Time for Kate's Five-Minute-Friday link-up, with the word "Culture."
The rules remain the same, each week we write for five minutes, using a one-word prompt that Kate provides. Write with "no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write." then link up to her blog.
For the next few Fridays, I will continue to be late in posting. Doctor's appointments in Phoenix might distract my ability to post, but not my thinking.
5-26-2019
"GO..."
During this weeks drive, we had numerous conversations on this weeks word, Culture.
I've many friends who have gone off for missions. I believe, in our spreading the word of God, our abilities to teach them to help themselves, others got the desire to reach America, the only way they know how, by foot.
The first thing I thought about when was Culture SHOCK!
When we moved here twenty-five years ago, from the Napa Valley, it was definitely a culture shock us!
We can only imagine what it is like for these refugees and immigrants, trying to get here.
We had the means, a U-haul truck with all our worldly possessions, and an income when we got here, they only have the clothes on their backs and a few items in a backpack, and little to no money.
God guided us here for the water, while at the same time, to grow as a family.
If you've been on mission trips, you have seen the culture, and you gave them God.
This is now their culture, with yearning, and the willingness to learn, they want to work in our culture...
This is their culture shock, and it continues daily.
It's not an invasion. The majority are not violent. Line after line, they move through for the opportunity to live a life they have dreamt. They've stood in lines for food in their country, so they are patient. They've heard the missionaries, so they pray.
This is just down the street from us, yet we don't see it. After being processed and transported, our Salvation Army has been housing thousands of migrants, and refugee's in a once empty commercial building. Similar to what they do for a hurricane, a fire, or other natural disasters.
There are days we come in contact with some, as they begin learning our culture. I've been honored to help a few with directions, without understanding each other's words.
They're not coming to be criminals but citizens. And it is a long process.
They have faith. They have God.
"STOP"
Yes, I can see why some may think they are coming for the free handouts.
"Fake" news and propaganda has become louder than God. Hearts are hardened by the hatred preached daily.
However, how many of our citizens are sitting around receiving those same benefits.
The difference is these migrants and refugees want to work, they want education, they want the American dream.
By God's grace, they made it this far. By God's grace, they will make it further. We are just one of His stepping stones, in their journey.
For the next few Fridays, I will continue to be late in posting. Doctor's appointments in Phoenix might distract my ability to post, but not my thinking.
5-26-2019
"GO..."
During this weeks drive, we had numerous conversations on this weeks word, Culture.
I've many friends who have gone off for missions. I believe, in our spreading the word of God, our abilities to teach them to help themselves, others got the desire to reach America, the only way they know how, by foot.
The first thing I thought about when was Culture SHOCK!
When we moved here twenty-five years ago, from the Napa Valley, it was definitely a culture shock us!
We can only imagine what it is like for these refugees and immigrants, trying to get here.
We had the means, a U-haul truck with all our worldly possessions, and an income when we got here, they only have the clothes on their backs and a few items in a backpack, and little to no money.
God guided us here for the water, while at the same time, to grow as a family.
If you've been on mission trips, you have seen the culture, and you gave them God.
This is now their culture, with yearning, and the willingness to learn, they want to work in our culture...
 |
| Migrants who crossed the border near Yuma in tunnels under the border fence stand in line waiting for Border Patrol agents to process them on Jan. 14, 2019. CBP Arizona |
It's not an invasion. The majority are not violent. Line after line, they move through for the opportunity to live a life they have dreamt. They've stood in lines for food in their country, so they are patient. They've heard the missionaries, so they pray.
This is just down the street from us, yet we don't see it. After being processed and transported, our Salvation Army has been housing thousands of migrants, and refugee's in a once empty commercial building. Similar to what they do for a hurricane, a fire, or other natural disasters.
There are days we come in contact with some, as they begin learning our culture. I've been honored to help a few with directions, without understanding each other's words.
They're not coming to be criminals but citizens. And it is a long process.
They have faith. They have God.
"STOP"
Yes, I can see why some may think they are coming for the free handouts.
"Fake" news and propaganda has become louder than God. Hearts are hardened by the hatred preached daily.
However, how many of our citizens are sitting around receiving those same benefits.
The difference is these migrants and refugees want to work, they want education, they want the American dream.
By God's grace, they made it this far. By God's grace, they will make it further. We are just one of His stepping stones, in their journey.
Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV)
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
...And for those who choose to run, attack, hide, throw rocks, or shoots at our Border Patrol...
Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Elizabeth, I appreciate your courage in addressing the plight of immigrants and refugees, and presenting a more humane and compassionate portrait than is typical seen. Visiting from FMF.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Wasn't sure how it would be received
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