Carol Ghattas is a Tennessee native and MTSU graduate with a B.A. in History and French. She earned her M.Div. in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served 20 years in North Africa and the Middle East with her late husband, Raouf. She is an author, speaker, and fluent in French and Arabic. She is Branch Librarian at Linebaugh Public Library in Murfreesboro, TN, and an active member of the Arabic Baptist Church.
The passing of time marks so much in our lives — childhood, graduations, new jobs, marriage, aging, and even death. We remember certain dates on the calendar, as they’re tied to specific events. When my husband passed away, I marked a year of Wednesdays, as that was the day he left. Recently, I made a … More 150 Days
I walked into a room of strangers tonight, alone, a bit uncertain if I was comfortable with even being there, yet it was an opportunity to stop the noise of the week and focus on the most important of events this world has known — the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The words are so familiar, … More Not guilty
The recent blaze which destroyed much of the Notre Dame Cathedral in France has me reflecting on the grand works of art to which the masses flock. Many will analyze the value of churches like Notre Dame in light of this loss and the cost required to maintain such large monuments. Though a church, it … More The highest expression of devotion
The flames pushed high into the night sky, inching their way from the base to the top of the spire. Voices gasped, hearts stopped. A beautiful monument was crumbling before our eyes. Standing on the perimeter, watching across the ocean, unable to help or save. It looked like a lost cause, now smoldering, broken, stripped … More Damaged but not destroyed
We can’t avoid being affected by the families we marry into or the countries where we live. I’ve always appreciated the view of my late husband: “I choose to take the best of both cultures,” and he did, becoming an Egyptian in America and an American in Egypt. Most people couldn’t figure out exactly where … More Blended
I’ve become my father — not literally, but by things I catch myself doing. I was already a lot like him, since I take more after his side of the family. I have the looks of his mother and the introverted side he carried. Yet, it’s been in the last few years, since his death, … More Becoming like him
We live in a day when people are described by the cause they serve. “She serves the cause of the poor and homeless.” “He promotes the cause of justice for all.” “They have given their lives for the cause of freedom.” Getting behind a cause brings many people a sense of purpose in life. Some, … More A person not a cause
I’ve decided I live an eclectic life. That’s better than saying I’m schizophrenic. When I look back at this last week, I wonder how one person can be involved in things so amazingly diverse. Then God reminds me that diversity adds some spice to life, for which I’m grateful. When I was called out of … More Meetings, Muslims, and a Movie
I was reminded this week of how quickly things can change. I listened to the wife of our dear brother share at his funeral, “I never imagined that this time last week, I would be standing up here talking about the loss of my husband.” Whether a loved one suffers over a period of time … More Are you prepared?
When you’re out of gas physically and emotionally, it doesn’t mean that you have to be wiped out spiritually. It’s been a hard week, as I watched a dear family lose both husband/father and home all in one night. Wiped out doesn’t even begin to describe it. My brother and I were talking that while … More Yet…
