Even though I haven't lived in my native country of the United States for many years, I retain my citizenship, and my heart warms within me when I remember growing up in Oklahoma, long since left behind but not forgotten. I've made Turkey my home for more than three decades now. I can't help but sympathize with its problems and yearn to help my dear friends here find solutions. For me, it's easy to feel close to the people of both nations.
Since the invasion of Iraq, Turkey's southeastern neighbor, it's been almost impossible for me to remain indifferent. But whose side should I take? That of my present home, or my homeland; that of the American/Christian tradition of my youth, or the Turkish/Muslim tradition which has surrounded me and broadened my grasp of Christianity in adulthood. For me, trying to stay impartial is like trying to be a referee for a football game where one of the teams is from my hometown. Maybe a better question would be: Should I be taking sides?
Right here on the front lines, does God ask to see my passport to decide whether or not to answer my heartfelt prayers? Is God prejudiced in one way or another toward the sincere desires of the Iraqis, the Americans, the Kurds, or the Turks? Whose side is God on anyway?
