Thank you for putting words to my distress. A close loved one works for a refugee agency and is committed to serving his clients while under a stop work order. We're being called to live out Kingdom values in clearer ways now. May we be faithful.
Because I anticipate that you just might get some kick-back for your comments or point of view, I want to say: Thank you. For speaking the truth in love, boldly and without malice. I hope you receive love and respect in return. I really do hope so. And I pray you'll be teflon to anything harsh and ungracious that may be hurled at you. I will be sharing your letter with friends I know need to be encouraged in the ways you have done so for me.
I really enjoyed reading this. You articulated and reasoned so well something that makes sense to me (the flourishing of all, not just ourselves) according to the way of Jesus. However, it is always hard for me to find the words. Thank you!!
I am grateful for your writing here, Jen. I believe what you're fleshing out is the difference between a political worldview and a biblical worldview. God's care and concern for humanity are not dependent on any one nation, including America.
If our vision for human flourishing does not include the poor, the marginalized, the child, the widow, and the foreigner, then it falls tragically short of the biblical mandate. May God have mercy on us, and may the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate the hearts of many. It is only by the power of the gospel that people can truly come into alignment with what it means to love God and love people well.
Jen, thank you for not tiring of doing the good work of measured thoughtful engagement with our cultural moment. It takes a great deal of discerning courage to engage truthfully and respectfully and it is so very rare. As always, I loved your thoughts and found them helpful. But I am thinking of how it may all land with different readers and perspectives and just wanted to say a word of exhortation and encourage you, friend. Thank you for not tiring of doing this good and much needed work. Praying over you ♥️🙏😘.
It’s incredibly heartbreaking what so many are facing. Prayers for those you are concerned about. I too am asking God what I can do. Thank you for writing this.
Broad terms, such as three of the four of those that you called out from President Trump's speech -- "faith", "democracy", and "freedom" -- can (and usually do) represent moral Christian virtues. Generally speaking, wealth is one of the signs of God's blessing and enables us to care for our families; it is a reward for hard work for those of us blessed to live in the United States, so it is arguable that there is nothing immoral about people desiring this kind of financial security for their families and being grateful for living in a country where there is ample opportunity to attain this.
Regarding the concern you mentioned about ESL students on a student visa -- those who are here legally -- there have only been warnings about deporting those with student visas who are breaking the law and who pose a threat to other students (such as protestors who have interrupted college classes to give antisemitic messages, and accosted Jewish students to the extent they cannot travel freely to and from class and their lodging). We are seeing this happening on some campuses across the country, and this is morally wrong.
If one reads the particular words of the executive order pertaining to student visas, there is no threat to deport people who are here legally, from countries that provide sufficient security vetting and information to ensure they do not mean harm to our country and intend to abide by our laws while here on visa. The executive order gives DHS the ability to review these visas to ensure they are compliant with immigration standards that were in place prior to the Biden administration. While I understand and have empathy for anyone who is here on a student visa and who is uncertain of their status, there has been nothing done or said that should give them particular concern. (Here is the executive order summary and actual text: https://www.akingump.com/print/v2/content/1107654/protecting-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats.pdf)
I understand all the changes being enacted make people nervous, but I do not think the American people, nor the President they elected by a solid majority, want to throw out immigrants who are here legally, and who wish to benefit from our faith, freedom, and democracy (virtues all) and who wish to contribute to our society and support it. I anticipate the only "distress in the streets" should be from those who came here the wrong way, under a wrong-headed president, and who have overwhelmed our country over the last four years. We are no longer safe because of this unrestricted, un-vetted surge of people. I desire safety for our citizens and control of our border. God puts government officials in place to ensure order over chaos. The devil works in the midst of chaos and dissension -- I have had enough of that.
The first actions being taken are to break up gangs of criminals who are here illegally, and return them to their home countries for justice. It does NOT appear the administration's first priority is to send students with lawful visas home.
I pray that Christians will put on love (Colossians 3:14) over all else, but not to the extent that it places innocent people in jeopardy. Financial instability, insecurity, and disorder hurts innocent people. There have been many of these hurt by violence in our country, crying in the streets over the last four years.
Thank you for calling attention to Psalm 144. I read it as a king's plea for help against foreigners "whose mouths are full of lies, and whose right hands are deceitful." The call is to provide security to the people of his country, so there can be prosperity and flourishing. David, the king, is asking for success in his efforts to keep his people safe, so his people's flocks can increase (wealth) among other benefits. David, a king after God's own heart, has a virtuous desire to do this for his people. Trump's immigration policies seek to enact the same kind of security, and I am grateful for it.
Glad to have you share here, Kim! We have some disagreements, and it's good to be able to discuss them!
These particular students don't have student visas but provisional asylum status, which an administrative memo appears to indicate that such status is being rescinded.
Wealth, I would argue, is a national idolatry, not a sure divine blessing. In fact as a "wealthy" person by any measure, I'm quite frightened by the cautions given in Scripture regarding money and its deceit. I fear this is true nationally, that we unthinkingly consider prosperity our greatest reigning value. I don't think that will guide us well, morally or spiritually.
Freedom: in a Christian framework, this really should be considered as freedom for and freedom from. Freedom from persecution is a freedom we must value - which is why we need to protect the Refugee Resettlement program. Just one of the important quibbles with the administration's current policies.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, and welcoming mine. As fellow Christians, I believe we agree in the Spirit, but may not be connecting on where our political concerns lie. I am not familiar with the administrative memo to which you refer, but would be interested to see what it says. As I said, I am sympathetic to anyone who is here provisionally (to study). I am unsure how the change in immigration control policies may affect them. Things are changing daily (even hourly), no doubt.
I agree (of course) with what Apostle Paul said about the dangers of the LOVE OF money; and our nation (as one of the wealthiest on earth) is particularly susceptible to a single-minded pursuit of it. We are in an age of rampant materialism, and that is idolatry. This is a temptation in any culture, and any age; the more wealth, the greater the temptation. We are NOT a Christian nation, but the Church is still present and fighting in the USA. The devil uses every weapon at his disposal to stop her, and greed is at the top of his tool kit. I embrace your caution about the danger of the love of money.
My main point is that prosperity (wealth, or whatever one may call it), in and of itself, is not evil. There are many examples of God blessing people with prosperity in the Bible, so that they may bless others, and so their families may prosper and we may extend our families' tents:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." (Isaiah 54:2)
We also extend God's blessing, by opening our tent flaps, by welcoming the stranger and the foreigner. (Matthew 25:35)
As I stated, prosperity "is one of the signs" of God's blessing, but it is not always a sign, nor is it the only one. I started with "generally speaking," but was not saying that our nation's wealth is a sign of God's blessing. God has blessed us, not because we deserve it, but in spite of our national failures. I was speaking about individuals being blessed with financial security and how this blesses the family structure. A husband and wife should seek this as a goal to give their children the necessary things to ensure their security and well-being. If God blesses us beyond what we need, we are to share with others and take care of the widow and the orphan. This is my understanding of the proper role of "wealth" for Christians.
Not one time have I ever seen Jen call out abortion as wrong. Not one time has she ever rebuked a Democrat for their support of homosexuality- nor has she ever condemned any of those sins- not even the isexual mutilation of minors. Not one time has she decried the religious persecution enacted under Biden.
Jen is a Democrat. She votes like one and talks like one.
She is living in a made up fear - a made up possibility- it’s nitIf a president chooses to rebuke a legal status then it’s time for people to go home. That’s not nefarious or even wrong or immoral- in the mean time we are definitely supposed to feed and clothe the resident alien among us- legal or illegal. Christian’s shouldn’t be reporting people- but feeding them.
A few years ago I had an opportunity to assist at the Special Olympics being held at Fort Lewis in Washington State. My parents got married in a Chapel there. My Dad was stationed there right up to my birth and had previously processed through there on his way to the Korean War. An experienced he never talked about and which he emotionally wrestled with the rest of his life. Upon entering one of many old WW-II era clapboard barracks the steps going up stairs grabbed my attention. On each riser there was a principle in bold text: HONOR, VALOR, COURAGE etc. I just stood there wondering how many times my Dad read those words as he went up those worn steps. And then thinking of the thousands of troops processing through there on their way to war over the years, and surely those principles helped reassure them they were fighting for a just cause and that our leaders possessed those same values. Our current President has hinted at military conflicts. And committed several illegal acts! Can you imagine if those barracks were built today and the words on the steps represented his characteristics? Greed, Bigotry, Deceit etc. Our country is under attack from within! My heart goes out to the men & women who joined the service out of love and honor who soon may be ordered to do things that go against the core of their being.
Thank you for putting words to my distress. A close loved one works for a refugee agency and is committed to serving his clients while under a stop work order. We're being called to live out Kingdom values in clearer ways now. May we be faithful.
What a heartbreak - and what continued commitment. God’s continued grace and help!
Because I anticipate that you just might get some kick-back for your comments or point of view, I want to say: Thank you. For speaking the truth in love, boldly and without malice. I hope you receive love and respect in return. I really do hope so. And I pray you'll be teflon to anything harsh and ungracious that may be hurled at you. I will be sharing your letter with friends I know need to be encouraged in the ways you have done so for me.
Thank you, Melissa! I appreciate your encouragement!
I really enjoyed reading this. You articulated and reasoned so well something that makes sense to me (the flourishing of all, not just ourselves) according to the way of Jesus. However, it is always hard for me to find the words. Thank you!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!
So well written Jen! Thank you.
You’re welcome!
I am grateful for your writing here, Jen. I believe what you're fleshing out is the difference between a political worldview and a biblical worldview. God's care and concern for humanity are not dependent on any one nation, including America.
If our vision for human flourishing does not include the poor, the marginalized, the child, the widow, and the foreigner, then it falls tragically short of the biblical mandate. May God have mercy on us, and may the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate the hearts of many. It is only by the power of the gospel that people can truly come into alignment with what it means to love God and love people well.
Thanks for adding your wise words here, Portia! You’re echoing what I hope to write more publicly next week. Stay tuned!
Looking forward to it!!
Jen, thank you for not tiring of doing the good work of measured thoughtful engagement with our cultural moment. It takes a great deal of discerning courage to engage truthfully and respectfully and it is so very rare. As always, I loved your thoughts and found them helpful. But I am thinking of how it may all land with different readers and perspectives and just wanted to say a word of exhortation and encourage you, friend. Thank you for not tiring of doing this good and much needed work. Praying over you ♥️🙏😘.
Thank you so much! I am grateful beyond words for you!
thank you for articulating what I cannot right now.
Thanks, Jen, for these timely and helpful thoughts!
Thanks for reading!
Amen.
This post was timely and helpful. Grieving that there are already new "cries of distress in our streets" this week. Lord, have mercy!
Thank you so much for this. Last week I was angry, this week I’m just heartbroken.
Thank you for this, Jen! You articulated this so clearly and it’s really helpful.
I’m grateful!
It’s incredibly heartbreaking what so many are facing. Prayers for those you are concerned about. I too am asking God what I can do. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you, Kathleen!
Thank you for this…the news is so heartbreaking
It really is.
Broad terms, such as three of the four of those that you called out from President Trump's speech -- "faith", "democracy", and "freedom" -- can (and usually do) represent moral Christian virtues. Generally speaking, wealth is one of the signs of God's blessing and enables us to care for our families; it is a reward for hard work for those of us blessed to live in the United States, so it is arguable that there is nothing immoral about people desiring this kind of financial security for their families and being grateful for living in a country where there is ample opportunity to attain this.
Regarding the concern you mentioned about ESL students on a student visa -- those who are here legally -- there have only been warnings about deporting those with student visas who are breaking the law and who pose a threat to other students (such as protestors who have interrupted college classes to give antisemitic messages, and accosted Jewish students to the extent they cannot travel freely to and from class and their lodging). We are seeing this happening on some campuses across the country, and this is morally wrong.
If one reads the particular words of the executive order pertaining to student visas, there is no threat to deport people who are here legally, from countries that provide sufficient security vetting and information to ensure they do not mean harm to our country and intend to abide by our laws while here on visa. The executive order gives DHS the ability to review these visas to ensure they are compliant with immigration standards that were in place prior to the Biden administration. While I understand and have empathy for anyone who is here on a student visa and who is uncertain of their status, there has been nothing done or said that should give them particular concern. (Here is the executive order summary and actual text: https://www.akingump.com/print/v2/content/1107654/protecting-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-other-national-security-and-public-safety-threats.pdf)
I understand all the changes being enacted make people nervous, but I do not think the American people, nor the President they elected by a solid majority, want to throw out immigrants who are here legally, and who wish to benefit from our faith, freedom, and democracy (virtues all) and who wish to contribute to our society and support it. I anticipate the only "distress in the streets" should be from those who came here the wrong way, under a wrong-headed president, and who have overwhelmed our country over the last four years. We are no longer safe because of this unrestricted, un-vetted surge of people. I desire safety for our citizens and control of our border. God puts government officials in place to ensure order over chaos. The devil works in the midst of chaos and dissension -- I have had enough of that.
The first actions being taken are to break up gangs of criminals who are here illegally, and return them to their home countries for justice. It does NOT appear the administration's first priority is to send students with lawful visas home.
I pray that Christians will put on love (Colossians 3:14) over all else, but not to the extent that it places innocent people in jeopardy. Financial instability, insecurity, and disorder hurts innocent people. There have been many of these hurt by violence in our country, crying in the streets over the last four years.
Thank you for calling attention to Psalm 144. I read it as a king's plea for help against foreigners "whose mouths are full of lies, and whose right hands are deceitful." The call is to provide security to the people of his country, so there can be prosperity and flourishing. David, the king, is asking for success in his efforts to keep his people safe, so his people's flocks can increase (wealth) among other benefits. David, a king after God's own heart, has a virtuous desire to do this for his people. Trump's immigration policies seek to enact the same kind of security, and I am grateful for it.
Glad to have you share here, Kim! We have some disagreements, and it's good to be able to discuss them!
These particular students don't have student visas but provisional asylum status, which an administrative memo appears to indicate that such status is being rescinded.
Wealth, I would argue, is a national idolatry, not a sure divine blessing. In fact as a "wealthy" person by any measure, I'm quite frightened by the cautions given in Scripture regarding money and its deceit. I fear this is true nationally, that we unthinkingly consider prosperity our greatest reigning value. I don't think that will guide us well, morally or spiritually.
I'm interested to hear people recently talk of democracy as only working when it's informed by Christian values, and though I haven't listened to this interview, it piqued my interest. I hope to return to it. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/18/opinion/christianity-democracy-religion.html
Freedom: in a Christian framework, this really should be considered as freedom for and freedom from. Freedom from persecution is a freedom we must value - which is why we need to protect the Refugee Resettlement program. Just one of the important quibbles with the administration's current policies.
Your opinion is welcome here, Kim!
Jen,
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, and welcoming mine. As fellow Christians, I believe we agree in the Spirit, but may not be connecting on where our political concerns lie. I am not familiar with the administrative memo to which you refer, but would be interested to see what it says. As I said, I am sympathetic to anyone who is here provisionally (to study). I am unsure how the change in immigration control policies may affect them. Things are changing daily (even hourly), no doubt.
I agree (of course) with what Apostle Paul said about the dangers of the LOVE OF money; and our nation (as one of the wealthiest on earth) is particularly susceptible to a single-minded pursuit of it. We are in an age of rampant materialism, and that is idolatry. This is a temptation in any culture, and any age; the more wealth, the greater the temptation. We are NOT a Christian nation, but the Church is still present and fighting in the USA. The devil uses every weapon at his disposal to stop her, and greed is at the top of his tool kit. I embrace your caution about the danger of the love of money.
My main point is that prosperity (wealth, or whatever one may call it), in and of itself, is not evil. There are many examples of God blessing people with prosperity in the Bible, so that they may bless others, and so their families may prosper and we may extend our families' tents:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." (Isaiah 54:2)
We also extend God's blessing, by opening our tent flaps, by welcoming the stranger and the foreigner. (Matthew 25:35)
As I stated, prosperity "is one of the signs" of God's blessing, but it is not always a sign, nor is it the only one. I started with "generally speaking," but was not saying that our nation's wealth is a sign of God's blessing. God has blessed us, not because we deserve it, but in spite of our national failures. I was speaking about individuals being blessed with financial security and how this blesses the family structure. A husband and wife should seek this as a goal to give their children the necessary things to ensure their security and well-being. If God blesses us beyond what we need, we are to share with others and take care of the widow and the orphan. This is my understanding of the proper role of "wealth" for Christians.
Not one time have I ever seen Jen call out abortion as wrong. Not one time has she ever rebuked a Democrat for their support of homosexuality- nor has she ever condemned any of those sins- not even the isexual mutilation of minors. Not one time has she decried the religious persecution enacted under Biden.
Jen is a Democrat. She votes like one and talks like one.
She is living in a made up fear - a made up possibility- it’s nitIf a president chooses to rebuke a legal status then it’s time for people to go home. That’s not nefarious or even wrong or immoral- in the mean time we are definitely supposed to feed and clothe the resident alien among us- legal or illegal. Christian’s shouldn’t be reporting people- but feeding them.
Berry, I am neither a registered Republican nor a registered Democrat.
I'd encourage you to make this a place of charitable disagreement. I do reserve the right to delete comments that do not appear well-intentioned.
Here is public writing I've done on abortion. Given that I've been publicly writing since 2012, it's safe to say that I've written about quite a lot. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2022/07/dobbs-easier-to-debate-abortion-than-actually-fight-it/
Amen, Kimberly!!👏🙏
A few years ago I had an opportunity to assist at the Special Olympics being held at Fort Lewis in Washington State. My parents got married in a Chapel there. My Dad was stationed there right up to my birth and had previously processed through there on his way to the Korean War. An experienced he never talked about and which he emotionally wrestled with the rest of his life. Upon entering one of many old WW-II era clapboard barracks the steps going up stairs grabbed my attention. On each riser there was a principle in bold text: HONOR, VALOR, COURAGE etc. I just stood there wondering how many times my Dad read those words as he went up those worn steps. And then thinking of the thousands of troops processing through there on their way to war over the years, and surely those principles helped reassure them they were fighting for a just cause and that our leaders possessed those same values. Our current President has hinted at military conflicts. And committed several illegal acts! Can you imagine if those barracks were built today and the words on the steps represented his characteristics? Greed, Bigotry, Deceit etc. Our country is under attack from within! My heart goes out to the men & women who joined the service out of love and honor who soon may be ordered to do things that go against the core of their being.