My grandmother now lives with God, but I recall her favorite song, “ Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Callin’ My Name .” This song reflects hope in a hard time, just as many spiritual songs have done in African American music history. The struggle as a people has been sure, but so is the progress. We never can call the benediction on hope because of Jesus.

Abraham Sarker, executive director of Gospel for Muslims, started life in a devout Muslim home but became a follower of Jesus Christ. Abdullah Smith, an imam in Houston, grew up in a nominal Christian home but eventually embraced Islam. Each felt