Sarah Smith Payne is a thirty-something mom of three who agreed to share her thoughts about Afghanistan as a guest blogger.
Before I relinquish the podium, let me provide context. Sarah and I haven’t met, but I know her mother, Stephanie, a website angel. Thanks to Stephanie, this site exists.
Last week as the world began to learn about the chaos in Afghanistan, Stephanie texted a message: “Sarah’s post is really good today.”
I looked at her daughter’s brief Facebook message and agreed. Her words stopped me because on that day, I thought only of the Americans trapped inside Afghanistan. I hadn’t considered the ongoing plight of Afghan Christians who’ve always feared for their lives.
Sarah’s views are hers, as is her writing. Whether you share her Christian faith or believe something else, look at at her underlying message. Then consider the issues consuming your life.
I did and was ashamed. Don’t take your liberty for granted—ever.
Unfortunately, the people Sarah writes about aren’t the only oppressed in this world. The Chinese government detains Uighur Muslims in camps across Xinjiang, and major U.S. companies have been accused of exploiting their labor. This is another example of modern-day slavery.
(Oh, I’ll have more on that topic soon.)
Enough from me. Sarah, please take the floor.
Words from Sarah:
If you haven’t watched “Sheep Among Wolves” on YouTube, I encourage you to do so to gain some insight as to what our brothers and sisters in the Middle East face. As I sit here in the quiet, my heart breaks.…
I sit at the dining room table where I homeschool my children and teach them the Truth and whatever curriculum I so choose.
I do not fear that a group of men will come in and drag my family out of bed to execute us in the street. I do not fear that my daughters will be taken to be made into slaves for these men. I do not fear my son will be taken and forced into a life of violence. I do not fear my husband will be taken because he chooses to lead his family by the Word.
This is what the Middle East Christians face daily and more so now.
The word “oppression” is used too loosely in this country. We do not begin to know the meaning. We’re too consumed with trivial, and often sinful issues.
The biggest problem for our church right now is whether to have church outside to protect our members. My Sunday mornings too often revolve around what we’ll all wear and whether our hair is just so.
They (Afghans) are happy to find a hidden room to worship in. They find joy in just getting to hear the Word being preached. These brothers and sisters fully expect to meet Jesus face-to-face very soon and they’re ready for it.
Are we?
When we’re sharing the graphic to “Pray for Afghanistan,” do we mean it?
Thanks, Sarah, For the Reminder
Sarah’s thoughts made me think about a lot of things, especially our freedom to speak and worship as we choose. I hope her observations did the same for you. We are blessed, at least for now.
P.S. For more information about the plight of the Afghans, go to The Voice of the Martyrs, where the graphic that illustrates this post first appeared.
Thank you for posting.