How Machine Gun Slinging Guards Intentionally Intimidated Visitors

 

Jerusalem, Israel

I am married to a man who loves adventures and experiences – especially those that are life changing, so when he gets an idea, he, sometimes very creatively, figures out how to make them happen. For example, he believes we need to see the world to gain a better understanding that we, personally, are not the center of the universe and to broaden our minds to what is happening in other parts of the world.Recently we were able to visit Israel because he decided to lead a trip.

I am changed because of the experience!

 

We, Americans, live in a place where great opportunities await those who are disciplined, courageous, persevering, who utilize the available resources wisely, and are not self serving but contribute their gifts and talents to benefit others.

 

While I saw some Israeli’s and Palestinian’s lives flourishing, they count themselves blessed to be in a relatively safe place – not compared to us – but to their neighbors. Yet they are aware that even their current level of  safety may not last long. At least six Isis flags wave in Jerusalem. Rachel, our tour guide, explained that they are sleeper cells so we were safe. But I thought, who knows when they will awaken!

 

Already, their lives have changed because of oppression. For example, there was a young mother we were with, who was now a widow because her husband would not denounce his faith and claim Allah as his god. He was murdered by Hammas. “You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.”  C.S. Lewis

 

On a less drastic note, we heard from a young Palestinian couple that they couldn’t travel (quite locally) on certain days because it was not safe. Yet, despite the atrocities and oppression, they were living their lives as forgivers and with joy as was the woman whose husband was murdered.

 

Our experience at the temple mount, which was once where the temple stood but is now Muslim controlled and hosts the site of the famous gold domed mosque, gave me a taste of how I could easily be intimidated and cower if I was not absolutely sure of what I believe. There were machine gun slinging guards, obviously trained to inflict fear by being rough and in-your-face rude, not just to us but to all the visitors. We were invited in, yet once there could hardly enjoy the experience. I’ve never seen anything like it. I am so thankful it was truly a foreign experience!

 

So how have changed? I can’t, in this short article, begin to tell you everything, but my boldness has increased and I have realized that I have a responsibility to share and bring awareness for even bigger reasons than I had ever realized.

 

I plan to write more in the coming weeks sharing my perspective on my experiences and how they are changing me in more radical ways. Stay tuned. .  . but I have to tell you, our winter Groups were life changing experience for many and I’m excited to let you know we have just opened registration for 3 Groups that will begin soon. Check out the GROUPS tab.