Fifteen years later, Bremer is the author of “My Accidental Jihad: A Love Story,” a memoir which chronicles her life-altering relationship with Suayah, and her journey raising two bicultural children in the South. Bremer will be bringing her story to Flyleaf today.
Michelle Cacho Negrete, a close friend, said the book will help society improve.
“Krista’s book moves past differences to discuss the most important similarities — the ability to love, be compassionate and raise children in a healthy way,” she said.
Bremer said it hasn’t always been easy to open up about her relationship. She had limited knowledge of Libya and of Islam. Previously, she knew only about the heinous acts of Libyan ex-dictator Moammar Gadhafi and the headscarves women wear, clothing that she previously believed to be oppressive.
And as she developed a stronger relationship with her future husband, she felt confused by the negative connotations attached to Libyans and Muslims, characteristics she didn’t find in her partner.
“I felt this inner turmoil,” Bremer said. “I felt so wonderful in his company, but he was the polar opposite of the man I envisioned myself with.”
When, soon after they began dating, Bremer became unexpectedly pregnant, she knew she would have to confront the way she viewed the world, and that it would’t be easy. That experience is partially the reason for the title “My Accidental Jihad.”
“I had not intended for my life to move in this direction,” Bremer said, explaining the title choice was intended to confront the various perceptions of the word Jihad, and its true meaning.
