Q&A Home > F > Family Matters

I have an important predicament in my life, stuck between what my family approves and sees what is right for my life and what I feel is right for my life. I met a lovely lady who was born from a Muslim father and a Christian mother. She was ten years old when she converted and was baptized by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus in the Catholic faith. I was born in a Coptic family, and I have known this woman for a year. She preaches Jesus' name, she is honest, reads the Holy Bible, goes to church, and is living in Christ. My family disapproves and refuses to accept her because one side of her family is Muslim and that our future children will have uncles and aunts who are Muslim on her father's side of family. I told them that there would not be any contact with that side of the family because she has separated from them since she was ten years old. I have never been this happy and joyful, motivated, and keen to be with someone who makes me feel like I am the luckiest man alive. I am encouraged to pray more with her and be close to Jesus more than before I met her. I understand there is a lot of politics and family networks that should happen before a marriage, but to me, the most important aspects in this generation is having Jesus, honesty, love, compassion, and feeling joyful around the other. How am I supposed to live knowing that the most perfect partner for me is there, but my family is disapproving because of her past or one part of her past family that are no longer part of our picture? I need guidance and help. I am feeling depressed and down.

This predicament is certainly difficult. Sometimes, people forget that all Christians are the descendants of converts or are themselves converts. Historically, the Copts were originally pagans. St. Pachomius (348 AD, Pashons 14, 64 AM), the founder of the cenobitic monasticism in Egypt, which spread throughout the world, was also a pagan and forced by his parents to worship idols. If you are compatible, especially spiritually, and at an age for marriage, ask your spiritual fathers to intervene, to encourage your parents to get to know her. Their fear is understandable, but maybe when they know her better, they will reach the conclusion that she is a devout Christian and bless your decision