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2018-06-22T07:04:33-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Last updated on: June 22, 2018 at 7:04 am By Suehaila Amen

I thought looking younger was a good thing!? Looking younger than your age has its benefits and disadvantages. One significant detriment is that younger men flirt and think I am in my late 20’s or early 30’s. Poor fellas! What a waste of time and flirtation efforts only to find out that I am approaching the peak of the hill that I will soon need to climb over. *giggle* Jokes aside, it can be frustrating. I am pretty good at... Read more

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2018-06-20T06:34:40-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Eid Al Fitr in the Village

Last updated on: June 20, 2018 at 6:34 am By Suehaila Amen

I worried how I would spend Eid Al Fitr (holiday culminating Ramadan) this year. This Ramadan was hard. Being away from my family for the first time was difficult. Whether fasting or not, being with family for iftar (breaking of the fast) was always a blessing. You do not realize how important some moments are for you until you are without them. You are never really alone I spent a great deal of time with friends and extended family during... Read more

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2018-06-14T05:56:06-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Lebanon’s Fast & the Furious

Last updated on: June 14, 2018 at 5:56 am By Suehaila Amen

Everything you learned in driving school does not apply to driving in Lebanon. Nor in many third world and over populated countries. I have witnessed the same craziness in places like Egypt, Jordan, Vietnam, and Thailand, among others. Though, there are Lebanese who can audition for the next Fast and Furious movie. Traffic lights are not decorations Lanes and pedestrian crossings go unnoticed. Traffic lights often disregarded. Stop signs and lights virtually nonexistent. Crossing the street is a risk and... Read more

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2018-06-05T04:19:30-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ramadan, Religious Pluralism, and the World Cup

Last updated on: June 5, 2018 at 4:19 am By Suehaila Amen

Who knew that the holiest month in the Islamic calendar would bring so much excitement in Lebanon! Coinciding with the World Cup games, Beirut, in all of its religious pluralism and soccer fanaticism, is bustling. A busy, busy Beirut The weather is absolutely beautiful as the sun shines and showers the country in its glory. As schools come to completion for the year, streets are filled with children playing and families gathering. Ramadan (holy month of fasting for Muslims) takes... Read more

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2018-05-31T06:24:39-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Mourning of Personal Space

Last updated on: May 31, 2018 at 6:24 am By Suehaila Amen

Personal space, what? I am mourning the loss of my personal space in Lebanon. Personal space does not exist here. Not in driving, lines at the grocery store, bank, or pharmacy. It is the one thing that will disappear once a person arrives to the country. Brace yourselves should you ever make a trip here. From the moment you disembark your aircraft in Lebanon, personal space becomes a long lost lover that you dream of. Wait your turn I have... Read more

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2018-05-28T06:53:24-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Liberation Day in Lebanon

Last updated on: May 28, 2018 at 6:53 am By Suehaila Amen

Liberation and Resilience There was always something that drew me to Lebanon since the first time I set foot on its soil in 1992. I was drawn to the resilience of the Lebanese. Their commitment to seek liberation from occupiers and terrorism on its soil was astounding. So many Lebanese, no matter their religious affiliation, wanted a Lebanon free of foreign occupation. There was a magnificence in their dedication to resistance and injustice. It was remarkable to witness. A day... Read more

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2018-05-22T04:26:49-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Should we Compromise for Companionship?

Last updated on: May 22, 2018 at 4:26 am By Suehaila Amen

You’re getting older,” they say. We all need and want healthy relationships. Yet, why am I being told to compromise on my core values to have a relationship? I don’t see anything “healthy” about that. Since moving to Beirut, friends abroad ask, “did you meet anyone?” Friends in Lebanon ask, “Can we introduce you to someone?” Others tell me that I need compromise in order to meet a man, reminding me, “You’re 39, not 25. You can’t be too picky.”... Read more

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2018-05-19T05:02:32-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Hijab and Struggles of Pleasing Society

Last updated on: May 19, 2018 at 5:02 am By Suehaila Amen

Hijab is my physical expression of my connection and commitment to God. ”Verily, men who surrender unto God, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth…and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and... Read more

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2018-05-10T03:13:16-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Losing a friend and Cultural Differences in Funerals and Services

Last updated on: May 10, 2018 at 3:13 am By Suehaila Amen

I’ve experienced my first loss in Lebanon. We have all lost someone or something we love. Loss is a part of life and death is difficult as it is, though, navigating cultural practices and traditions can make it even harder. Arriving to the office last week, I settled in my chair, coffee in hand, checking emails. In walked a colleague, face drained of color, hands shaking, and says, “Did you hear what happened?” Immediately, my stomach churned. Dreading the answer,... Read more

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2018-04-27T06:11:28-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Bypassing Patriarchy and finding Purpose

Last updated on: April 27, 2018 at 6:11 am By Suehaila Amen

Starts at home My parents taught me the beauty of Islam and its core values. The stories of prominent Islamic historical figures helped me to understand how Islam empowers activism, justice, strong ethics and principles. Both mom and dad were actively involved in social, educational, religious, and humanitarian organizations. It was only natural that their children followed suit. The consummate activists and advocates for the under-resourced and under-represented, they taught us the importance and human value in service work. They... Read more

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