Fear.
It seems to be everywhere I look.
Fear of letting refugees in the country.
Fear of the government not protecting us.
Fear of more attacks.
Fear of a war.
Fear of the future.
It’s impossible for me to get online and not see something centering around the refugee debate and what America’s role should be. I’ve got to tell y’all, I’m exhausted. And disheartened. And quite frankly, I’m mad.
It pisses me off that it seems near impossible to want to help refugees without taking a political stand one way or the other. Since when does having compassion mean that we belong to one political persuasion over another?
And why have we become so cold to others that fear for our own safety completely trumps helping someone who has had everything taken from them? Last time I checked, that wasn’t very Christ-like.
I’m currently working in the marketing department at Adventures in Missions during my time here in the Fellowship. One of our World Race squads was in Lesvos, Greece this past month helping at a refugee transit point. The stories they shared were heartbreaking.
Working 12+ hour days.
Standing in flooded supply tents running out of warm clothes to give out.
Seeing babies on the brink of hypothermia.
Watching men, women, and children die in front of them.
Looking into the hollow eyes of mothers who have had their husbands, children, and homes taken away from them.
Back here in America, we have the chance to love others, and instead we’re spewing politics and policy and ultimately, hate, all because we’re scared.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Do you actually believe that verse?
I am not saying that we need to open our borders without putting thought and precautionary measures in place. But not only is it ignorant to ignore and do nothing to help the thousands of people who are running for their lives, but it’s also wrong.
Christians, we’re called to love, not hide behind our keyboards arguing over policy. We’re called to pray — even for our enemies, even for ISIS. We’re called to give our time, our resources, and our money, not ignore those without. We’re called to action.
So, what do you choose to do?
“And then the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40
