Umm Zaid has kindly taken time out to address some more of the issues I raised in her comments area about conversion stories.
I understand everything she said.
The only thing I want to point out that bothered me was the feeling of resentment (in the comments of Umm Zaids post) towards those who are born-Muslim and have failed in their roles as teachers and supporters of converted individuals.
I would think it would be a great loss if we let resentment of certain actions by the born-muslim community deter the converted community from sharing positive, uplifting stories as well as other forms of thought-sharing, including criticism.
I think the experience of a converted individual is much more in line than with the Sahaba’s (Companions of the Prophet (S)), who all converted at some point. There is an insight there that I think could benefit ‘born-muslims’ who have lost such perspective over the generations. These discussions do not just have to take the form of conversion stories, but also as general commentators on Muslim society (which alhumdulillah is exactly what we are seeing with so many blogs and such).
The idea of many ‘choosing’ stories is a great one. To be realistic, we should keep in mind that a majority of Muslims have that have chosen to wear hijab or give up alcohol do so because, in the end, it is Islamic Law. To choose Islam, during an age where Islam seems to be attacked from all sides, seems to hold special significance in my heart.
It proves that the message of Islam, tolerance and peace, is truly protected by Allah and is one of the ongoing miracles that He has blessed us with.
the truth on 
m.a.kidwai,CME/IND.RLY.(retd.) on 
Salaam
Sidi my point, though, is that choosing Islam is more than saying “La illaha il Allah, Muhammadur Rasul’Allah.” Everytime you make the decision to follow something in Shari’a, even though it seems to be to your detriment, you’ve chosen Islam. And frankly, I think it’s a lot harder to choose to give up the usury system than to declare that you believe in Islam. It’s definitely a lot less popular with Muslims, and creates a financial hardship. Makes it harder to do business or do other things.
American society, despite the rhetoric we hear from other Muslims against it, is pretty open and tolerant, and the idea of faith here — you know, it’s all about what “feels right to you.” I personally find people are a lot more tolerant about the idea of you believing in Islam than they are about the idea of you *living* by Islam. I get more heckled about the non-dating thing, the not doing riba’ thing, the hijab thing, etc. than I ever have been just for being a Muslim.
point taken!
Nice site. Keep up the good work. Bryian
Just a thaught; isn’t ‘reverting’ a better word than ‘converting’. If we take into account the hadith of our beloved Prophet (s.a.w) “Every child is born upon the pure fitra…”.