Dear Readers, this is not what I typically write about, but this post was stirring in my heart, and I needed to share it. I make it no secret that I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus. Those who aren’t are welcome in this community. This post is a personal reflection and a call for those who are Christians to stop and think and pray before responding to the refugee crisis.
This past Monday night, I sat in our church’s women’s Bible study meeting, but my mind was anywhere but there. Instead, it fast forwarded to the future.
Right before I had closed down my computer to head to the study, I had seen a blurb on Facebook about 45,000 Syrian refugees coming to the United States. The post came with a warning about terrorists infiltrating these thousands.
I won’t feign courage; fear flooded me in this moment.
All I could think about were my girls–my sweet, cuddly, innocent babies. All I could think about was a world where they might have to fear to leave their own homes, might have to hide to worship Jesus, might have to deny His name or face death. Something that Syrian Christians are already doing.
When I got back home that night, I clicked back to that Facebook page and began typing my name to sign a petition to hopefully prevent these tens of thousands from entering our country.
My fingers shook, my heart raced, and my nerves pulsed with anxiety, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I slid my cursor to the “X” and clicked off the page.
God didn’t leave me there.
I woke up yesterday morning feeling conflicted and convicted.
On the one hand, I want to see our country remain a safe haven, compared to the majority world. And in all transparency and selfishness, I want my children secure.
Over the past few days, I’ve watched as what seems to be a new world war begins to unfold. I’ve seen my political views at war with my spiritual views, and I’ve seen God’s Word knock me down to my knees.
The simple truth is this: I’m scared. But I’m also broken, and God has given me compassion.
This whole situation is complicated, and both “sides” of our very divided nation state valid arguments.
Why risk our nation’s safety to help those who might hurt us?
Why provide for the destitute from another country when those in our own go hungry and homeless as well?
How can we prepare our children for a world that is hostile to the faith of their parents?
In the face of it all, how can we be both wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16)?
Image Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse
In order to answer all of these questions, we must seek the Lord in prayer, and we must go to His Word– not to Fox News, not to CNN, not to the Democrats or President himself, not to the Republicans or GOP frontrunners, but, for those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus, we absolutely must seek out the wisdom only found in the Bible.
It’s interesting that the theme verse for our women’s Bible study this year is Ephesians 6:12: “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Our group recently completed reading Priscilla Shirer’s The Armor of God. I missed several weeks, so I am still finishing it on my own. The entire premise of this study is that those of us who believe in Jesus must put on the armor of God, starting with the sword of the Spirit (the Bible) every single day.
For our battle is not against flesh and blood. God’s Word is clear that there is a greater battle going on, and there is more at stake than earthly peace and security.
He never promised us we would not have trouble in this world; in fact, he said the exact opposite (John 16:33).
Those of us who have spent our lives in first-world stability have never had to face true persecution that is not only common but expected by our brothers and sisters in Christ in much of the world.
No, Jesus never promised a trial-free life, but he did promise that He has overcome this world (John 16:33). And those of us in Him can overcome it as well.
I am not here to convince or sway or inspire you to choose a side because, friends, I’m not on one. “Conflicted” is the very best word to describe how I feel at the moment.
I do not have answers. So I will simply present you with God’s Word:
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” ~James 4:17
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” ~Philippians 2:3
“Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ~Luke 10:30-37
And then this quote from the theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was eventually executed for his stand on the Holocaust:
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
So, how, then, should those of us who are Christians react to this crisis?
1. Pray.
Pray for the refugees. Pray for world leaders. And, yes, let’s pray for the terrorists too.
Pray for our hearts and hands to respond in line with God’s Word.
And when we run out of words to pray, we can pray for the Spirit to intercede on our behalf (Romans 8:26).
2. Read God’s Word.
By nature, I am a feeler. But feelings are fickle.
We cannot rely on feelings or even logic in response to this situation. We must seek God’s Word and allow His words to dictate our response.
3. Disciple our children.
This is huge, friends, HUGE.
Do you know one reason why I fear for my children? I feel like I am not adequately preparing them for the fight.
The weight of discipleship is always heavy; it’s always hard.
But our generation cannot afford to lose the next. We must discipline ourselves to disciple. We cannot rely on our churches or Christian schools or youth groups to instill God’s Truth into the hearts of our children.
It is our responsibility.
That means we teach God’s Word to our little ones. We must “teach them to (our) children, talking about them when (we) sit at home and when (we) walk along the road, when (we) lie down and when (we) get up (Deut. 11:19).”
4. Stop unwholesome talk.
Our nation is divided. And it seems that Christians are leading the pack in divisiveness.
I have friends who are followers of Christ and are conservative and Republican. I have friends who are followers of Christ and are liberal and Democrat.
And it saddens me to see both “sides” spew hatred. You know what? The enemy loves when Christians talk down to each other because when we are divided, we are weak.
It’s time for honest, respectful, agree-to-disagree-and-compromise conversations.
Too much is at stake for vain arguments. Our fight it not against each other, and we must remember that.
Image Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse
5. Give.
While many of us would love to drop our lives here and fly across oceans to help those in need, it’s just not feasible.
I’m thankful for reputable, God-honoring organizations who are being the hands and feet of Jesus to those around the world who need Him so badly.
We can support and give to these organizations.
I am sure there are a lot of amazing organizations helping with this crisis, but one my family personally recommends is Samaritan’s Purse.
This is the parent organization of Operation Christmas Child, which I have written about here and here.
Read more about their work in this current refugee crisis here.
This heart-moving video of Samaritan’s workers welcoming refugees upon their arrival to Greece had me in tears yesterday. It is well worth five minutes of your time to watch it. (If the video is not showing up below, you can click here to watch.)
The Rising Tide – Europe Refugee CrisisYou’ve probably seen footage on the news of refugees arriving in Greece by boat, but you’ve probably not seen anything like this. You’ve heard opinions about who they are or what they want, but you can see it firsthand in this video. These are the ones lying destitute on the road, and we must be the Good Samaritan. As team leader Dan Stephens shares, “We are the first faces they see when they land.” It’s our calling to show them the love of our Savior, and that is what many of you have helped us to do by your generous gifts. Learn, pray, and get involved here ▶http://bit.ly/1WNfyDO
Posted by Samaritan’s Purse on Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Safety is an illusion, friends.
I have dealt with fear my entire life, but we are never guaranteed to be 100% safe. A few weeks ago, my next-door neighbor’s home was broken into. The robber broke a window and climbed right in.
We installed an alarm system. I came home two days ago to the alarm sounding. I still don’t know what triggered it, but I have to trust a God who is bigger than my fears. If I don’t, I will drive myself crazy (and you will, too).
But we can have peace, despite what’s happening in our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our states, our nation, and our world.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus, John 16:33
Marnita
Thank you for this post. I almost skipped it because of everything I have seen so far. But this one spoke to me. It made me realize that I am okay not really knowing what side to be on. and that My fears and worries aren’t saying that my beliefs are wrong.
Thank you
Regan Steffen
I love this! It’s applicable to so much more than the refugee “problem” that we faced. When it comes down to it, every crisis or major decision being talked about in the media is a distraction from the devil. When we think we need to fight the things of this world, we don’t even think about fighting the things unseen. Beautiful post.
Katherine
Conflicted is the perfect word to describe it. Amidst the polar extremes, there are valid points on each side. And like you, I find myself fighting between “I want to be safe and I want my kids to be safe” and “This is such a perfect mission-at-home opportunity to share God with these broken people who need help”. I don’t know what the right answer is, but I know it’s got to be somewhere in the middle.
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
Oh Erin, this is really good. Conflicted is the best word to describe how I feel as well. It’s such a big issue to understand. You are so right when you encourage us all to first seek wisdom in God’s word. Thank you for writing all of this and taking the time to remind us of our first priority and our first hope. I’m going to share this post. I think it will do us all good to read it and to reflect on what attitude we should have.
One of my husband’s favorite quotes is from Stonewall Jackson, a Civil War general. When asked how he was so brave and unflinching, he replied that he was as safe on the battlefield as he was in bed because God had already fixed the day of his death. We all need to have a bigger picture of God’s sovereign goodness over our lives.
Safiyyah
Dear Humbled Homemaker,
I read the first half of this post of yours this morning, and it is made my heart race and stomach churn, and I dropped my morning’s work to write this to you.
I am of the Muslim faith, and it broke my heart to read your opening words, to think that a petition like that would appeal to a person like you, even for a moment. And then I read the rest of your post and I am so glad you see the whole picture.
I follow your blog and enjoy and learn lots from it. I really identify with you. Our children are very similar ages. And almost with every post I read, I am amazed at how similar Christians (as represented by you and your guest posters) are to Muslims in our values and beliefs. Halloween, for instance, is pretty much an identical issue in our community.
I too am a passionate advocate of breastfeeding (in fact it is recommended in the Quran to breastfeed for 2 years for those who are able) without judgement of those who can’t or don’t. And of natural birth. And eating organic within reasonable and affordable limits. And there’s lots more that I totally see eye to eye with you on. But I am Muslim. And I know, many people fear those of my faith, fear my faith itself. And this is heartbreaking.
Do you know that we too believe in Jesus/Isa in Arabic (peace and blessings of God be upon him)? While we do not believe him to be the son of God, he is, in Islam, one of the greatest and most honoured messengers of God. We know he is the Messiah and will return to earth to spread peace upon it. We know he healed the lepers and the blind, could breathe life into birds of clay and could bring the dead back to life, with the permission of God. And we believe all this not on Biblical authority, but from the Quran, and the teachings of the last Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him). In Islam, Mary (Mariyam in Arabic), is of the greatest of women (peace and blessings of God be upon her), and hundreds of thousands of Muslims girls are named after her to honour and remember her.
Our faith teaches us so much love for our neighbours, Muslim or not, that the companions of Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said during his lifetime that they thought revelation would soon include neighbours even in the shares of inheritance prescribed for immediate famiy. God tells us in the Quran that whoever takes an innocent life, it is as though he has slain all humanity, and whoever saves an innocent life, it is as though he has saved all humanity. And reminds us “Is there any reward for good except good?” (Quran 55:60).
I know what it is like to live with fear. In fact, it was just last night that I was speaking to my husband of the fear that is constantly in my heart when I step out of my house. Not just of a terrorist attack (which could just as easily destroy me and mine, as you and yours – gunmen and bombs do not differentiate between religions) but simply because I am a Muslim woman, and I wear the headscarf, which in these times sometimes feels like I am walking around with a billboard announcing my faith.
Yesterday here in Melbourne, Australia, where I live, a prominent anti-Muslim protester was arrested for possesion of tasers, and electronics to possibly manufacture explosives (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-make-arrest-over-claims-weapons-were-to-be-brought-to-melton-antiimmigration-rally-20151119-gl2zgd.html). It’s interesting to note btw, not a single media outlet described him as a possible terrorist.
A friend posted on FB about how a semi-trailer attempted to run her car off the freeway, while her children were in the back seat (she wears a niqab (face cover) so is very obviously Muslim) in what was probably the scariest moment of her life.
Another Muslim blogger I follow, in the U.S., says outdoor recess time in the Islamic school her daughter goes to has been cancelled this week, on the advice of the police “just in case”. Just in case someone attempts to harm innocent children in retaliation to a terrorist attack in another country. Islamic schools, like Catholic schools are simply normal schools that include teachings of faith in the curriculum.
Every morning when I see MY children off to school I stand at the door and say a prayer for their safety. I know what it is like to live with fear, I really do.
But please. Please continue to keep an open mind and loving heart, and continue to realise that the media are owned by people with agendas. That the arms and weapons industry is huge and manipulative, and survives and thrives on wars that divide people, and create terrorists. And if you have the time, take a glance at these statistics that make it so much more clear how we are being manipulated by popular media outlets: http://www.globalresearch.ca/non-muslims-carried-out-more-than-90-of-all-terrorist-attacks-in-america/5333619
I know this long but I hope you will read it because it comes to you straight from my heart.
I greet you with the greeting of Islam – “Peace be with you” always, and wherever you are.
Ilene
This article is worth reading. It addresses the turmoil and conflict we feel regarding the refugee issue. It also exposes some bad Bible interpretation. http://thefederalist.com/2015/11/18/the-christmas-story-is-about-christ-not-obamas-syrian-refugee-policy/
This video is also an eye opener and worth our time to view. https://www.facebook.com/john.pickering.127/videos/10153055728726682/?pnref=story
AHuskyInSheepsClothing
How about an analogy? Let’s say that there is a pack of stray dogs that lives on the outskirts of town. Some of these dogs are tame (no risk), some of these dogs are feral (some risk), and some of these dogs are mad (high risk). As always, your duty is first to God, second to your family, third to your neighbors, and fourth to the dogs. What do you do? Obviously, it depends. If you can meet all of your prior duties, that is, if you have the strength to control a potentially dangerous dog, then and only then, may you bring one into your home. To do otherwise is pure foolishness. Would you rely on fate alone to protect your children? Or your neighbor’s children? But, of course, that is not quite the question at hand. The politicians are not inviting refugees into their own homes or even their own neighborhoods. (Nor for that matter did the Samaritan.)
Mary
Are you comparing the refugees to a pack of wild dogs? This is about people. Yea, there may be some people that will take advantage of the situation. But, are neighborhoods are already not safe.
Where did the perpetrators of all the school shootings come from? OUR neighborhoods, OUR schools, OUR churches.
The fact that people are treating this as a “shut your door and hide” type of thing is appalling to me. I would hope that if this was your family fleeing for your lives or my family, that some country would open their doors to provide safety instead of shunning away in fear.
Now, more than ever, humanity should be sticking together in love instead of clinging to prejudice and fear.
Thanks for this post Erin, it’s such a difficult problem with no obvious solition.
Mary
*solution…not solition
Amy Walker
Wonderful words!! Thank you!
Christa Upton
Excellent, excellent post. Amen. Like Lisa (above comment), I love that quote from Stonewall Jackson, and I have been learning to apply that quote to my babies, too.
Dawn
Thank you ..thank you for saying what I feel..God spoke throug u. GOD BLESS U
DMG
Thank you for saying what I feel.
God bless you sister..
Alicia
Thank you for writing this and being honest about your struggle! I’ve been so torn about this situation for the past several days and have had many conversations with my husband about it as it’s been consuming my thoughts! On one side of the spectrum, my political beliefs and values and those political front runners that I look up to and respect, on the other side is the model that Jesus set with the outcasts, his grace, the gospel of peace and love… And somewhere in there fear comes into play and I think about my children and wanting to protect them. I’ve seen all the news articles, and I’ve seen all the Christian blogs. This is the first blog I’ve read that I completely agree with. Thank you for sharing your struggle with this decision and your conclusion without making me feel like a bad Christian for being conflicted about it, or a bad American for considering both options. At the end of the day, my signature on a petition doesn’t really change anything – the decision is made. And I can choose to live in fear and outrage at the decision, or live in peace and love. Thank you again for this uncommon-for-you post. I unexpectedly found peace in a uncommon post and gained a whole new level of respect for you! Blessings!
Kristi
Pray always. Thank you for your insight. The refugees need to be detained and screened throroughly before entering the U.S. Our God is not a God of confusion and disorder. There needs to be an orderly and humane solution to this. Wouldn’t it be nice if churches agreed to “sponsor” these families throughout the country? Syrians aren’t the only refugees that will be flooding our borders. We also have illegals and other refugees.
Breanna
Thank you for this great article! God is so good and bigger than any worldly conflict we may have!
Jillian
Thank you very much for this post! This is the most honest, thoughtful, Biblically based post I have read.
Heather
This has been my thinking too! Thank you so much for posting this! My heart cries for the children who have been ripped away from their homes and have seen so much violence!
Kelly Utkin
Thank you and God bless you and your family for sharing this post. I am also conflicted. Jesus wants us to pray for our enemies and he would open his arms to the refugees. I am going to start praying.
Joy
I am not a Christian (thought I was raised one) and I wanted to tell you thank you for your words. The anger and hate that is spewing from all sides will not heal anything or fix anything. Unfortunately, there simply is no right answer to this heartbreaking conflict. We must open our hearts and look beyond our fear.
MaryP
This is such a timely post for me. During our small group meeting on Wednesday, we had a conversation about how conflicted we all felt about what was the proper solution to the refugees – compassionate action vs. safety of our families and nation. You summed it up perfectly, and I love the conclusions you came to. I shared your post with everyone in the group.
Claire
Very well said.
Lisa Appelo @TrueandFaithful.net
I so affirm this Erin! I was amazed how quickly the *sides* became polarized and how filled up my feed was with shouts and incrimination from both sides. We need to protect, we must prepare our children, but Christ-followers above all are called to LOVE not FEAR. And this thought: people who may never hear of God’s love and forgiveness because of the law THERE might be our neighbors HERE.
P.S. That’s a dear friend of ours in the Samaritan Purse video! She didn’t hesitate to fly out, meet need and offer hope.
Eileen
I believe a possible/partial solution (and Biblical, too) to this tragic Syrian situation is to help the people in their own country. I have just recently learned about the work of Global Aid Network (GAIN) that offers humanitarian aid along side the gospel. They have workers currently in place in the Middle East who give Refugee Hope Kits to the desperate and suffering people. http://www.gainusa.org/july-enews-help-isis-refugees/
Gina @ Holding the Distaff
This is the best response to the current crisis that I’ve read, thank you Erin. Will definitely be sharing.
Dean
I would add one more point to what Christians should do :
Get the facts! Stop rrelying on left wing or right wing media or politicians as your source on information. Get credible information and statistics about the refuge vetting process (multiple background and security checks over a 1 1/2 to 2 year period), how many known terrorists came in as refugees (virtually known) vs how many came in through the visa process (almost all), and how many refugees are women, children and orphans vs single men. .
Knowing the facts is important to prevent irrational fear.
Sylvia
I almost scrolled past this, as I am tired of both extremes of bleeding hearts and hate mongering. I have not , until this refugee crisis, been so moved to voice my opinion in this kind of forum. Straight out of the gate I will claim my unwavering opposition to bringing refugees here. It was an intense, gut feeling that this kind of decision could change our Nation as we know it. This was immediate, before the sensationalism and videos and rants. It frieghtened me in a way I’ve never felt. I do not fear, it is not of God. I am cautious and I teach the same to my child. The MONUMENTAL RISK is too great. I will not apologize for prioritizing the safety and needs of my country above others. As a christian, and a human being, my need to serve others is inate. It is essentially my ministry. I do not feel obligated, I desire to help those in need. It feeds my soul, and it is something I doat every turn, every day in some capacity. On a broader scale, I volunteer and support charities I feel deeply devoted. Primarily, the Vetrans administration and our military as a whole. That does not discount the water missions, project shoebox, samaritans purse, advocating for the prevention of human trafficking in Sri Lanka. My heart hurts for them, and I pray over them and keep hope that thier suffering will end. All of these causes are in different countries. The point being, there are ways to help the innocent and those in terrible crisis, in thier own countries. We cannot possibly take them all in. Our kindness and generosity and prayers and Love can, and should, go out to all the people in the world. We just cannot foolishly believe that bringing them here, in a spirit of Love, will assimilate them into our culture and change the hearts of those that are evil. Some, not only want to do us harm, but are obligated to do so. We cannot let our kindness be our biggest weakness.
Ilene
Another legitimate organization (in addition to GAIN, as suggested by another reader) that is helping desperate and suffering people in the Middle East is Barnabas Aid. https://barnabasaid.org/
Whether or not we think that Syrian refugees should be allowed to enter the United States, we can help these people NOW through Barnabas Aid. Please ask God if/how much He would have you give. https://barnabasaid.org/
There are many creative ways to come up with money. For instance, one family had been planning a night out. Instead, they cancelled, and gave the money to Barnabas Aid that they would have spent on their night out. They ended up having a blessed evening at home together. I know another woman who decided her old coat would last another winter, and she gave the money she had been planning to spend on a new coat. I can hear the applause from Heaven for this unselfish giving, can’t you?!
Adrienne
I really appreciate this post, Erin. This whole thing is such a muddle and it is so true that it seems so many don’t want to hear other perspectives. One perspective I have appreciated is Franklin Graham. He has his viewpoint here – that safe zones should be created in Syria rather than us trying to bring all of the refugees out. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/franklin.graham.urges.president.obama.to.create.safe.zones.for.syrian.refugees/64462.htm
I think there are clearly some who are very needy, but it disturbs me that so few appear to be Christians and that, despite the fact that this conflict has been going on for years, that all of a sudden the people are pouring in to ours and the EU’s borders. It is also very bizarre that the wealthy Muslim nations are not taking any of them in. The whole thing seems contrived. And I say that all the while that I am attending a church that is on the ground in Jordan doing work w/ Christian Syrian refugees.
All this to say that I think that we need to help w/ discernment. It is not an all or nothing thing and that is what the EU (much of it) and our country have made it to be. Why would we not be discerning about whom we bring in to our country? It doesn’t make sense not to be.
Pete Hoekstra is quoted in this article stating that the “vetting” really never happened. I know him personally and he really knows his stuff regarding homeland security. I find it to be deeply disconcerting that our leaders seem to not have our safety in mind. http://www.wnd.com/2015/11/obama-admin-lied-about-vetting-syrian-refugees/
Becca
I am privileged to have spent time in Syria many years ago. Every day, no matter where we were in that beautiful country, we were welcomed with open arms. I would feel it an honor to welcome Syrians to my home and to my country. They are beautiful people.
Erin
Thank you for sharing your story, Becca. I have never been to the Middle East, but I’ve been to many other parts of the world, and I think traveling really helps with a grander worldview!
Bea
Above all, we must pray without ceasing and trust that God has it all under control. When President Obama approved the massive refugees to enter our country, I volunteered with a program to help them get settled in. The program cleaned, washed their clothes, cooked and made them comfortable while they were waiting on their tickets to travel the US to their destination. Now that our new commander in chief, President Trump, has a freeze on all refugees coming in, I am praying for Gods will and I support his decision as well. We don’t have to lose sleep over this issue. The good Lord knows how this ends. All we have to do is pray His will, whatever the end, good, bad, or ugly, God is in control. But we do have a system in place that we must be submissive to. Our place as Christians is prayer, prayer, and more prayer. We can trust that God’s plan is already taking place. And I agree 100%, we have to recognize this entire thing for what it is, the enemy using this issue to divide us. Be blessed-Bea
Erin
Thanks so much for sharing all your did to help and what a great perspective you have!