Everything is moving so fast that by the time I finish this meditation, the situation on the ground will have changed. The State Department has this item on its website dated January 20, 2021 – in case you didn’t remember – that’s the date when we got a new president – stating that we support human rights defenders.
Will someone tell me how this nicely crafted website will protect Afghan women activists? Those women who put their lives on the line even when there was a U.S. presence theoretically committed to protecting them? Certainly not now.
The first Afghan woman I represented wasn’t an activist; she had just been married to a member of the Mujahedeen, the Afghans who fought the Soviets. Brutalized in ways by the Taliban that are indescribable, she managed to get out but pregnant, she ended up in Immigration Court. First denied because she was “only” the widow of the now dead fighter, we managed to get her protection. How many other “onlies” will there be?
Prayer for the Day
Merciful Creator, you anoint our afflictions and cleanse our wounds,
May the wounds we have caused others be forgiven;
Redeeming God, you bind up the broken hearted and despairing,
May our despair be turned into hope.
Grant us the strength to overcome our feelings of helplessness,
Transforming us into living models of the One who overcame despair.
In the name of him who is your life in the world,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
As a woman, I feel like I am the victim of this political war that men started.
An Afghan journalist who cannot reveal her name
“Go and put on your chadari [burqa],” one called out. “It is your last days of being out on the streets,” said another. “I will marry four of you in one day,” said a third.
Men on the streets in Kabul, Sunday August 15, 2021
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
How long, you people, will my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful, and the Lord hears when I call.
Psalm 4: 1-3