As a debut author, it is fitting to dedicate my first blog to the inspiration behind writing my book, as well as, the “Why now?” since many of the events I discuss in the book occurred over twenty years ago.

The Timing

The truth is, like many people who aspire to write about their lives, I had always intended to take up this challenge.

However, marriage, career, and four kids happened. As interesting as I felt my life had been, I wasn’t naïve enough to believe that my life story was so riveting that book enthusiasts were going to line up to buy my book like fans on Black Friday. No, if I was going to spend precious time and treasure to actually publish a book, there had to be something more transformative to share.

The vision of writing about the American Dream came to me after 9/11. I visited my homeland in Pakistan the following summer and was stunned to learn that many denied Al Qaeda involvement and blamed America for the tragedy. While there was certainly much written about the subject, I had not seen or read anything on it from someone with a Muslim background. I wanted Americans to know that not everyone who hailed from a Muslim country hated the United States.

While the idea for my book brewed, the motivation was still lacking. I was recently promoted to partner at Ernst & Young, and new partners and memoirs are not a great combination. It wasn’t until about five years ago that I was inspired to write the book in earnest. Our culture was declining rapidly—the deep political divides, growing racism and hate crimes, fear of immigrants, the rise of ISIS, and the growing entitlement mentality.

Pundits and political leaders were apologizing for America, and many predicted that America’s better days were behind her. It seemed Americans my age and younger had forgotten America’s amazing history and its remarkable value proposition for its citizens, residents, and the world at large.

The Inspiration

The first motivation in sharing my story was to remind everyday Americans about the invaluable freedoms at their disposal. It wasn’t enough to present an American success story. I wanted to highlight the very liberties that served as transformative catalysts, giving me the privilege of failing and starting over, finding my mate, seeking and believing new truth, building, and electing my leaders.

The second motivation was to give due credit to God who provided the underpinnings of the principles and values of our nation. I examined whether there was sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Judeo-Christian God was a key influencer in the formation of our original government. I found that to indeed be the case.

Finally, and most importantly, I was motivated to encourage others who, like me many years ago, may not have found their spiritual anchor yet, or may feel trapped by their cultural duty, tradition, familial, or even regulatory pressure to turn a blind eye to the true identity of Christ (John 11:25). In Beyond the Golden Door I openly discuss my own spiritual journey and how the Creator has a tailor-made plan for each of us.

It’s difficult to put into words the emotions I felt when recently opening the first box of books. Since the book is not officially released until July 2^nd, it remains to be seen whether my inspiration will be broadly received or not. Even if only one life is touched by God or only a few Americans rediscover the roots of their freedoms, I’d consider it a home run.

Thank you for journeying with me! Have you considered what inspires you day-to-day? If you haven’t done it already, let me encourage you to find a quiet place, contemplate, and then pen it down.

Until next time. Blessings!