Lifestyle

The Least Of These…

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”

They will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, or a stranger needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”

He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25 : 40 – 45

It must be understood and emphasized that neglecting to care for those at the border goes against the way we are called to behave. Rejoicing the rejection and isolation of individuals who were not born in this country is a direct violation of the way Jesus calls us to act.

America is a country of decided lines; at some point in history it was decided that one line separated two countries. Nothing more than a created line distinguishes our country from theirs. On both sides of the lines are people, human beings with worries, fears, smiles, stories, men, women, and children. Instead of justifying intense border regulation, wouldn’t our country be so much greater if we showed love, empathy, and support for people carrying burdens we can never understand?

The way we treat the people we have decided are beneath us, whether or not it is reality, is a reflection of how we treat Jesus. How we behave toward least of these is how we are treating Jesus. We have the option to stand beside these individuals and say, enough. 

Funds and prayer are immensely helpful in situations like these, but please, do not let that be all you do. The representatives you vote for can passively allow this to continue, or they can fight it aggressively and show the least of these the love and compassion of Jesus, through you.

If you are sick to your stomach about the lives our country forces individuals to endure, I have linked some organizations that need your help. If any of the organizations pluck at your heart strings, follow that. These individuals need your support.

SAVE THE CHILDREN : This organization allows you to donate funds to assist migrant children who have been separated from their parents. As we understand, this is still a large issue in our country and we must work to amend it rapidly.

WOMEN’S REFUGEE COMMISSION : This website has a remarkable breakdown of all the ways you can help at the border. It will show you how you are able to help in several ways, which include, financial support, legal assistance, fostering, and more.

BORDER ANGELS : This beautiful organization is doing so much to protect humans traveling across created lines. They seek to prevent unnecessary violence and murder of individuals coming into the country, as well as providing immigration consultation in English and Spanish. Additionally, they provide educational experiences such as internships and community events to raise awareness on the issue of immigration. 

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE : An organization of people who recognize a need and are ready to fill it. They distribute resources that are needed, keep record of incidents of harassment or assault at the border, support the reduction of ignorance in the world by having a lending library, and so much more.

HUMANE BORDERS : This organization, based in Arizona, seeks to provide fresh water for those traveling through the Sonoran Desert. Their primary goal is to prevent death from dehydration and exhaustion. This faith-based organization can use your time or your donations, whichever you can give.

TREETOPS COLLECTIVE : If you are a Grand Rapids local, like myself, you may be thinking “what can I do from right here??” other than vote, pray, and donate funds, you can shop! With the Christmas season around the corner, consider getting some gifts from Treetops Collective. They seek to create opportunities for refugee women in the community. Support these women by buying incredible products. 

If you feel as though a really awesome organization or group of people was left out, feel free to leave a comment; I would be happy to add them as they come.