Since having the privilege of interning at the Family Research Council this summer, I have been reminded of how crucial it is for Christians to be informed about what is going on in our culture. Not only is it our responsibility to be informed citizens, but it is an honor to live in a nation where we can use our voice to share our beliefs. Last week, I had the opportunity to raise my voice outside the doorstep of the White House for Meriam Ibrahim.
Meriam and I both love the Lord Jesus and we are both committed Christians. Yet, Meriam has endured persecution for her faith that I cannot even fathom. She was raised in a Christian home and married a Christian American citizen. Amidst severe scrutiny by the Sudanese government, Meriam has remained vocal about her faith and has refused to renounce Christ. As a result, Meriam, along with her two children who are likely eligible for U.S. citizenship, has been shackled in a Khartoum prison since January of this year. If not overturned, Meriam has been sentenced to a beating of 100 lashes and death by hanging. Though she is pressed down on every side, she has remained true to our Lord.
Fortunate to live in a nation where I can utilize my freedom of religion and freedom of speech, last Thursday, I participated in a rally to demand this woman's release. I joined several others outside the gates of the White House where we urged the Obama administration to take action to help with Meriam's release. We rallied outside the doors of the White House and we called on President Obama to grant her immediately safe haven.
Let me be clear, every part of me believes that we are to speak the truth in love. It is from a heart that is overflowing with love that I pray for those in authority over me; it is from this same heart that I urged my leaders to help release this woman and her young children.
This life refuses to adopt a lifestyle of passivity. In the words of William Wilberforce, "You may choose to look the other way but you can never again say you did not know." Every part of me refuses to look the other way.
One day, Christ will come and He will establish His eternal reign. Until then, Paul exhorts the church in Ephesians 6 to "having done all, stand." Have we done all to act on this woman's behalf?
Our help is needed. Our voices are needed. Our time to act is now. Please join me in signing this petition for Meriam's release: www.frc.org/sudan. We are more than halfway to our goal of 100,000 signers, which is the number the White House requires before it will respond to a citizens’ petition.
To whom much has been given, much will be expected. Americans have been given much. We've been given a voice. We've been given freedom. Let's be wise stewards.
