2 Search Results for "iran"

• Stirring Stirring

  • From: HemmedIn
  • Description:

    There was a period of time prior to the full force of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 when things began to stir up. I would often beg my parents to let me go for a sleep over to my Grandmother’s house. Because of the unrest, a curfew was put in place all over Tehran. My parents would oblige, but then I grew so homesick that I would be driven home quickly before it was too late. And as reports of tanks and military patrolling the streets flood twitter today, these vivid memories come to mind again. My mom would sweetly tell me to smile and wave at the army men, in the same light and un-alarming tone I encourage my children to greet Firemen.
    
    That stirring began as protests, turned into riots and eventually a full force revolution that changed the face of a nation and its course in history.
    
    Today in Iran a new stirring has begun. Yet since the military, police and revolutionary guards are lurking the streets, it appears that fear may be creeping in as weariness and fatigue take their place.
    
    Disappointment, death and grief each on their own is enough to bring a person to despair. However our friends in Iran are experiencing all of this at once. Think about how breathless you are when you see footage of Neda dying on the street. The despair you would feel had you known you too were there, just a few steps away. Imagine the rage that would rise up if you couldn’t properly mourn for loved ones.
    
    Yet they still sit on roof tops each night chanting, “God is great” over and over again. God is great. God is great. God is great.
    
    It makes me wonder, what would cause me to sit on top of my house, calling out the greatness of God all night long?
    
    If you stop and ponder that for a few moments… the reality of the longing that is stirring up inside the soul of every person breathing those words just may set in.
    
    The strategies of revolutionary wars and international relations have changed since 1979. The message we send to the people of Iran when they hear us speaking up for them, when they realize our eyes are on them, and when they hear we are praying for them…this is fuel for the fire.
    
    The world is watching and when we hear words of despair, fear, increase in tension and increase in force, we should pray for the hope of the LORD to fill Iran. Pray for strength for the weary. Pray they would walk and not grow faint. Pray for courage to fight the good fight. Pray the destruction would cease, the oppressor be cast out and those who trample on undeserving people would be taken from the land.
    
    Then continue to pray and make way for the LORD.
    
    
    
    
    "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
    
    “Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness."

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Blessed are the Peacemakers Blessed are the Peacemakers

  • From: HemmedIn
  • Description:

    1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
    3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    4Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
    5Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
    6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
    7Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
    8Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
    9Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called sons of God.
    10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
    
    
    As a child of the 1979 revolution, all the scenes and images of what has been reported from Iran are eerily familiar. I am now a Iranian-American and completely immersed in my new culture here. But one never forgets where they came from.
    
    My perspective over the last 30 years is that most of the people born after the revolution have been raised or have become products of their environment and have generally been politically apathetic. Forgive me if I'm wrong here. But it seems that the general lack of morale, discouragement from their leadership, fear of getting in trouble have left people wanting to keep a generally low profile, living their lives to the best of their ability and staying out of the ways of trouble.
    
    President Obama is receiving a fair share of criticism for his hesitation to get involved in the situation. While the U.S. is known for coming to the rescue or meddling as some people put it, there may come a time for overt action. However, I think there is something to be said about waiting and allowing the Iranian people continue to rise up and find their voices that have been supressed for so many years. Two-thirds of the nation are under the age of 35. I am 35 and just begining to feel like I'm getting some gumption to do what God is calling me to do... I wonder for them, how long these feelings of oppression and captivity have been festering in the Iranian people and finally reaching a point of explosion.
    
    It's good to let them find their voice, THEY need to experience their own courage and recognize that what they want is GOOD.
    
    I also love how the U.S. is getting involved in less overt ways. That computer techs are helping Iranians get access to internet to let us know the cries of their hearts. I love even up until this year, when you heard the name Iran, it was associated with "axis of evil," "nuclear threat," etc. But today, the world is rallying around the people of Iran which is truly Iran. There is solidarity, compassion, support and love for people. We are seeing that the very things that we often take for granted like liberty, freedom, justice, our voices, our dreams and the realization of our visions are things worthy of fighting for.
    
    Pray for Iranians to continue to find their voices and let their voices be heard, pray for courage, boldness, protection for the innocent, justice for the oppressors. Pray for salt and light to show themselves in that part of earth so Light will shine. Pray for our President Obama, for him to have wisdom, courage, boldness, mercy when its required and heart that breaks for the things that break the heart of God.
    
    Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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