My heart aches with uncertainty in this moment and it is deepening the pit in my stomach. Upon getting to work yesterday, I had an email from the Executive Director of my company stating, “There is unconfirmed information from our advocacy partners that Trump will shortly be issuing an executive order that impacts refugee resettlement.” Shortly thereafter, I received another (forwarded) email, this time from the Director of Government and Community Relations of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Arlington, Virginia. This email addressed the same executive order saying, “Now that the announcement has gotten media attention, we want to send voices DIRECTLY TO TRUMP expressing opposition, in an effort to change these plans. We need to take action NOW. SHARE WITH YOUR STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, and SUPPORTERS.” The email concluded with suggested tweets to share and hash tags to use.
I will admit that I am ignorant of a lot in the way of politics; however, refugee resettlement IS something that I actually know something about. Working for and with refugees as well as having been accepted into a pocket of culturally oppressed Americans, many with dual citizenship, has broadened my heart to a fuller love of all people. No matter how different or similar. It was for the lessons of love that I have learned from my resettled friends, as well as the people I have met and the traditions I have adopted through my travels, that I eagerly tweeted our President, signed a petition, and continued to think. Think of all the things I regularly take for granted. Think of the ways in which the world we live in is changing. Think of the ways I can continue to show love to all people. And think of ways to be more mindful of my language and attitude.
In being more mindful of my language and attitude I will be challenging myself to remember the difference between WANT and NEED. Before a trip to the grocery store I make a list of what I NEED. Truth be told, the items on that list are not NEEDed. I may WANT those items so that I can make a desired dinner or dessert, but I can certainly live without them. By being more cognizant of my language, even as simply as WANT vs NEED, I believe that my attitude will be a better reflection of the love I always hope to show to all people.
I have said it before and I will say it again. People are what make my world go round. Not white people. Not American people. Not Christian people. Not straight people. Not men. Not women. Not gay people. Not black people. Not Syrian people. Not Jewish people. Just people. All people. Learn from them. Love them. Welcome them.
Come in! Entrez! Komm herein! تعال!
#refugeeswelcome
