health and well-being.
What happens when we decide to return to influences that caused us harm in the past? Personally, if I go back to the same attitude that when things get difficult, I give up refuse to go harder until the change comes, things will never change for the better in my life.
If I go back, I’ll die.
Maybe not emotionally like my friend stands to risk, but the legacy I’m living for, and the future I want to leave my children long after I’m dead and gone will shrivel up and die if I refuse to fight NOW.
I can’t help but think about how dangerous it is to settle for the ordinary and familiar when God’s purpose and destiny for our lives is so extraordinary and exhilarating. I can’t let His will pass me by in exchange for the boring safety net of control and security. I can’t say with certainty that if Miss Bary goes back to her family, she’ll die, but I know if I go back to old habits and mindsets, not only will I die, but so will the legacy I want to leave my children. I refuse to doom them to having to fight the same kinds of battles I was too cowardly or COMFORTABLE to fight and conquer myself.
What are some things that could possibly kill you, either literally or figuratively, if you go back to them? Is it hard to let go of the comfort zones of familiarity? Why?
God bless!
~ Harriet
Harriet Hairston, a freelance writer, human resources administrator at an HBCU and creator of the motivational blog, “Can She SAY That?!?” has a unique style that brings readers into her life through her transparent demeanor. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and two sons. You can reach her at harriet_hairston@yahoo.com.
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Going back to something that is not good for you is a killer of the spirit first.
They sent her back to OH two days ago. Typically in sharia law, a person is to be imprisoned until they recant their statements against the Islamic faith. Basically, she is under house arrest in OH because of her belief in Christ. Hopefully it ends just like it sounds…grounding a girl for being rebellious. But I truly sense that she is in more danger than the media has let on. I pray for her safety.