In a recent Bible study, I learned that the book of Esther is the only book in the Bible where God is never named or mentioned.  However, you can find the presence of God working “behind the scenes” throughout the whole book.

I was reminded of that type of connection when I read this beautiful story in a national news magazine.  It told about a six-year-old deaf girl from Afghanistan.  When she came here with her family she had no language skills.  But with the help of just a few people including public school teachers and aid workers, she has been transformed into a bubbly, happy and imaginative little girl.   

Because her family worked with the military in Afghanistan it would not have been safe for them when the United States left, so they were relocated to Chicago.  This was a first blessing because Chicago has 36 deaf education programs in the public schools.  On the first day of school her teacher realized that Mahbuba was a total blank slate, and she was starting at zero.  Then the story detailed how with patience and extra work by the teacher, Mahbuba learned sign language and reading and writing and total communication which transformed her into a whole child.  All through this story you could feel the hand of God at work.   

There is a slight catch.  Mahbuba and her family are devout Muslims. Her father goes to the mosque to pray on his way home from work.  Does God love Mahbuba and her family?

I believe God loves EVERYONE.  So, if he can love a six-year-old deaf Muslim girl in Chicago, he loves you too, unconditionally!

Nancy