I submitted a letter of support a few weeks ago, but I feel the need to keep my prayers for Jill, her family, and her captors fresh and inspired, and not to be tempted to let up praying. It sometimes feels our prayers aren't making a difference. But I've been told that water dripping on a rock over a period of many years will indeed make an indentation - even on a rock! And we know that those participating in the Olympic games did not get there without persistence in spite of great challenges.
So, Jill, no matter how long it takes, no matter how discouraging it may appear at times, I know the world will not let up, will not leave your side, or your family's, or your captors', until this issue is settled in peace.
Sarah Nelson, N. Kingstown, R.I., USA
Safe in your lions' den
Jill,
"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." May the Love and power of Jesus Christ, the love of your family and friends, and the the prayers of a nation keep your heart and mind in perfect peace as we all wait for your release.
Like so many others, I watch and wait for news about you every day. As a mother of five sons and two daughters, I can not imagine what it is like for you or your family during this time.
God bless you Jill. As you are in your own lions' den or fiery furnace, just know that Jesus is there with you.
Barbara Mathews, Bossier City, La., USA
Beyond praying for Jill
My prayers go beyond Jill Carroll. I do want her released, don't get me wrong. But the Iraqis need freedom also, freedom to know they won't be captured by their own countrymen, freedom to know they won't be shot if they help mankind in some small way. Jill's captors need freedom also - they are all children of God, and they all need that realization of protection, of joy and of freedom.
I tie that yellow ribbon on my prayers moment by moment knowing that Love is indeed in control here. There will be release.
Patti Paul, Woodinville, Wash., USA
Contact your congressman
On Friday 2/10, I contacted my congressman and senators to urge them to use their influence on the powers that be to secure the release of Jill Carroll. I then called many family and friends to urge them to do the same. By the time a colleague called by mid-morning PST that day, the congressman and senators were telling her that they had received numerous calls of concern and were doing what they could to apply their influence and convey people's concerns to the administration. Please pass this on, and God save Ms. Carroll and all people who are suffering innocently and senselessly.
Ana M. Sierra, PhD, Tacoma, Wash., USA
Praying every day
I am praying every day to know that Jill is in God's hands, that she can feel the love and support of thousands of people around the world, that her captors are God's children, too, and that Love is more powerful than anything else.
Lynne Johnson, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Courage
Jill has the same spirit and dedication as Margaret Hassan. These wonderful, brave women are role models for all people. I cannot help but think of a quote from Amelia Earhart, "Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace." My thoughts have been with Jill, and I hope that her captors have the "courage" to understand that by releasing her, she can continue her good work for the people in Iraq.
Nancy Patrissi, Dumont, N.J., USA
Faith in international peace
I am grateful that there are so many people throughout the world who are praying for Jill, who believe in the protecting power of God - by whatever name - and the brotherhood and sisterhood of mankind. We refuse to give up our faith in the possibility of international peace, even in the face of evidence which shouts that such hope is naive and unrealistic. God bless Jill and her family.
Maggie Hardy, Pawcatuck, Conn., USA
Surprised by the magnitude?
Dear Jill,
I’m writing today as a confirmation of my hope that one day you will read this. How glad we will all be to see you walk into freedom, and hear your voice recorded live instead of seeing your mouth move on a video.
These things are not written out of wishful thinking. In my prayers I have felt the malice of the forces holding you captive. I have taken seriously the need to pray for your defense as the threats against your life have been reiterated. It must be so reassuring to you find that the Muslim world came to your aid, using the Koran as a defense of your release. One Bible verse that has settled my thoughts about you is:
"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Ps 85:10
It is a great promise for mankind that truth and mercy cannot be separated from each other. That the true base of reality includes mercy, and your captors have a divine right to see their situation in those terms--a perspective that is sure to justify your release.
When I see your face on CNN, or in print, all I can see is your authority. What a wonderful thing that you found your sense of life purpose so quickly. Journalism has given you such a ready arena to combine your talents and passion. To work for TCSM must be very strengthening, especially when it has the same humanitarian goals that people have been attributing to you and your writing.
Another reason I know that you are safe is because you love. As intimidating your situation as a captive, I can’t believe that it has changed your love of the Iraqi people. My inituition is that you have the kind of love that doesn’t forget. That framework tells you this terrorist act is an aberration. One reason the world is defending your freedom is because it wants and needs you to keep helping us break through the cultural stereotype.
I wonder if you will be surprised by the magnitude of people who were praying for you. My church’s Wednesday meeting had readings devoted to God’s deliverance. People’s testimonies not only told about their own rescue from danger, but told how they had been praying for you. I know my church’s congregation is only one among many that have publicly defended your right to be free.
In those readings at my church was this passage from Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Monitor: S&H 398:32 "The great fact remains that evil is not mind. Evil has no power, no intelligence, for God is good, and therefore good is infinite, is All."
The goodness that has committed your heart to the Middle East is the power in your life. That goodness is God expressed. It must be sustaining you before your release just as it will afterwards. It must be softening the hearts of your captors, even as it will redirect their efforts to something more useful.
I’m feeling a great gratitude for all you are doing on behalf of civilization, and that goodness remains throughout the coming decades to support you and all the rest of us.
Looking forward to reading your articles again,
Lois Carlson, Chicago, Ill., USA
Not the way
Those holding Jill are not Muslims, nor do they know Islam. Jill belongs to her family, not to your "cause". As a Muslim and a human being, I implore for her captors to release her. This is NOT the way.
N. Bahhur, Camarillo, Calif., USA
Look to the light
Although I do not know Jill she is constanly on my mind. I read and watch for stories of her release daily. She is obviously surrounded by angels that are protecting her, for she is still here. Her work isn't finished. There is a light about her. Jill may your smile continue to shine and the Armor of God will forever protect you. Look to the light for there will never be darkness. I pray for your safe return.
Jerry Mathews, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Godspeed to you
Jill,
My son returned from Iraq on Dec. 22. Since then, we have been following your story and praying for your safety and swift release. Godspeed to you, honey.
The McCormicks, Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA
Islam is not a religion of violence
I am a Muslim myself and I am writing to appeal for the immediate release of Jill Carroll. It is a shame what war and pain are causing in the world. Islam was never a religion of violence, and true Muslims should hold fast to the example of the prophet and the Koran, who strongly advise sharing the truth and answering evil with good.
Jill Carroll went to Iraq to share the truth with the world. Since when do we Muslims kidnap innocent people to prove our point? Is it acceptable in Islam to rob if it is from the one who robbed you? Of course not! And it definitely is not acceptable to kidnap Jill Carroll.
Before being any type of citizen, Jill is a human being - a sister - and thus her freedom and well-being should be guaranteed by those who call themselves Muslims, those who know that prophet Muhammad was sent as "a mercy to the world," and not as "a mercy to Muslims."
Please release Jill. She is an innocent. We love her and feel for her, and do not accept as fellow Muslims anyone who hurts her. All our prayers are with you, Jill.
Hala Agha, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Live the prayer
Jill Carroll has dedicated her life to conveying a true picture of the humanity, commonality, and godliness of all peoples - regardless of race, religion, or political positioning. My prayers for Jill include prayers for a world in which we truly learn to live the truths included in the Muslim prayer for peace brought by imams of Islam to Pope John Paul's Peace Summit held in Assisi, Italy, in 1986: "Praise be to Allah, who has created us and made us into tribes and nations that we may know each other, not despise each other."
Anne McDonald, Dripping Springs, Texas, USA
Jill is a beacon
While I never knew Jill Carroll, I worked for her father in Ann Arbor in the early 90s. The love and admiration he had for both his daughters was always very evident. Clearly, Jim and Mary Beth gave Jill a solid foundation and instilled in her the courage and compassion to seek and speak the truth. I can only hope to do the same as I raise my own daughter and son.
Jill’s plight is on my mind daily. I pray for her safe, immediate release and for her family to find continued strength as they face this horrific situation. Jill is a beacon, shining brightly amidst the dark forces in this world. Let us have faith that good will once again prevail.
Susanne (Heike) Foster, Seattle, Wash., USA
Someone who lives what they believe
My thoughts and prayers are with Jill, her family, and her captors. I pray daily for her safe return. I pray that God's will is the will we all desire: that Jill come home, not just to her family, but to all whose hearts she has touched. She is a woman, like my own 27-year-old daughter, who lives what she believes. We are all better off for people like Jill, and I remain strong in my faith that she will be released - soon.
Barb Grabbe, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA
Support for all touched by war
My thoughts are with Jill Carroll and her family. I hope for her release and her return to her family each day. I add my prayers to those of other people around the world no matter what their religion. Others held hostage are also in my thoughts, as well as the many Iraqi people who have died in this terrible war as well as those from other nations. To those holding Jill and others hostage, please release all of these people and let them return to their families. I am an American and have concern for all of the Iraqi people, and people from other nations, who are suffering as a result of this war.
Kathleen McGlothlin-Gomez, Riverdale, Georgia, USA
More selfless servants needed
The world needs more people like Jill who are unselfish enough to leave their homes for the well-being of others. Jill has done a great service to people everywhere by telling the truth about the Iraq war, and the innocent people being hurt by it.
Scott Zorc, Buford, Georgia, USA
'Cultivate peace and harmony with all'
I'm praying for Jill's safe return home and commending her bravery and compassion. Jill's captors have nothing to gain by harming someone who is an advocate for the entire Iraqi nation. Over 200 years ago George Washington called for Americans to "observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." Jill epitomizes that statement.
William Lambers, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Hope for her release
Jill Carroll has been on my heart and in my prayers from the moment the story of her abduction broke across the nation. She radiates a warmth, purity, and wholeness that symbolizes the very core of pure religion. She stands as a beacon in stark contrast to the darkness that now surrounds her. It is my earnest hope and prayer that Jill's testimony awakens those who are blinded by radicalism, and that she is released to continue her good work in building bridges of understanding for the world.
Janice Rurup, Washington, DC, USA
Rejoicing in support from many faiths
I am honored to be a part of a prayer watch going on 24 hours a day for Jill's safe return. Reading these statements of support from many people of different religions, and especially those of the Muslim faith, gives me a sense of the importance of her work. I am so grateful to see the expression of love, compassion, and courage in Jill and those who are praying for her.
Sarah OBrien, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
There are those who care
I was touched by the number of Muslims that are writing in support of Jill, asking, begging, or praying for her release.
Until recently I was dismayed that I observed few if any Muslims condemning or even disapproving the 9/11 surprise attack that took the lives of people from some 80 nations. Possibly other publications just don't report it. Then, with tears flowing down, I saw in this list that there are those who do care about what is fair and decent. Bravo to them. If there is one God, then we all are His children, Muslim and non-Muslim.
Jill visits Monitor newsroom
Jill Carroll's return to her family
More reunion photos
Reactions to Jill's release
Efforts to free Jill
