Author name: mikeghouse

The Question That Never Ends: “What Is Your Real Name?” Since I stepped onto this soil, not a week has passed without someone asking, “What is your real name?” And my answer has always been the same: Mike Ghouse. But I see the hesitation on their faces. They struggle to phrase their next question, trying […]

Embracing April Festivals Whether you identify as Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, Pagan, Shinto, Sikh, Wiccan, Zoroastrian, or follow any other tradition, you can find joy in the spirit of each festival. Festivals provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate culture, faith, and community. It is not only a union of

Understanding the People of the Book – A Universal Perspective The Quran encourages deep reflection, wisdom, and intellectual reasoning. Numerous verses emphasize the importance of using intellect, such as: “Surely in these are signs for people who reflect” (30:21) and “for people who use reason.” Allah declares that the Quran is clear, straightforward, and meant

Introduction to Ramadan Ramadan, also known as Ramzan in South Asia and Hari Raya Puasa in Indonesia, is the holiest month in Islam. Over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide observe it, making it one of the largest religious practices globally. This article is designed for non-Muslims who want to understand Ramadan better. Whether you are Christian,

Introduction: The Many Aspects of Love Love is more than just a feeling; it encompasses loyalty, integrity, commitment, caring, dedication, and transparency. While love may take different forms, one of its most profound expressions is unwavering faithfulness. In this article, I share the touching stories of two couples whose commitment to each other remained unshaken,

Interfaith Marriages – A Reality Many Parents Struggle With Interfaith marriages are becoming increasingly common, yet many families find them difficult to accept. Some parents outrightly reject their child’s decision to marry outside their faith, while others—both Muslim and Hindu—use emotional blackmail, saying, “If you marry that person, it will be over my dead body.”

Walking into a Room of Strangers: A Universal Experience Walking into a street or a room full of strangers can make you feel apprehensive and tense. It’s an uncomfortable situation that many of us have experienced at some point. The uncertainty of unfamiliar faces can bring unease, making us hesitant to engage. However, God wants

A Landmark Occasion This wedding holds special significance for me, marking the 500th wedding I have officiated. Each ceremony is unique, but reaching this milestone has given me a moment to reflect on the incredible diversity and love I have witnessed over the years. A Beautiful Cross-Cultural Union The bride, a Sudanese American, and the