I AM MALALA

             I just read a new book by the name “I Am Malala.” It is written by a Pakistani teenager, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot on her school bus by a member of the Taliban. Then just this week Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize, who at seventeen years of age, is the youngest person to ever receive a Nobel Prize. She was targeted for death by the Taliban because as a twelve, thirteen and fourteen year old she had become a widely known advocate and speaker for girls to go to school. The Taliban doesn’t think girls should be educated, or work outside the home. They are to stay in the house and when they do go outside they are to wear a burka (a full body covering with a slit for the eyes) and be accompanied by a male family member.

            The book is an inspiring story of this young girl and her courage. But I also recommend you read the book for a close look at the Taliban and the society they wish to create. Some of what they believe does have roots in Muslim teaching. But, like Christians, there are those who are moderates, liberals, conservatives and radical conservatives. But it isn’t the radical teaching of the Taliban which causes concern, it is their intent to kill anyone who does not agree with them, such as the girl Malala. Also, where they have power they kill anyone who will not convert to the Moslem faith. In this book one can glimpse the stupidity of their beliefs and their utter cruelty. My prayer is that God will save the Pakistanis and all other peoples from such a group as this.

            Knowing the Taliban and what they want for us and everyone else, I recognize them as our enemies. And I remember the instruction of Jesus, “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) With the Taliban, that will be hard to do. 

Grace and peace.