This morning my heart is breaking for our country. Not because of the national debt or the presidential debates or any laws passed by Congress or wars declared by presidents in my 25 years as an American citizen. But because so many of my fellow Americans are turning their backs on what our country was founded on - life, liberty, and the pursuit of a full life.
As refugees turn toward the U.S. for hope and home, almost half of us are slamming doors in their faces.
Are we forgetting that some of our earliest settlers fled to the U.S. because of religious persecution? Because their land and lives were on the brink of death? Are we forgetting that debtors and criminals were exiled to the U.S. because their home countries no longer thought they were worthy to be there? Are we forgetting that we pushed people out of their homes and land, killing most of them, because they would not convert to our religion or willingly give us their land? Are we forgetting that we are all human, all in need of life, freedom, and deserving of a second chance to live fully?
Because I am a Baptist I believe in separation of church and state - true separation. Everyone should have freedom. The overwhelming majority of Muslims do not agree with the extreme action of ISIS. Many of them are currently displaced because of ISIS. These people need a refuge and a home. No matter their religion, we can be that home. But only once we put aside our jaded, self righteous glasses that make us no better than the Pharisees. Everyone deserves a home, and the quickest way to reach people for Christ is by showing them how loving and accepting a home can be.
Because I follow Jesus, I believe in taking care of everyone - both the self-righteous and the outcast. Jesus loved and cared for those who were not of his race or homeland. Possibly because as a baby and small child he was also a refugee who fled from an evil, power hungry king. If we are Christians, let us act like Jesus.
In James 1:27 it says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
God doesn't look on our fear and self-righteousness with pleasure. God doesn't care if we dress up for church every Sunday - read the prophets, it's in the Bible. Religion that is pleasing to God is action that takes care of the vulnerable. We cannot imagine how many of these refugees are now widows, orphans, or single parents. They are people in distress. They are people without a home. To please God, let's reopen those doors and refuse to slam anymore.
To be unstained by the world, let's refuse to let our culture dictate our action. America isn't just about defending our own or looking out for ourselves because we are scared. When we as Americans act that way, we are betraying our founding fathers. When we as Christians act that way, we are betraying our God. America is about taking a stand against the bullies and power-hungry leaders. That's one reason why we were founded. Let's stop being bullies, and start being rescuers. Courage does not mean slamming doors in fear, it is standing up in the face of oppressors to protect the weak. As Christians, let's welcome all and stand for what God stands for. As Americans, let's hold true to our foundation.
As an American, I hope we will do better.
Let's be beautiful because of our kindness and hospitality.
As a Christian, I hope we will do best.
Let's be religious in our care for those in distress and allegiance to our God.
