Echoes Series Cast of Characters

Chris Adams

Chris is the second of the Adams "boys." Four years younger than Brad, and four years older than Joshua.

While Sam created tyranny in the home, Chris played quietly with his toys. He bothered no one, and no one bothered him. This quiet nature has followed Chris into adulthood.

The most important event of Chris's life came when he was fourteen. He attended a Bible study and soon became involved in the church. He proudly considers himself to be a born-again Christian.

He attended Redemption Bible College and married Melinda, a fellow student. He later became an instructor at the bible college, as well as an ordained minister.

Chris and Melinda run an organized and well-disciplined home for their five children. They care deeply about their faith, and work to raise their children to become strong Christian men and women.

Chris is also compassionate. He cares deeply about his family members, regardless of their religious beliefs. He also advocates for social reform to help the underprivileged.

Chris Adams is a quiet and caring man whose actions are guided by his beliefs.

For Aisha

For many weeks I was too sick to add to my blog. Early in that period, someone very special came into my life. My granddaughter, Aisha Jamila.

This is a belated welcome to little Aisha.

I pray for you every day.

I ask Allah to make you keep you healthy and strong, and keep you always in the path of submission to Him.

I pray that you grow to be both smart and wise. Obedient to your parents and kind to all.

You are a beautiful baby. May you continue to be beautiful.

Echoes Series Cast of Characters

Brad Adams

Brad is Sam and Evie's oldest son. As the oldest, he has his own unique view of the relationship between his mother and his errant father.

Brad likes his life well-controlled. He plans everything and dislikes his plans to be interrupted. He takes pride in his education, his work and his image. His greatest pride is his family--his lovely and accomplished wife, Beth, and his two sons, Kyle and Matt.

Brad has secrets, but Beth is the only one he allows to get close enough to know who he really is.

Civil War

Divide and conquer.

Of all the military strategies in the world, this one is still the most effective. Persuade members of a group to turn against one another. Once that happens, they can be easily overtaken.

What dismays me is that people have trouble identifying this tactic when it is used against them. That's why, time and again, it remains effective.

The strategy of divide and conquer has been used often against Muslims. It generally provides the desired effect.

Now it is being used again. Someone--as yet unidentified, though said to be a professional--blew up the dome of the masjid in Samarra. And young Iraqi men took to the streets. Before the day was out, over a hundred people were dead and tens of Sunni masajid had been damaged or destroyed.

Allah said, "Hold fast to the Rope of Allah and do not be divided among yourselves." (Surah Al-Imran) And yet, the same people who loudly protest that we must stay away from the haram persist in allowing, or even creating, divisions in the ummah.

I hope that enough Iraqis understand what's going on, and refuse to be manipulated. Muslims can be divided only if we allow it. And unity is a command of Allah, as sure as the command to refrain from eating pork and much more significant for the well-being of all Muslims.

Cast of Characters: Sam

Sam Adams walked out on his wife and three sons to pursue a relationship with an ex-girlfriend.

Before leaving, he was cruel and self-centered. Distance didn't improve him.

Sam has his own problems. He concentrates on his own disappointments, his own bitterness. He has difficulty letting anyone get close enough to love him.

Sam is not an easy person to love. When they become adults, his three sons must learn how to deal with him.

Islam is peace

There are so many stories in the headlines every day. Too many to comment on. I will choose the one which has occupied the thoughts of many over the last two weeks.

Like many others, I am concerned by the seemingly violent response to the provocative cartoons published in Denmark. I have come to two conclusions. First, I believe that much of the violence is being instigated by outside forces. Two, the demonstrations are not just about the cartoons. Rather, they are an expression of anger at the overall state of affairs for the Muslim ummah.

The West preaches democracy. But the favored leaders of Middle Eastern countries are dictators. When Muslims succeed in democratic elections--in Algeria, Iraq, and Palestine--the West responds with condemnation. Muslims are ready for democracy. The West is not ready to let Muslims have it.

Then there is always the question of Israel. A country was established on a land already occupied. Palestinians lived in that land for over 2000 years, and were not responsible for exiling the Jewish populations. From day one, the situation has been handled unfairly. Muslims have proven, time and again, that we are able to get along peacefully with people who practice Judaism. Jews were treated much better under Islamic rule than under Christian rule in places like Spain. The problem is Zionism. Unfortunately, the problem won't go away. If the leaders of the U.S. ever saw fit to end their unconditional support of the Zionists and work for justice, there would be no reason for a war on terror. But support for Zionism seems to be an inherent code in the U.S. government.

Donald Rumsfeld said the other day that "al-Qaeda" has better PR than the U.S. I won't get into my doubts about the existence of "al-Qaeda." The point here is, Muslims throughout the world cannot be misled as easily as the American public has been. If the U.S. government wants better PR, then it had better treat Muslims as equals.

There is rage in the Muslim world. Some say it is being deliberately provoked. I don't doubt it. I only hope and pray that my Muslim brothers and sisters are smart enough to see the game for what it is and refuse to play along. It's time for Muslims to set our own agenda. Be proactive.

In some circles, Muslims have become the butt of jokes for being close-minded and rooted in historical tradition. Once again, the non-Muslim world has shown its inability to see what is so clear to us. Once again, many non-Muslims have shown their unwillingness to try.

What they need to understand is this. There is so much more to the story than a handful of cartoons.

A Cast of Characters

Evie

Eveylyn Adams has three sons--Brad, Chris and Joshua. After tolerating years of abuse and infidelity, her husband left her for another woman. Evie managed to raise her sons alone.

Evie has moments of vulnerability. She wanted her first marriage to work, and for years she mourned the failure of that marriage. She loves her sons and, like any good mother, wants the best for them. Sometimes they've caused her pain. But the family has, in the end, remained close.

Evie has many talents. She's risen through the ranks of the insurance company, proving herself to be conscientuous and capable. She loves to cook. When necessary, she can definitely speak her mind. And she loves her grandchildren fiercely, just as she loves her sons.

Evie has already lived a full life, but she has some interesting experiences ahead of her. She learns that life definitely does not end at 60.

I'm Back!

I've been away for a long time. And, yes, I have a good excuse.

In the middle of January, I came down with the flu. I rested and drank plenty of liquids for five days, then tried to resume my normal activities. But after a few days of that, I realized I couldn't keep up. I had no energy.

So I rested more. For two straight weeks I didn't leave the house. After the first week, I made a doctor's appointment to see how I could regain my zip.

After several tests, the doctor told me without doubt that I have chronic leukemia. I've spent a few days getting over the initial shock.

Now that I've had time to think about it, I'm very optimistic. I feel good. I have options. I don't think this will kill me. It is a test from Allah, and I hope it will make me stronger.

I decided to share this because it's stressful for me to try to keep secrets. Right now I don't need stress. If I ever hope to return to my blog, I have to get this out in the open. So here it is.

I don't intend to discuss this again.