Light Always Wins

 I was seven when I stepped foot into the Tel Aviv Airport accompanied by my stepdad - a Palestinian. The Israeli soldiers stood armed as they ripped through each of our suitcases, pulled my dad into a room for questioning, and detained us for several hours. We were not there as tourists. We were on our way to Jericho to visit family... but we were the enemy. Even at seven the hatred between all was undeniable. As a child I did not comprehend fully but I remember...fear. Walking the roads of that country for a month is an experience I will never forget.

I remember once being at a family member's home while they argued over who was right, the Jews or Palestinians. I remember the tears, the anger, and shouting. I can't recall most of the words spoken that day. I don't know whose argument was stronger. What I do know is...what the Bible says about God's chosen people, and that in war... no one wins...even when it is necessary there is always suffering for both sides. The Jews have not deserved the unimaginable suffering and atrocities they have endured throughout history. My grandmother didn't deserve to hold her baby while he bled out in her arms from an explosion. My dad shouldn't have spent 3 days in a well with a rotting donkey to hide from soldiers when he was just a child, or watched people run through the streets as their skin melted from their bodies like wax. Those things changed him as they would anyone. And the demons of rage he wrestled with, exploded onto me, leaving my body bruised and bloody with the marks of his pain for more than a decade. For many years I loved my dad yet I hated him, until Jesus gave me eyes to see the brokenness in his heart. I pray one day he finds peace...because he chooses to accept the person of peace. 

No one wins with hatred, yet it will always abound in this broken world. 

The hatred in Israel has been passed down through the generations. 

But Jesus.

He can restore all. 

When I hear people of all nations, cultures, life stories, those I know to have been enemies come together and worship with one goal, one heart, one spirit, to the one true God...I have hope and I long for Heaven.

As we close in on this Christmas season, I know it can be joyous for some and hard for others. I encourage you if you're a Christian to remember we always have hope with Jesus. That is why He came. To rescue us. To give us hope through His sacrifice. If it's difficult to hold on remember one day...everything will be made right again.          

    

Until then,

Jessie