With Gaza, Somalia, and Ukraine on our minds, we have almost forgotten about the tragedy known as Afghanistan. Women are back in burkas with schools are closed for them after the 6th grade, but in the midst of this some women are still showing their resilience by defying the Taliban in small ways.
This past week, a group of 21 women had their stories and diaries published in an extraordinary book titled My Dear Kabul: A Year in the Life of an Afghan Women’s Writing Group. The authors, using only their first names, document the losses they have suffered and their determination to survive them.
In the months that followed the Taliban takeover, these women shared stories with an “Untold” UN staffer in London, which they then deleted from their cell phones because Taliban officials were routinely checking women’s phones. The book not only tells us of pain and terror but of courage and solidarity.
Prayer for the Day
Looking with uncertainty at the world around.
We wonder how people survive despair around them;
Living in the imagined security of our lives,
We think, “That’s there, not here.”
But you, O God, tell us not to be complacent,
For there are many here who would destroy our liberties.
In the name of the One who is our hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Three years ago, I was involved in publishing 10 books for children. Today, my biggest achievement is that I took a taxi alone.
Naeema, from My Dear Kabul
In secret, I’ve been providing educational opportunities from my home for several girls who are deprived of the right to go to school. … I’ve raised my voice many times to change the current situation. But it seems that here, ears are deaf, and eyes are blind. No one sees us, and no one hears our voices. Still, I know that, in the end, success will be ours.
Joweria, a former defense attorney
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh –
My adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall.
Psalm 27: 1-2