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Once We Were Strangers

"Once We Were Strangers:
What Friendship with a Syrian Refugee
Taught Me About Loving My Neighbor"
Shawn Smucker


A captivating read! I'm thankful that Shawn was moved to share his personal experience of being befriended by Syrian refugee, Mohammad. Shawn writes from a deeper place, the questions, and misconceptions he had about Muslims and middle east refugees that most of us American have. I learned so much as Shawn recounted Mohammad's life and how he escaped with his wife and sons from Syria to a better life in America. 

Coming from a country torn by war and violence, Mohammad's view of life and the world is very different than the westerners who have lived in relative peace and we can learn from him. 

Shawn thought he would be teaching his new Syrian friend a lot but it was Mohammad who taught Shawn the most. With humility, Shawn admits that before knowing Mohammad, he had these negative misconceptions about Muslims that honestly, I've had too but he learns that many Muslims are not terrorists wanting to create trouble. In fact, Mohammad has become a close friend, one who has brought many blessings to his life and taught him more about friendship than he thought he knew. 

Through Shawn's story, we can learn to love our neighbors. Many refugees and immigrants come with peaceful intentions simply seeking a better life. This book is very necessary today more than ever and applies not just to refugees but to immigrants from all over the world. With the current migrant and refugee issues in America today, we are privileged to be the hands and feet of Jesus regardless of our political views. This book will make you view the world through a different, better set of eyes. 

I received a copy from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. 



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