The last few weeks on social media and the news have been pretty insane; constant "conversation" concerning the border has been getting hotter and heavier (especially this week). As I've been convicted and conflicted, I've thought about what I would or should say (if anything). The purpose behind this post isn't necessarily to have a conversation though I think that'd be cool, but some of the things I'd like to address are because all of this is (and has been) happening in my back yard.
I'm not a stranger to the crisis on the border; having family and friends on both side of the river, this hits close to the chest. I have listened to many arguments from several people and have engaged conversation with friends who have differing views, including Border Patrol agents, non-profit organizations, and friends who's voice I value.
My purpose behind this post isn't to write about a particular side and I'm sure as you read through this you may disagree with me. That's cool too. You're probably way smarter than I am. I think what would be increasingly beneficial would be dialogue; a space where we can come to an agreement or even see perspectives changed. Things like that happen; at least they used to.
CRISIS, IDENTITY, AND ACTIVITY
I think I could have started this post and continued from a totally different angle; stirring a lot of emotion and sending us for a loop, but I don't think that's beneficial right now. I could have jumped right into the kinds of conditions that many of these individuals and families are coming from, the amount of money and danger they placed themselves in, cartel stuff, and policy jazz. I think those are separate conversations; we don't have time for those.
However, here are three truths (and I'm sure there are more) that I'd like to emphasize; both for my people here on the border and those from afar.
1. A Crisis
A crisis, however unfortunate, is not only a time of great trouble, but a result of something that has gone without much or any attention. In a crisis, people and organizations are scrambling to get things done, establish resources, and find a solution as quickly as possible. In our case on the border, when a crisis is exposed it now presents itself with two things: (1) protest and (2) opportunity.
If you've been on social media over the last few days, everyone has something to say. They may be right, wrong, or not even involved and content is being pumped out at a ridiculous rate. In my opinion, as I've seen content, arguments, and social media cloud the interweb on both sides of this crisis, I think the one who really gets screwed over is the man with his family who's needing a meal.
I'm not trying to be passive or "neutral," but I do think, as Christians at least, we need to look at a few things. For instance, in 2014, when the border crisis was at an all time high (with almost 1400 people coming to our borders a day), we saw border agencies along with the help of several non-profit organizations become quickly underfunded, under resourced, and understaffed because of the amount of people trying to get into the United States.
Today, the crisis on the border has numbers that are less, but similar to those in 2014 and both border agencies and NPO's are on the ground once again providing care for many coming into the United States. This crisis is a result of a lack of attention to border security and that sends a message.
Additionally, the other hard truth that many wish to not discuss is that not everyone coming into the United States is looking for the American Dream or asylum. And I'm not agreeing with the current policy. I think it sucks. When I see kids without their parents, it's absolutely heart breaking. And there's sadly a lot of gray in those scenarios too. So then, what's the solution?
I don't have an answer and I'm not sure if you do either. I don't think the current policy is the solution, but I also don't think that writing "open the borders" is a real solution either because that's very ignorant. We've been there previously and the only winners in that scenario were the cartels.
I do know, however, that this crisis provides opportunity. But I can't talk about opportunity without first talking about identity.
2. IDENTITY
The Bible teaches us that we are residents of this earth and exiles; that at one point we were lost and Christ called us to Himself and made us alive in Him. And regardless of where we come from, once we were enemies of God and now through the work of the Son on the cross, we have been called sons and daughters to God.
If what we do first begins with who we are, then we must hold fast to the person and work of Christ. Our theology will drive our philosophy. And if we are first grounded upon the truth of the gospel, then we can at least be a little more sober minded while also developing a conviction concerning border security.
The gospel teaches a profound truth about Jesus: He meets us where we're at by thrusting Himself into the hell and mess of our lives; willingly.
I think theology and philosophy run together, not separate.
3. ACTIVITY
I think that my biggest push here is that our activity not be political. And I say that not because I believe that politics and the gospel are separate or because politics as a whole can be ineffective. I don't believe that at all. But if our activity is simply arousing emotion over an issue then our motivations are now simply driven by agendas rather than the gospel.
Simply, as we develop further concern and conviction over border security, we should also be getting our hands dirty, amigos. I'm not overly fond of hearing about why "x, y, and z" is bad while letting a family who's here right now go hungry or could use shelter and food.
Again, you may have way better insights or views on what's going on, but unless you're in my backyard, then I think your motivation may simply be political and agenda driven. I could be wrong.
My prayer is to see policies change; to see families brought together; to see my home secured; for the men and women in green to be safe as they perform their job daily whether in a crisis or not; and to see the church jump into the mess of others' lives to demonstrate and declare the beauty of the gospel for the sake of His glory and nothing else.
ON THE GROUND SUPPORT
• The Office of Refugee Resettlement
• Circle of Health International
• Comfort Cases (raising money for backpacks)
• The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
• Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Next week, we'll be on the south side of McAllen at several of these facilities partnering with other missions organizations and I'll provide some of their contact information too should you be interested in jumping in.
