Made in the Image of God

As I reflect on my upbringing as a young girl, there were many aspects that left me feeling unsettled deep within. I recall those early moments of my childhood when I couldn't help but question the way things were. It felt as though something vital was being concealed from me. I held an unwavering belief in the existence of God; there was never a shadow of doubt in my mind about His presence. I knew I had been created by a higher power, and I yearned to understand my Creator better.

However, in the context of Islam, being a woman meant living with the knowledge that my testimony held only half the value of a man's. To Allah, it often felt as if I wasn't seen as a complete individual. This raised profound questions within me – how could God create me and seemingly disregard my worth simultaneously? As a child, I grappled with the fear of hell, a fear that consumed and crippled me. I desperately sought answers to questions about my salvation, my destiny after death, and whether God truly cared for me. Regrettably, Islam couldn't provide the answers I sought, and my nights were often plagued by sleeplessness due to the overwhelming dread of darkness.

My childhood memories are haunted by the presence of supernatural beings known as Jinn, beings created to both guide and punish. I frequently heard tales of individuals possessed by these malevolent forces, perpetuating my pervasive fear. The constant feeling of being watched and pursued by these demons made me terrified to be alone, even in my own thoughts. Going to sleep often meant enduring tormenting nightmares that left me feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear. As stories of possession and exorcism surrounded me, I couldn't escape the notion that the Jinn lurked nearby, ready to strike.

All these experiences led me to question my faith during my college years. It was then that I crossed paths with my now-husband, sparking deep conversations about God's intentions and the meaning of creation. I candidly admitted to my struggles, sharing my sleepless nights and the overwhelming fear that plagued me. His unwavering belief in a loving God contradicted my attempts to challenge his worldview. I posed questions, but his responses left me searching for answers.

After we married, the weight of my burden became unbearable. Desperation drove me to research and soul-searching, often resulting in tears shed on our couch. I reached a breaking point and found myself on the verge of surrender. That's when my husband, in a moment of unexpected clarity, suggested I read the Bible. My initial resistance gave way to curiosity – after all, it was just a book, and what did I have to lose? I opened its pages and began reading the book of Genesis.

As I immersed myself in the Bible's stories, I was profoundly moved. The passages spoke of God's creation of all things, and the revelation that humankind was created in His image resonated with me. Reading further, I discovered accounts of Jesus empowering his disciples with the authority to cast out demons in his name. These revelations left me astounded. Throughout my life, I had longed for answers, yearning to be free from the relentless grip of fear. God's word proclaimed that He did not give us a spirit of fear but one of power and love. Even when I had doubted Him, rejected His word, and scorned His name, God had sacrificed His son for me, a sinner.

In a moment of deep conviction, I invited the Lord into my heart. It was a solitary journey, one that felt overwhelming at times. However, in my solitude, the Holy Spirit guided me. An unexpected impulse led me to Google "ex-Muslims turned Christian," and the search results introduced me to the remarkable journey of Nabil Qureshi. Overwhelmed with emotion, I realized I was not alone. It was a moment of profound courage – I resolved to embark on this newfound path with unwavering determination.

I embraced my newfound faith with an unwavering commitment. One fateful night, I boldly declared, "In the name of Jesus, you are not welcome here," and drifted into the most peaceful sleep I had ever experienced. Upon awakening, there was no doubt left within me. I saw the hand of God at work in every aspect of my life, guiding me towards the truth. I discovered the undeniable power in the name of Jesus, the authority to cast out demons, and the assurance that God hears our prayers. Jesus became my advocate and ally.

My name is Shamso, and I hail from Somalia. This is the story of how I discovered the truth.