The Stoning of Soraya

Last night I watched a documentary, meaning it is based on a true life event.  This is not something that happened 100 years ago, it occurred in Iran, in 1996.  A young lady named Soraya, followed the law in all aspects, and was faithful to her husband, Hashem.  The two of them had 4 children, 2 boys, and 2 girls.  For those of you who do not know much of the middle eastern culture, let me fill you in.  Men in these countries are superior to women, and decisions are based on what the men decide, or want.  No consideration is given to the women's feelings or thoughts. 
In this story, Soraya's husband Hashem desires to put away his wife, so that he can marry this other woman, however it would be better if his current wife dies first..  So over the course of time, the leaders in this village plot to do just that.  Soraya is forced to take a job keeping house for a widower, and his son.  After a period of time, three months or so, the husband accuses her of commiting adultery with this other man.  The men of the community, including her own father, gather together to decide her fate....  the verdict is death by stoning.  Soraya is condemned to die, simply because her husband wants a new wife.  Please note, the man she is accused of sleeping with is not guilty, nor accused, only the woman.  Soraya is walked thru the streets leading to the square in the midst of the city.  There the stones have been gathered, the young men and boys gather these stones, some as young as 6 years old.  Once in the square, there is a hole that has already been dugged, and soraya arms are bounded behind her back, and she is made to kneel in this hole.  She is then buried from waist down, with only her upper body exposed above the earth.  After a brief annoucement on why she is being stoned, her father is the first to throw 2 stones, then her husband, her 2 sons are next. These stones are aimed at her head, I will save you the horrific details of the impact,  once she dead, which took more then 4 hours of constant stoning, the town begins to party the rest of the night. 

I was shocked that such actions still occur in this world in modern times.  This story may never had been told had not a reporter visited there the following day, and the aunt of Soraya told him everything. She risked her own life just to be heard,  the reporter  then shared the story with the world.

 I am proud to live in a country where men, and women are equal, women have rights to make decisions, and not live with the fear of being stoned. Too many times we take for granted our freedom, a freedom that comes with the price that many men and women have paid to keep us safe. 

Be thankful and proud to live in America!!   

I am glad I know who Jesus is

Recently I spent some time talking with some friends, we were discussing Christmas, and the true meaning.  I was surprized that many of them never even mention Jesus during the christmas holiday.  Their lives are so filled with parties, presents, and shopping they never slow down to remember just why we celebrate this wonderful time of the year. 
One of the ladies stated that a couple years ago she was out shopping with her two daughters, they passed by a live nativity scene, and one of the daughters asked, " mom, who are those poor people in that shed?"  My heart ached hearing this, how could a child this age not know who Jesus is?  I told my friend, you should really start teaching them of Jesus, and the true meaning of this holiday.  Its not about receiving presents, it is about celebrating the birth of the best present ever given to man.. The birth of our savior, Jesus Christ!!
I am so thankful to have been raised in a home where we were taught about Jesus, and the "christmas story" was taught to us, so much we can recite it from memory. 

Jesus means so much to me, and my family.  He is our healer, our savior, our best friend, and so much more then just a story to us.  No matter what time of the day or night we can whisper his name and he is there.  At just the mention of his name, demons tremble and flee...  what a mighty name this is.. By no other name under heaven holds this power, or the gift of salvation. 

I am glad I know who Jesus is!