Book Review: In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord (a protective pseudonym)

 

It is likely that I wouldn’t have picked up the book In The Land of Blue Burqas on my own had it not been for my mom and sister.  Upon their recommendation I gladly launched into its 300 pages and found myself engrossed in an unexpectedly, thought-provoking heart-felt, beautiful story.  It is not a fictionalized story, but a true account of a modern American woman’s five year immersion in the people and culture of Afghanistan while heading up work for a non-government organization.  She draws back the curtain to reveal her experiences for our Western eyes to see, not with her back towards us saying “here , see what it was like” in the same manner  a museum docent describes an artifact, but rather she pushes back the curtain while partly concealed  by it herself, her face towards us beckoning us to at least poke your head in and relive the lessons learned with her.  That is largely what this book is about—lessons learned.

 The cultural and religious variances between the author and her Afghan neighbors taught her many things about people, life and most importantly, about God Himself.  These lessons can be lumped into themes, which the Author has divided into the book’s 16 chapters.  She asks (and in some measure answers) the questions:

 

-          How do we deal with and respond to hatred and insult?

-          What is forgiveness and what allows us to practice it?

-          Who protects us from sin?

-          Who is responsible for judging?

-          How do we please God?

-          What is the purpose and importance of prayer and fasting?

Her answers to these questions are anything but dry.  She recounts her tales in the true voice and spirit of storytelling, to the point your own breath is suppressed with the same stifling heat of the trench coat the Author must wear under the desert sun so neither the leering eyes of the men she passes nor the laws and rules they are bound to keep cause her any trouble.  Your own body relaxes as she sits and leans against the cool wall in the heat of the day, eating almonds and candies with friends.  You experience the same astonished-puzzlement as her neighbor explains the laws and rules found in a holy book they are able to read. 

 The daily encounters with neighbors and co-workers whose religious view are so distinctly and adamantly opposed to her own required her to seek the Bible to answer these question for herself and those who demanded them.  The humility and gentle fortitude of the Author expressed in her daily search of the Scriptures and the piercing questions she asked others impressed me not a little.  Such a gentle spirit paired with a commitment to the truth of Gods’ Word is only a demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s work in her life.   

Perhaps the most notable feature of this book was that with the progression of each chapter, my amazement and awe at the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ grew.  Sometimes the wonder of what you have is dimmed by its familiarity and is only seen once again for what it really is when contrasted with something else.  That is what this book did for me.  It reignited a deep sense of gratitude as I saw once again that all the other religions of the world—no matter how “similar” they are to Christianity nor how many “good and nice” people believe otherwise—none of them has anything to compare to the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!  But not only did this book fan the flame of my love of truth, it also ignited a distinct compassion I had not known before.  It is a compassion resulting from knowing the truth and yearning for others to understand the same, realizing that there is no room or reason for pride in the understanding I possess and that other people are blind to see.  

“I (too) once was lost, but now am found. T’was blind and now I see.” 

In The Land of Blue Burqas is a volume high up on my list of both enjoyable and recommended reads.  If you find yourself desiring to know more about the culture and faith of the Afghan people or to have our own faith challenged and refreshed, may I suggest you turn to this book?

How Happy I am!

As I reached up to take the plates out of the cupboard yesterday afternoon, a sudden thought just skipped across my mind like a stone skips across water; one, two, three...plunk and then it sunk and rested at the bottom of my heart. I am so happy! I wonder if my classmates--especially those who achieve so much and talk so big-- are as happy as I am right now as I am?

Nothing amazingly wonderful (by most peoples' standards at least) had happed that day. I had woken up at 5:40 AM, started classes at 8:00am and finished at 4:00PM. Nothing amazing...but still so happy, and joyful and blessed!

There has been a little bubble of ever-present joy bubbling up in me of late. It began to bubble up soon after I began reading Nancy Leigh DeMoss's book Choosing Gratitude. I hadn't really planned on seriously reading the book. I had just picked it up on a whim and looked through the forward...then the intro...then the first chapter...!

I was riveted. I was astonished. Astonished to discover that I was not a grateful person! Granted my moments of thankfulness may have been more than some....but nothing like what it truly should be!!

As I have continued my journey through the book (now with purpose), I have been both convicted and encouraged, indicted and inspired. I would like to share some direct quotes from the book as well as some of my own insights within the next few weeks on this blog. You may find yourself wanting to know more, and I would encourage you to get this book (and no, Nancy is not paying me to advertise)! It is never too late nor too soon to begin the journey of gratitude. This isn't Pollyanna's "glad game" or a flighty pep talk. It's more than coping methods. It's a way to thrive in any and all seasons of life. Sounds too good to be true? Well, my friend you just wait and see. Meanwhile, think on this....

“Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road”

~*~ John Henry Jowett .pg 23 of Choosing Gratitude

A Six-Book Summer

Seeing as this is the first day of Fall (in addition to the fact that the school quarter begins this Thursday), I reckon it is appropriate to take a glance backward at this summer's reading list! Thanks mostly to the Playaways that my library have, I consumed 6 books , totaling up to almost 100 hours of literature! The books I read were:

Anne Of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Vern

Ever by Gail Carson Levine

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Bleak House by Charles Dickens (This baby was 39.5 hours to listen to and it took me approx. 6 weeks!)

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington.

As you can see, a wide range of genres were represented here. When I read, I want to discover something; it may be from the actual information written in the text, it may be from the writers' style. One thing that I have discovered is that the older I get the more I appreciate books. I guess there is one good thing about getting old, and that is there are more opportunities to read!

My newly acquired maxim...always be reading something!

Food Fact and Fitness Fridays--Book Review

Book: “Whole Grains Every day, Every Way”
Author: Lorna Sass

Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way is an informative “how to” for the purchasing, storing, and cooking of over 14 different grains. This book isn’t for the hoity-toity food connoisseur, neither is it exclusively for those who wish to become one. Instead this book was written for the everyday Cook who realizes the importance of whole grains and has the urge for fresh idea and recipes! It is written simply and logically, beginning with a “profile” for each grain that notes it’s origin, method of processing, availability, and nutritional benefits.

The “At A Glance” charts are perhaps the most useful to the Cooker-Reader intending to apply the information. This easy- use format enables the reader to distinguish the particular form of grain they wish to cook (flour, kernel, red, black, hulled etc) and its accompanying traits: description and processing, availability and additional comments. Following this are more than 150 recipes ranging from salads and casseroles, to breakfasts and desserts. (Look out for future posts featuring some!)

The important and tip-bits that Ms. Sass provides are not overwhelming to the reader who is a serious cook or simply curious. She provides her audience with the basics while offering additional resources for more information. I highly suggest seeing if your library has it—that is what I did!

Also check out her website here where you can look at her other books and even order directly from her.

Happy Reading!