We

Generally, we notice the differences easily. However, let me try to share with you the things our neighbors hold in common with us.

1) we love our kids and want better for them than what we had growing up

2) we all want to marry a virgin, but recognize in our hearts that we ourselves will never have a completely pure heart or mind

3) we hate corruption, but sometimes wish we could live above the law

4) we are suckers for a Cinderella story

5) we are afraid that if others knew our mistakes that no one would respect us 

6) we think women would do better to dress modestly

7) we laugh at each others' perceptions of what is foreign, especially if they share what they were thinking when they had a foreign experience

8) women don't want to entrust their hearts to each other because they fear the other girl's jealousy and/or gossip

9) when asked "how are you" after the worst day ever, we tend to lie and say "I'm fine," because we don't want to trouble the other person, or we are afraid to be seen as rude or weak, or we feel like the other person was just being polite and doesn't really care about our true condition

10) we like to dress up fancy and compliment our lady friends outfits, hair, etc.

11) we are afraid of becoming insignificant in life

12) We struggle to know when to set boundaries, when to keep the peace, and when to climb the hill and die on it when the offense was from a parent or close family member...

In short, we are the same women as they are... Just were raised by different mamas. She likes spicy curry and rice and eats it with her hands. We like to use utensils for everything but pizza. ;)

It is healthy for me to have my tutor. We share our hearts openly... whether laughing or crying. She is daily a reminder that there is no such thing as US and THEM. There is only the greater WE ALL.  We all need His love, mercy, and forgiveness. We all need each others' grace, forgiveness, and compassion.  

Thanks, God, for that reminder!