A CALL FOR HUMANITY

I am shocked and disappointed. My mouth hangs open as I read opinions of people, friends & family who claim to be “Christian”, who I respect and love. Now is the time my faith has been tested and now I will respond with this… First let me say this, Of course I have moments weakness I am not fearless,  maybe it would be safer and easier for us to reject refuges, sure economically it makes more sense & well for the illusion of security, absolutely. I’m not ignorant, do I think that welcoming refugees from a hot spot of global violence will be trouble-free. I am not naive about geopolitical global realities. Do I think that it’s impossible that “terrorists” might find ways to use this refugee crisis for a more egregious means? Of course I see there may be repercussions; I am not saying that we should roll out the welcome mat for ISIS. I am not saying that our governments should just throw caution to the wind and fling open the doors.  I am not saying that some would not seek to abuse a generous response.  I am not promoting an abandonment of wisdom. But we have obligations as Christians to examine our hearts when faced with moral situations; we don’t get to think about how uncomfortable this could make us. (Mathew 10:28) "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."  Need I remind you that Jesus sent out his disciples among "wolves" fully aware that they may be beaten persecuted and killed.  Where is our humanity, where is our compassion?  I am appalled that we would actually dehumanize and objectify suffering PEOPLE to (GRAPES!!!!!) really??? THEY ARE NOT GRAPES they are HUMAN their blood runs the same color as yours and mine. If self-interest is what drives you then I am not speaking to you… No, my concern is directed to Christians. Jesus told us to “Love thy Neighbor” then when he was asked who is our neighbor he recounted the story of the good Samaritan. He is very clear about who our neighbor is in (Luke 10:25-37). Like the man attacked in the Good Samaritan story, these refugees are the victims of fanatical terrorism. They are fleeing because their homes have been ravaged by war. Less we forget that Jesus himself was a refugee who’s family fled their home as instructed by God from King Herod who sought to Kill Him! I think we all needed a reminder of our Christian duties during testing times, where fear feeds and drives our minds and hearts to dark places. I am praying and will continue to pray for your soul to seek the light in times like these and hope these words can lead your soul to light! So I will leave you with this scripture… "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was ill and in prison and you did not look after me" (Matthew 25:41-43)