A Young Girl’s Courage

Malala Yousafzai, age 14, is a young Pakistani girl who was shot in the neck and head by the Taliban on October 10th, due to her stance on female education.

Malala, who was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize in 2011 for articles she wrote on the subject matter, will hopefully make a full recovery. She’s been a target for years; in fact, after the shooting the people responsible stated that if she survived this attack, they will attempt to kill her again. Why is this happening? We’ve long known how women have been subjugated in this culture; it’s been a hot button issue. It’s astonishing in our country, so favored with freedoms, to see another part of the world which is not. But, let’s face it, we have a long way to go with women’s rights everywhere, even within our own free country. And that’s what makes Malala’s stance even braver still. Not only is she a target, risking her safety by her written and spoken words, she is brave because of her innocence. Scripture tells us there’s tremendous impact to young people speaking out: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 What a powerful thought. The innocence of children, I believe, often shows more wisdom to life than any “wise” adult could. We, as adults, can become so desensitized to atrocities in the world. This was long an issue before it was brought to our attention through the recent headlines. The famous saying out there is “knowledge is power,” but I’ve often heard of a correction to the saying. It’s the application of knowledge that’s truly the power. Despite their ferocious bullying, that’s what the Taliban is afraid of; it’s cliché, even in its oppression. God made men and women in His Image; God does not subjugate! “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 Could it be that a child’s innocence recognizes that faster than an adult’s reason? It’s not just a “women’s issue;” it’s a human issue. And, as long as there is not equality for everyone to education, everyone will suffer. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 We never know who God has chosen to discover or usher in the next cure or breakthrough, benefiting us all. It could be a female! I believe this young girl is taking the torch of God’s will. God is never anti-women. As disturbing as the brutal news of her shooting is, I still see hope. As I pray for Malala’s recovery, life and safety, I also pray the scripture Joseph uttered, centuries ago, in response to horrible, unjust situations: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 Let’s pray and believe for God to move completely in this situation!