Freedom's Stand Book Review

Freedom's Stand is a book I've been reading for the past week now.  I didn't realize what an impact it was having on me until I went to the mall today.  Let me explain.

Freedom's Stand is a fictional book based in Afghanistan.  The product description on cbd.com says this:

"Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism . . . and even violence.
Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization-changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart.

Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul's upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won't find it in Afghanistan.All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice."

The underlying theme is about the plight of women in a country such as Afghanistan - a country under Sharia law.  The book is a bit long-winded and at times, I have struggled through it.  The print seems sooo small - or is it that I'm getting older??  Lol.  I probably need glasses.

Anyway - the first time I spoke in tongues was over this same issue - the plight of women in these countries.  I had been watching something on TV about it and suddenly, in the privacy and darkness of my bedroom, I cried out to God in a foreign tongue unknown to me over these women.

It makes me mad.  I know, I'm American.  What could I possibly understand of another person's country, it's laws, it's traditions, it's religion?  I don't know - but my heart breaks over the lack of women's rights.  I'm no feminist by any stretch of the imagination and I fully believe in submitting to my husband.  My husband who mutually respects me and my opinions.  One who treats me better than he treats himself.  But the treatment of women in these places - I find inexcusable.

We were at the mall today when a lady and her family walked past me.  There had to be 10 kids with her, boys and girls.  Her husband was with her - well dressed.  She, on the other hand, was in a black robe - I don't know what they are called officially - Chador's?  Burqa's?  I'm not sure.  All you could see was her eyes.  It was all I could do not to go smack her husband upside the head.  I mean really - here he was all dressed comfortably, colorfully - free - and she - restricted - unknown - faceless.  It made me angry.

I don't know how accurate this book is - and I'd like to know.  I'll be doing some research.  If it is based on fact - it's just sad.

Anyway - this wasn't much of a book review I guess - more of a "personal opinion" kind of thing.  I'm enjoying the book even though it does run a bit slow sometimes.  There are quite a few characters to keep straight which is made tough only in that these aren't names we are necessarily familiar with here in America.  I would recommend reading it :)