Finding Refuge

Dear Friends,

On morning newscasts every day, we hear something about refugees, migrants, immigrants – people on the move not because they want an adventure, but because they believe they need to move on for the sake of life. They let go of their local histories and plunge into unknown places, hoping they and their loved ones survive and ultimately thrive. They are filled with fear and hope colliding with each other in their minds and hearts. The stories of children separated from parents at our southern border are especially painful to think about. Without doubt, the children will be scarred for life. This is abuse.

Since December of 2000, the United Nations has observed June 20 as World Refugee Day, to raise public awareness about refugees and their status throughout the world. The world’s people are of two minds about the refugees who come to their shores. This short poem, by British poet Brian Bilston, invites us to read the poem from top to bottom for one of these viewpoints and from bottom to top for the alternate view. Same words. Completely different take on how to treat refugees at our door.

                                               “Refugees                                          
                                                They have no need of our help

                                                So do not tell me

                                                These haggard faces could belong to you or me

                                                Should life have dealt us a different hand

                                                We need to see them for who they really are

                                                Chancers and scroungers

                                                Layabouts and loungers

                                                With bombs up their sleeves

                                                Cut-throats and thieves

                                                They are not

                                                Welcome here

                                                We should make them

                                                Go back to where they came from

                                                They cannot

                                                Share our food

                                                Share our homes

                                                Share our countries

                                                Instead let us

                                                Build a wall to keep them out

                                                It is not ok to say

                                                These people are just like us

                                                A place should only belong to those who are born there

                                                Do not be so stupid to think that

                                                The world can be looked at another way.”

Lord, protect all refugees in their search for renewed life, especially the children. May they find me open to welcome them to America. May they find support in me as I have found refuge in You. Amen.

~Sister Joan Sobala