I converted to Islam when I was 16. You can read my conversion memoir at The Other Journal out of the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology under “Other Publications.”
If you’ve followed along for awhile, you know that I’ve spent the last five years pursuing a spiritual path. This year I’m not fasting Ramadan, and I’ve made peace with that.
I have been less outwardly observant of religion for long periods in my life. Like now. I’m not “over” the strain of Ramadan 2019, and COVID-19 is all that I can handle at present.
Shortly after the Stay Safe, Stay at Home order started, I decided that I wanted to have FUN. A simplistic wish maybe, but a powerful one. How does one do that in the middle of a pandemic? I thought about the most fulfilling pleasures in my life. What did I really WANT to do? What made me joyful?
And I realized that I didn’t need to travel the world, or go to grad school, or pick the guitar back up. What I want out of life, what I need out of life, are close emotional relationships. Since the pandemic, I’ve been in much more regular communication with close friends and family. Scott and I circled the family wagon with all the extra time we’ve spent together. I already have the things that are most important to me, and they’re not things at all. With the current situation, I’m building on those relationships. I could not be happier – or have more fun.
Also, I am so far incredibly fortunate in the midst of this worldwide pandemic. No one in my family has gotten sick, and no one I know personally has died of the illness. I am employed, as is my husband.
I will observe the month of Ramadan with writing and in prayer. In prayer, there is no hiding from the deepest truths. That is one of the great gifts of spirituality, of our relationship with God.
And the call to prayer is heard five times day.
Plum Librarian LLC 
Ramadan Mubarak!
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Thanks Bethany!
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