Cambria Khayat's Imago Dei Story
It's intriguing how the world consistently assigns us labels. Labels for our occupations, roles, friendships, and possessions. These labels often provide us with a sense of security, something tangible to grasp onto. They furnish us with an identity and a platform that we're expected to share with the world. Throughout our lives, some of these labels shine brightly, while others diminish. But what if we all elevated our Imago Dei as our primary label?
Imago Dei, meaning Image of God, signifies that you, I, and every individual we encounter are crafted in the likeness of a loving and holy God. Whether it's your teasing family member, the coworker you wish was on a different project, or even the individual depicted in the news for a grievous act, each person is made in the image of God, the Imago Dei.
While this notion sounds pleasant in theory, what does it truly entail? How do we reconcile the reality that, despite being made in the image of God, individuals often engage in actions that contradict the inherent dignity and goodness bestowed upon them? April marks Arab-American Heritage Month, a time that may hold little significance for most. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine leaves Christians and non-Christians alike confused, angry, disheartened, and overwhelmed, uncertain of where to even begin in comprehending, what seems to be never-ending turmoil.
As a first-generation Palestinian-American, this forms a part of my Imago Dei. My desire is that, upon reading this, you'll find solace amidst any confusion, anger, or pain regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While these feelings are natural and valid, I hope one thing will develop deeper within you: a profound love, reminiscent of Jesus', acknowledging that each individual in this nuanced narrative is, just like you and me, crafted in the image of the Most High God.
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)
Many may not be aware that there are approximately one million Palestinian Christians worldwide, with over 75% of Christians in the Israeli and Palestinian territories identifying as Arabs, while the remaining 25% identify as Israelis and other ethnic minorities. Christ became the unify factor, creating a new body of people, neither jew nor gentile.
"For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups." (Ephesians 2:14-15)
My father, born in Jerusalem in a small home my family owns across from the Garden of Gethsemane, was raised as an Arab Christian. When he immigrated to the United States, he began attending a small Baptist church in Chicago to learn English. It was there that his journey as a believer took off. Alongside my wonderful mother, he brought my brothers and I up in the Christian faith. They taught us prayer is our first effort, that the Bible is our source of truth, and that loving those around us is, and will always be, the best way to show people a path to reconciliation with God through Jesus.
As I grew older, I began to feel a crippling sense of the ‘need to earn.’ I believed that anything that came my way– kindness, opportunity, and even salvation– needed to be earned through my own efforts, manipulation, and accomplishments. It was by the generosity of God that the one thing in this lifetime that cannot be earned is grace, a gift that is freely given. When this realization moved from my head to my heart, the shame, pain, and competitiveness I felt in my heart began to fade away. I began to actually desire a relationship with Christ and allowed this to shape the motivations of my heart, perspective, and obedience.
“The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” (Psalms 122:6)
In embracing Imago Dei as the paramount label, and navigating Arab-American Heritage Month amidst an ongoing conflict, I challenge you to ponder the following:
- How does embracing Imago Dei reshape my perspectives on justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation?
- What role does faith play in motivating me to pursue unity and harmony amidst diversity?
- In what ways can I cultivate an environment of inclusion, love, acceptance, and truth that honors the dignity of every individual?
Imago Dei, meaning Image of God, signifies that you, I, and every individual we encounter are crafted in the likeness of a loving and holy God. Whether it's your teasing family member, the coworker you wish was on a different project, or even the individual depicted in the news for a grievous act, each person is made in the image of God, the Imago Dei.
While this notion sounds pleasant in theory, what does it truly entail? How do we reconcile the reality that, despite being made in the image of God, individuals often engage in actions that contradict the inherent dignity and goodness bestowed upon them? April marks Arab-American Heritage Month, a time that may hold little significance for most. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine leaves Christians and non-Christians alike confused, angry, disheartened, and overwhelmed, uncertain of where to even begin in comprehending, what seems to be never-ending turmoil.
As a first-generation Palestinian-American, this forms a part of my Imago Dei. My desire is that, upon reading this, you'll find solace amidst any confusion, anger, or pain regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While these feelings are natural and valid, I hope one thing will develop deeper within you: a profound love, reminiscent of Jesus', acknowledging that each individual in this nuanced narrative is, just like you and me, crafted in the image of the Most High God.
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)
Many may not be aware that there are approximately one million Palestinian Christians worldwide, with over 75% of Christians in the Israeli and Palestinian territories identifying as Arabs, while the remaining 25% identify as Israelis and other ethnic minorities. Christ became the unify factor, creating a new body of people, neither jew nor gentile.
"For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups." (Ephesians 2:14-15)
My father, born in Jerusalem in a small home my family owns across from the Garden of Gethsemane, was raised as an Arab Christian. When he immigrated to the United States, he began attending a small Baptist church in Chicago to learn English. It was there that his journey as a believer took off. Alongside my wonderful mother, he brought my brothers and I up in the Christian faith. They taught us prayer is our first effort, that the Bible is our source of truth, and that loving those around us is, and will always be, the best way to show people a path to reconciliation with God through Jesus.
As I grew older, I began to feel a crippling sense of the ‘need to earn.’ I believed that anything that came my way– kindness, opportunity, and even salvation– needed to be earned through my own efforts, manipulation, and accomplishments. It was by the generosity of God that the one thing in this lifetime that cannot be earned is grace, a gift that is freely given. When this realization moved from my head to my heart, the shame, pain, and competitiveness I felt in my heart began to fade away. I began to actually desire a relationship with Christ and allowed this to shape the motivations of my heart, perspective, and obedience.
“The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” (Psalms 122:6)
In embracing Imago Dei as the paramount label, and navigating Arab-American Heritage Month amidst an ongoing conflict, I challenge you to ponder the following:
- How does embracing Imago Dei reshape my perspectives on justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation?
- What role does faith play in motivating me to pursue unity and harmony amidst diversity?
- In what ways can I cultivate an environment of inclusion, love, acceptance, and truth that honors the dignity of every individual?
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