Cultural Interest

Lately I find myself absolutely intrigued by other cultures. Whether it’s the study of a different religion or the observation of a different way of life, I’m completely interested. Not to change who I am, but to understand why people are so different. To understand why we don’t all believe the same things.

I’ve been specifically interested in India and Muslims as well as Orthodox Jews over the past few months. I can’t say there is a specific reason why, but I find myself reading about the cultures, watching independently filmed movies and hearing stories of the most fascinating people.

A few months ago Chris and I discovered the movie “Outsourced.” A movie about an American call center manager who is sent over to India to train the people who will now be taking over his old job. Through this movie you learn so much about the country and traditions that I somehow felt jealous. Jealous that I don’t feel like I live a life with such purpose and history. That I do what I want when I want and don’t have much reason behind it. Not the way other people do from different countries.

Today I watched the movie “Arranged.” A movie about 2 women, 1 Muslim and 1 Orthodox Jewish, who become friends due to their understanding of the difficulty of living a traditional, religious life in modern day New York. You follow these 2 women, a bit younger than I am, who live with the pressure of being social outcasts, the pressure their family puts on them to follow the path they’ve been put on, the pressure of arranged marriages, and ultimately the questioning of whether or not they believe in what they were brought up to believe in. They learn about their others religions and affect others around them. It’s a great story. And again, I was so intrigued by their dedication and faithfulness to what they believe in. Neither gave in (for the most part) to the worldly, judgmental abuse they face on a daily basis. I was encouraged.

And lastly, this past weekend we had guest missionaries at our church who work over in Muslim nations preaching and affecting the lives of anyone that will listen. Their stories affected me in a deep way.

As I always say, God is up to something….

I’m not saying that I’m called to India or Muslims…but maybe I am. I know I’m called to the Jews…they’re the ones I’m constantly praying for. For my family. My loved ones. But I think the bigger picture is the message of knowing who you are, what you believe in, and not letting anyone steal that from you. Not giving in to the world and their thoughts on what is best for you. Not to let anyone tell you that you’re wrong for doing what you believe in. It’s a message from God that now is the time to be who He’s called us to be.