(kwah-luh LUM-pur) – This is a story and prayer request written for a friend. Pray for her to experience the nearness of God through Jesus. “I suffer in silence as life moves on around me. Work, kids and the house consume my time but my husband, at best, ignores me. I have so many fears; fear of being passed over pulsates strongest. There’s always the next younger lady waiting to take my job, my position in the community, my husband. To distract myself, I keep myself busy. I push the kids harder in their studies, I ask for the extra project at the office, cook more of my husband’s favorite dishes. And yet, I feel empty. Lost. Without hope. The dark clouds come nearer, I wish someone would tell me of a way out of this mess. Deep in my soul, I know the routines of Islam that I practice are hollow and empty. But what else could I follow? I am unallowed to question our faith practice or pursue anything but Islam. God, if you are real, show yourself to me.”