Today is a very special day for Muslims. Today, I joined my host family as we commemorated Ibrahim's (Abraham's) sacrifice. Families all over the world gather together to sacrifice a lamb in remembrance of how God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son. All of the stores close down, and no ones goes to work for a couple days. A day of fasting precedes this very important day.
Today is Eid al-Adha.
In preparation for Eid, I spent a few days in prayer and study, deepening my understanding of historic and modern day sacrifices. As I studied the details of sacrificial lambs, as well as the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ (as I am Christian), I began to find personal connections to how I, too, want to live my life in a way that I can sacrifice all that is needful to be atoned, sanctified, and fellowshipped with God.
The name Rachel in Hebrew (Rachel) means "ewe", or "female sheep". In addition, Hebrew names beginning or ending in "el" denote and reverence God. So as I analyze my own name, I see a clear reminder to offer my life as a lamb (or female sheep) for God. While this does not mean that I need to be physically sacrificed upon an alter or cross, I recognize that there are ways that I can give of my life here on earth to do all that I can to align my will with God's will. I want to live up to the meaning of my name.
I am so grateful to have spent this very special day with my host family, learning from them and appreciating their faith and traditional practices.
Eid Mubarak Sa'id!
Photo by Diana Brewster
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