So….about the refugees…

People are so concerned about refugees, and I wonder do they see?

479 orphans in SC alone, without a home

Wishing they, too, had a family to call their own.

They are here.  Here now. Thousands in foster care, moving around in refugee state, with no one willing to invite them in… to set a plate.

To welcome them to dinner…to tuck them in bed.  They might not be in Syria, but still…

There is no one to say, “I’ll love you forever; I’ll find a way. Come here, and you can stay.” 

I’ve probably moved 7-10 times or more in my life, abandoned and hurt by those how should’ve cared…

Now, you won’t dare-- to be inconvenienced… to share.

It is easier to care about a nameless refugee, but what about me, a name here in your state…You can see ME.  

http://www.scheartgallery.org/

When I am thinking over things and trying to form my perspective—I write. It helps me process complex issues.  So many around the world, and my friends on Facebook, seem so distraught about refugees, and I get it. I really do.  It is sad. So many things in this world are a sad, broken mess. 

 If you are worried about how they can’t come right now, what about the refugees that are HERE?  That have been HERE.  That live in your community and in your state. What about the 1500 refugee foster kids that were “rescued” from families that were supposed to love them right here in our region, but instead neglected them and abused them or simply chose drugs over them. They are here and 479 of them are legally free refugees living right here in your state. 

There are 2100 churches here in SC, according to the SC Baptist Convention.  That still means if 1 family in every 4 churches chose an orphan to love, we would not have a single child waiting for a family in our state.  There are 2500 foster children in SC currently, and not nearly enough homes to care for them, so they are currently wondering from home to home, much like refugees. I have loved them, and sadly, told too many bye. 

            Statement from Bethany Christian Services Statement Concerning Pending     Executive Order on Refugee Resettlement:

" Each year, thousands of families arrive in the U.S. as refugees or immigrants – some are children              who arrive as unaccompanied minors, having been separated from their families overseas as  they fled violence or disaster. Providing protection to those seeking safety is one of our nation’s proudest and longest standing traditions (https://www.bethany.org/other-services/refugee-services/resettlement)."

I could not agree more, I just wanted to offer a perspective that there are others already here, and arriving daily at the local DSS office, that still need you.

 They have a refugee status in my eyes.

 It is NOT easy.  But, being involved in the healing process of people who have lost so much will never be easy—it will just be worth it.  

http://heartfeltcalling.org/

True Hospitality: When is the last time you had someone to your home? Someone who may never be able to invite you anywhere?

I am the first to admit that having people in your home can be stressful.  And, after all, there are so many places to go and see that are fun.  Nevertheless, I feel like Christians (and the rest of the world) just aren't opening their doors to many folks these days.  Hey, maybe they aren't even there in their own house anymore, but that's a topic for another day. I have what I consider to be "good" friends (and not the ones on Facebook), but when I think about it I have  not been in their homes much. (Maybe they don't want to have my entire gang invade their space; I get it.  We are neither small nor quiet.) Still, it is odd to be friends with folks for years and not know much about their home.  I feel like you really get to know and feel connected to people when you are in their space.  My love language is quality time, and I just don't feel that going to the movies, or meeting at a busy restaurant counts.  That's just me !   Every time I am thinking about WHY foster care should be part of every church's culture and a piece of a Christian family's life in some way I come back to this article by Dr. David Anderson.  http://safe-families.org/gods-answer-for-vulnerable-children/.

We have redefined hospitality in our culture. It has absolutely zilcho to do with fancy cooking, flawless landscaping, extravagant place settings, matching decor, ample space, or even cleanliness. Honestly, this is why I love guests under 12 best! They don't even notice that stuff!  If you have a jar of FLARP (look it up), and some frozen pizza served with a smile, then you are an incredible host.





I love to tell my children the story of when Jesus talked about who we are to invite to our table.
John 14: 20-New Living Translation
Then he turned to his host. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward.




This is where he gets me every time:








Then, he discusses the history of the child welfare system.  I think this is important to remember.


























Next, Dr. Anderson adds what he believes (and I agree) stops folks from reaching out/taking risks to be hospitable.

I know everyone can't foster, but what about inviting that BIG foster family over for dinner? What about offering to bring them a meal when they suddenly have a new baby that other folks have 9 months to prepare for?  What about offering to take their foster children to your home for a day or a date night for that fostering couple?   I know about 30 something of these families if you are interested in serving up some hospitality :). 


I'd love to close with his question and may it be food for thought for us all!