Jordan:  Excellence in Governance


As a journalist, I have been blessed with serendipity.  Nothing is ever random.  Swofford - doesn't do random.  So it was refreshingly unsurprising that after taking note of Jordan in the blog this morning that I found myself engaged in conversation with a man from Jordan 

Originally, I had intended to go to the store first and then see my mother.  As I sat at the intersection near my home I made the sudden decision to reverse the order of operations.  Right after I stepped into the store, I took note of a man entering behind me.  It was not only his manner of dress, but his presence which caused me to approach him.   "What is the tunic... the uniform, which you are wearing?" 

Of course!  He was an Orthodox priest from Jordan visiting Texas.  The journalist took over.

"How are Christians being treated in Jordan."

He told me that Christians are treated very well. They are free in worship and unafraid to express their faith.  But then he made a quiet observation.  "The king's mother is British.  Her name is Muna."

There it was. Undeniable.  The influence of one woman upon a nation.  And it is probable that Muna - born as Toni Avril Gardiner - introduced into the Hashemite Kingdom the simple truth that to be part of a different faith which adapts to and brings benefit to a different world view can bring renewal and vibrancy regarding policies which effect Christians living in Muslim-majority nations.

Jordan has turned the corner.  And for that reason, our relationship with the nation is treasured.  They have stability.  Their population is at peace.  And that transition might have been aided by a woman.

I had already started writing a pithy, "Damn Islam" blog this morning - regarding the treatment of women.  This short encounter has provided the necessary lead in to the topic.

Smiling,

Tammy Swofford

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