Hiding in the Light ~ by Rifqa Bary

As I sit here trying to think of a way to express my feelings over this book, I am once again overwhelmed with the task. I read “Hiding in the Light” very quickly which goes to show that it is a very well-written book and that it has an amazing storyline and purpose.  As the pages flew past, I was awed by the grit determination that Rifqa Bary showed in her dedication and unwavering faith in Christ. It is very inspiring and makes me realize how privileged I am. I have always known that there is persecution around the world and even in the United States, but this book really brought it home.

                Rifqa Bary grew up in a Muslim home in Sri Lanka. At a young age, she was wounded in the eye while playing with her brother. Her eye never healed and she lost her sight in that eye. This caused her to be somewhat rejected in her home, since she was defected. Later, her uncle sexually took her advantage of her. In her culture, she was the one who was ostracized for this instead of her uncle.  At age eight, she moved with her family to the US. Her father and mother were very abusive to her and her siblings. She decided that she was going to be the best student of Islam that she could be. Maybe that would make her father proud and he would love her.

                Finally, at age twelve, she gave up. She started talking with a Christian friend and ended up giving her life to Christ. She hid her faith from her family until she was sixteen. Then they found out. She knew that her life was in danger so she did the only thing she could do; she ran away.  The legal battle that ensued was insane. Her family filed charges against her, demanding that she be sent back home. The war over custody of this teenager eventually plastered itself all over national headlines.  

                Once she turned eighteen, Rifqa was able to gain her freedom. Bary still lives in hiding for fear of her life. Here is the amazing thing. Through all of this, she never deserted her newfound faith. She literally gave up everything, almost her life, to follow Christ.  In the US.

                I would highly recommend “Hiding in the Light,” by Rifqa Bary.  It is an amazing and compelling book that will have you wanting to do more and follow Christ with all that you are.

                My copy of “Hiding in the Light,” by Rifqa Bary was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review through the “Blogging for Books” program and I was by no means compelled to write a positive review.