Un Dia Sin Latinos - (A Day without Latinos (and other Immigrants))

The immigration protests today are NOT about ARROGANCE (demanding rights)
But about FEAR (will we be turned into felons - does the country really want to send us all away?)
I want to encourage all to think through the implications of a racialized, nationalistic reaction
- this is a time for the church to raise up a voice that is unique to the Republican and Democratic polarization
-we can have NATIONAL SECURITY & MERCY for those SEEKING OPPORTUNITY and FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION
LETS be a VOICE for the one who came proclaiming-
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
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I prayed this morning as I drove to work-
For Miguel, Andres, Joe, and Jake
They are my brothers - different mothers
But from the one Father above

In birth we were far far apart
They, from the South across the Rio Grande
But alike, we learned a love for family
Respect for God, appreciation for hard work

They made the hard decision to leave family
Not for greed - but for love
Now with every check
Food and medical care, education and clothing
Are made available to those on the other side

They knew to come here they must break
A man-made law in a government far away
But their passion to fulfill the laws of God
The responsibility to provide for their own
Drove them to risk in order to give

Was their decision to disregard the regulations
Of distant government
That brought harm to their family -
Unlike the choices of the patriots of 76?

These men, women, their children here
The siblings and parents they support
Want to learn English - they too, pay taxes
They do not come to destroy
But participate in the land we Love

Do not, Politicians, use their plight
To polarize our country
So you can get votes!

I too, think free trade is Good
But then why is free trade of Labor bad?
Especially when our policies
Contribute to their National poverty.

We all want security
We know terroristic threats are real
But to punish those who have been here
Helping - not hurting
Working and contributing
Will not stop terrorism

Recall the words of the Lord -
"Remember the alien
Do not mistreat him"

"When one part of the body suffers,
All parts suffer"

They are not criminal
They are not terrorists
They are my brothers

Pray for the immigrants
Fearful and exposed
Pray God's Love, grace, and Justice
Are not denied but shown