Tipping points are events that catalyze tremendous change. A tsunami-size tipping point has happened in the Middle East over the past six weeks, and we need to pray. The tipping point occurred in Tunisia last December 17, when police confiscated the fruits and vegetables of street vendor Mohammed Bouazizi, a 26-year old with a computer science degree, for not having a sales permit.
In retaliation for this injustice of legality trumping over economic hardship, Bouazizi doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire outside the Governor’s office. He passed away on January 4th, which ignited the protests leading to Tunisia’s president stepping down and fleeing the country.
The powder keg of discontent has been fanned across the Middle East in civil war, with anti-government forces in Egypt demanding that President Hosni Mubarak step down in light of the escalating violence between anti- and pro- government supporters. The domino effects are rippling throughout the region, with Mubarak being in power for 31 years promising not to run for reelection and transitioning the country without chaos, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in power for 20 years promising not to run in 2013, King Abdullah II of Jordan firing his Cabinet promising reforms, and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir facing protests in Khartoum. Makes me think of Psalm 2:10: “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.” Read the rest of this entry »
