Here I am, waiting to board the outbound airliner to begin the flight to our side of the world. I am leaving Global South, with all of its foreignness to return to the comfort and ease of life at home. And, I can’t help but wonder, “What if…”
What if I were born with very dark skin so dark that others, for a lifetime, would think of me as less than an equal? (No, I’m not referring to my own country; I’m referring to Global South.)
What if my father arranged a marriage for me to an old guy who merely wanted a live-in servant?
What if I had t make every meal from scratch, even though I may be dead-tired, over a wood fire or the equivalent of a camp stove?
What if I had to eat rice three times each day with very little protein, let alone variety in the menu?
What if I had to do my laundry with a small bowl of water and a rock on which to beat the clothes?
What if the small building out behind my dwelling is little more than a privy – dank, dark, and unpleasant?
What if I had a kitchen separate from my house – small, very small, and dark, resembling the miniscule pantry in a house I once called home?
What if there were no sink or running water in my house, let alone hot water?
What if I had to trust God completely for every mouthful of food, every garment on the shelf, every cent required to buy the books and uniforms for my children’s schooling? Absolutely everything?
What if I never had a cent to call my own?
What if I could never go anywhere on my own in a vehicle that is provided for my use?
What if my mother-in-law was resident in my home, telling me at every turn what to do?
What if medical care were many miles away and economically prohibitive except in cases of absolutely dire necessity?
What if my neighbors resented my presence because I am “different” and thus represent some sort of threat?
What if? What if?
Then, I asked myself “Would I?” if these “What ifs” were true for me.
Would I have a heart of rejoicing every day?
Would I wait patiently for answers to prayer?
Would I serve my husband and children with a thankful heart for what God provided?
Would I be able to truly love my neighbors as myself?
Would I be resentful that the education I’d worked so hard to attain did not seem to be useful at all?
Would I have a passion to continue doing God’s work, in God’s way, and with joyful zeal?
Good and probing questions.
