I was his Golda. We had a mutual understanding around all things “Fiddler on the Roof”, which was one of our favorite movies. Golda was the one who had to sweep the house as they were being kicked out of their town and going into exile. She was the one he hesitantly asked: “Do you love me?” I was thrilled when I was able to sing that song after our 25 years of marriage. Then he was gone. On a beautiful November day. No more secrets between us. Life in exile again.
My name is Carol Ghattas, and though I have been through hard times, that does not define who I am. My meaning and purpose in life comes from my relationship with Jesus Christ, whom I have known in an intimate and personal way since the age of 8. For this reason, this blog is going to be all over the place in terms of topics discussed, because frankly, if you’re like me – you’re all over the place! Yet, while I will share thoughts about many different topics, they will all be expressed through the lens of faith. My faith in Christ is what defines me as a person, shapes my worldview, and allows me to speak hope into exile and other hard topics.
In a nutshell, here’s some things to know about me:
- I’m a Tennessee girl at heart – Southern to the core (don’t stop reading here)!
- I spent two years in West Africa back in the 1980s – so be on the lookout for long-lost African memories.
- I have a B.A. in History/French (Middle Tennessee State University) and M.Div. in Theology (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).
- I served 20 years with the International Mission Board in the Middle East and North Africa.
- I was married for 25 years to the most amazing evangelist and man, Dr. Raouf Ghattas.
- I am blessed to be the mother of two wonderful young men, and mother-in-law to their beautiful wives.
- I have written several books, including one with my husband, A Christian Guide to the Qur’an.
- I’m even a retired librarian, serving over twelve years as Branch Manager of Linebaugh Public Library, in Murfreesboro, TN.
So, there you have it – a life that is all over the spectrum of life and travel and grief and blessing. There will be two verses to guide my focus in this platform, and they are both found in Jeremiah (my favorite prophet), chapter 29:
Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. (v. 7)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (v.11)
Wherever you may be in your exile, God has plans for you, and they are good plans. This world is not our own, so in the meantime…we look to Him.