Revolution Prayers

          “Is this some kind of protest or something?” the bearded, red-haired stranger asked, as he walked by, carrying a box of wine glasses. He directed his question toward three of my friends, Julia, Joy, Clarissa, and I, who have decided to spend a portion of our Saturdays, before our local Planned Parenthood, praying for life. I considered this a strange question to ask four young women, carrying nothing but our Bibles when, only two days earlier, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned from office due to eighteen consecutive days of violent anti-government “protests.” The vast canyon of difference between four girls’ peaceful prayers and more than 250,000 Egyptian citizens, screaming, shouting and demanding political change was quickly flooded with a fundamental similarity; we, like the Egyptian rioters, are desperate for revolution, for a radical change to take place. 

          “No, we’re here to pray, and just pray for life,” was Julia’s response to our red-haired stranger. 

          We won’t revolt, with signs and weapons, but we will hold onto the hope of a revolution. 

          “Oh thanks. Keep doin’ what you’re doin.’ We need it,” our red-haired stranger encouraged us.