Tag: Families

Loving Our Neighbors Beyond Politics

Yesterday, the Temporary Protected Status protections and work authorizations expired for approximately 330,000 to 350,000 Haitian nationals. Roughly 6,100 Syrian nationals also lost those same protections.

Regardless of where you stand on immigration policy, I hope we don’t lose sight of the human beings behind the headlines.

How many families woke up today wondering what comes next?

How many children are afraid of what the future holds?

How many businesses lost dependable, hard-working employees?

How many communities will lose neighbors who volunteered, coached youth sports, cared for the elderly, and quietly made their neighborhoods better?

How many churches will lose faithful members who served, worshiped, prayed, and loved their congregations?

As someone who has spent a great deal of my life in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical facilities, I can’t help but think about our healthcare system.

How many patients will lose trusted caregivers?

How many hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and medical practices will suddenly find themselves without compassionate, experienced professionals? Healthcare systems across the country have warned that the loss of TPS workers could worsen existing staffing shortages.

These are not just statistics. They are people with names, stories, dreams, and relationships. Many have spent years contributing to their communities, paying taxes, building businesses, serving churches, and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to see people before politics. We are commanded to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and remember that every person bears the image of God.

Before we argue about policies, may we first remember the people.

May our hearts never become so hardened that we stop asking, “How can I love my neighbor today?” ~OC

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Do These Words Still Ring True?

As I read the powerful words on the Statue of Liberty that millions of beautiful immigrants have proudly read when entering America, I wonder if they’re words that people fleeing horrible situations in their native countries can truly read and believe in. My heart breaks for all of the amazing immigrants who are waking up every morning, not knowing if this will be their last day in America. It saddens me that so many families have no idea when law enforcement personnel will knock on their door, be waiting for them outside of their place of employment or worship. To be escorted to a plane and taken away without any due process.

I will continue to pray for all of the immigrants that have come or will come to America with the hopes for a better life. I pray these words will be lived out by our political leaders and the citizens of America. May we always be a welcoming and bright light for the world. May the following words always ring true. ~OC

Welcome All
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Views on Halloween

Today’s a new day! Here is my question for the day: Is it okay for Christians to celebrate Halloween?

It’s hard to outright ignore Halloween. It’s everywhere. In our condo, several people have their doors directed for this October 31st holiday. Have you walked into a store lately? Most are stocked with various Halloween items. In 2023, Americans spent $12.2 billion on Halloween. That’s a lot of candy and costumes.

So there’s no hiding from Halloween. But should Christians participate in it? Should Christian children be walking the neighborhoods trick or treating? Or should the Christian community rise up and boycott Halloween altogether?

Some say, yes, Christians should boycott Halloween. In arguing that Halloween should be off-limits for Christians,people will site the origin of Halloween back to pagan festivals in the first century AD. Some people will claim that blood, witchcraft, and horror have become the dominate themes of the day. Furthermore, Christians opposed to Halloween will cite Bible verses that condemn witchcraft and sorcery, as well as Bible verses that command Christians to separate themselves from all that is impure.

Others will say, no, Christians don’t need to boycott Halloween. I read where several writers call it revisionist history to claim that Halloween is rooted in a pagan festival. They each wrote that Halloween is actually rooted in Christianity. All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day (Nov. 1). These writers challenged Christians not to back down to the culture, but instead to reclaim Halloween. Many feel it’s possible to “soften” the holiday by wearing non-scary costumes like classic superheros and princesses and establishing wholesome family customs.

But here is the argument that has been most persuasive for me: Halloween is the rare occasion out of a busy calendar filled year to get out of our houses and interact with our neighbors.

I have been so amazed and happy how interactive the neighbors in our condominium have been. I have lived in neighborhoods where neighbors barely spoke with each other. That’s a totally different blog post, for a different day.

Let’s keep in mind, that God is infinitely resourceful. What if, in His perfect wisdom, God desires to leverage Halloween to build community among people? Halloween can be a strategic time to see your neighbors face to face (or maybe mask to mask). Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) We understand “neighbor” to mean any human being … which includes actual neighbors in your neighborhood.

So, Laura and I will happily be opening our door to the excited children with their colorful costumes screaming trick or treat and filling their creative buckets with tasty treats. And we will be looking for opportunities to engage with our neighbors. Happy Halloween! ~OC

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