Ramadan

Jon and I started Ramadan yesterday. Ever since we got back from Jordan three years ago (is it really that long ago?) we've made it a tradition to observe Ramadan. We were SO impressed with the faith of the Muslims we met and became friends with in Jordan, and wanted to incorporate some of what they taught us into our lives. We were surprised by how many common beliefs there are between Muslims and Later-Day Saints.

Ramadan is a month of fasting. You fast during the hours of sunlight, only eating and drinking before the sun rises and after it sets. Because we aren't doing it as real Muslims, Jon and I usually just fast from 7 am to 7 pm. The purpose of Ramadan is to learn patience, humility, and empathy for those less fortunate. You fast for the sake of God and focus on asking for repentance and strength to overcome your weaknesses. Jon and I also try to make it a point to fast for a miracle, or something that we feel is impossible without God's help.

Ramadan is hard. I have to admit that the first year I only made it half way through, while Jon held out the whole month by himself. Last year I was pregnant so I didn't do it (being pregnant is one of the valid reasons a Muslim can skip Ramadan). But this year I am bound and determined to finish Ramadan. I think that my problem the first year was that my heart wasn't in the right place. My real motivation behind fasting was to loose weight (pathetic I know) and the novelty of doing something different. I've learned that fasting doesn't work if you do it for selfish reasons; it must be for God and God alone.

This year I've found a real purpose behind my fast-- sorry if I tell you it won't come true-- that I think will make all the difference. Yesterday when I was hungry and sorely tempted to snitch some of Asher's Cheerios, I remembered the women and children in this world who don't have anything to eat. All those mothers who carry and nurse children when they don't have enough to keep their bodies strong and healthy. Every time I think about cheating and eating something I just have to remember how GRATEFUL I am that I have the option to eat and that I have a fridge full of food waiting for me.

I posted this awhile ago, but I think it is a great visual depiction of how great the inequalities are in the world, and a reminder that there are people (and babies-- that thought just BREAKS my heart) starving right this moment. If you feel prompted I'd challenge you to try fasting for a day, week, or however long you can, and when you get hungry say a prayer for someone who is much hungrier than you.