This is chilling: “…The German community…had nothing to do except not to interfere. Absolutely nothing was expected of them except to go on as they had, paying their taxes, reading their local paper, and listening to the radio”
We sponsored several Hmong families through our Saginaw churches. An anecdote about getting to know each other and the trauma refugees bring with them- At a fun gathering in the basement of the church kids played hide and seek together as kids do. But when it was time to finish no one could find the Hmong kids. When they were found it was explained that hide and seek wasn’t a game. When their parents told to hide, they did, and they remained hidden until their parents came to get them, so they would not be found by the soldiers and killed.
This is why we must remain a nation that continues to welcome refugees and immigrants.
From the book: For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional quote. "God is in control" some will say Be silent, be still, wait for the Lord." Sentences like these can excuse inaction, dress paralysis in pious garb, and frame cowardice as an act of faith."
Thank you, Kristin. You and Jemar have opened my eyes and my heart over the past few years. I appreciate your introduction to the new-to-me voices and opportunities. I will continue to seek ways to make a difference.
The practice of nonresistance must be kept present. The resurrected life cannot be kept in the past bit present with every neighbor, every hour. When the practice drifts off into the past it is no longer a practice. Jesus kept the nonresistant burden until the end with forgiveness flowing freely from his broken body.
My parents were one of those Christian families that took in a refugee family of 6 after they fled Saigon in 1975. I was only 15 but we all experienced so much over the course of that year of them living with us -about how the refugee process worked. They are like family to us to this day. Sadly,my folks now support this administration. I think they get stuck on the legality issue. It’s made for distressing conversations. It’s complicated as I say and I try not to put people into boxes anymore. We are all multi- layered.
This is really interesting to me. I've experienced the same. People who have a pretty good past track record not getting it for some reason. I'm curious to know more about "the legality issue." I've heard this too. What do you think it means, where does it come from? Can you expand on this? Is it as though U.S. law is inviolate?
I was thinking of how my mom will say, “ they came in legally or through the right process”. I don’t think it’s more complicated than they think that people coming over the border doesn’t feel legal to them. I’ve tried to explain the complex asylum laws but it doesn’t get through and frankly it sometimes hard to defend. I know we need better immigration laws.
Thanks, Ruth. I think this is something that is well worth investigating further. Your post is making me wonder how many otherwise admirable people are unaware of not only the broken immigration system, but also why immigrants are one of our most valuable resources (check out John Mearsheimer), and also the complicity of our State Department in creating a mess in so many countries. Take a look at Jonathan Blitzer's Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here to help understand how U.S. Foreign policy has helped to create the horrific conditions in Central America. Helps to understand how deep the despair is. Anyone of us would do what these immigrants are doing and more to try and get our families out of danger of rape and murder, compulsory gangs or military. How can we help them to see this is what Jesus calls us to ...
Thank you Susie for this interchange and for the ideas to read more about this. Yes, I hope we can help Christ followers to see that caring for the poor and desperate is exactly what Christ did. I cannot even imagine the pain and despair that drives a family to seek refuge. I taught refugees from Afghanistan for years and it was extremely educational to learn the background of the women and how they lived. It is not easy to immigrate and yet they stay strong and show so much courage and fortitude. Its like the US has forgotten the words on the Statue of LIberty. Unfortunately, we have a history of looking down on the next immigrants coming behind us. May we do better.
Yes, well said, and I am in awe of your experience with these Afghani women. Just one other thing good to mention here is immigrants as an easy scapegoat as the screws are tightening.
Kristin, we have immigration task forces from two churches in Holland (BLVD and Maple Ave) who would like to sponsor a screening of Jemar's movie in Holland, MI. I have already filled out an interest form. I am just wondering if there is a way we could connect with others in Holland who want to join us? It's one of our small forms of resistance here and a next step after we had over 3,000 gather in front of city hall for No King's Day.
I remember reading Milton Meyer years ago -- and taking note.
If people are interested in national efforts to combat the Trump regime's establishment of migrant concentration camps, I recommend a zoom call about resisting ICE's warehouse detention program on April 14 sponsored by Indivisible. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/932124/
People who live in proximity to these facilities are finding ways to resist -- but what can the rest of us do? I am hoping for more answers from organizers.
When we were in South Africa, we spoke to white people about Apartheid and many said, "We didn't know. We knew something was off, but we just went along with it."
Although the time is dark, we can be thankful for access to information like your letter and independent news.
Thank you for this motivating letter. Standing against the tide with you.
I watched the film with Jemar on his zoom Thursday evening and it is excellent!!! I am in communication with him because I want to bring it to Iowa City where I live and my hometown of Sioux Center, Ia. We cannot be quiet!
Yes! Mayer's book. Two years ago a young friend in her 20s invited me to read and discuss it. It continues to haunt, not the least because of how it is reincarnating in our present moment. I hope your students know the power they have to influence their parents' and grandparents' generation by inviting them to read this book and then meet to discuss it.
Ernst Fraenkel's Dual State concept, which I learned about in David French's NYT article, illuminates this evil lurking in the shadows as well. And seriously, I think it would be a really interesting assignment for these students to find an older relative who would read and discuss this book, and then bring the essence of the discussion back to the classroom.
Much to ponder here, thanks Kristin. One item comes to mind which features Hmong immigrants. A heartfelt look at an older embittered isolated man who surprisingly goes from “get off my lawn” to eventually helping his for foreign neighbors.
From Wikipedia:
Gran Torino is a 2008 crime drama film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the lead role. It features a significant Hmong American cast, a first for mainstream American films.
A nice little read as I'm heading out to the hospital on a quiet Holy Saturday. Easter Triduum always makes me miss the Catholicism of my childhood. I think you once mentioned you associate your mother's passing with the darkness of Good Friday. This one surely does feel heavy. A blessed Easter to you and your fam. 🙏
This is chilling: “…The German community…had nothing to do except not to interfere. Absolutely nothing was expected of them except to go on as they had, paying their taxes, reading their local paper, and listening to the radio”
Yes. So many students pulled out that quote in their writing journals. It hits hard.
We sponsored several Hmong families through our Saginaw churches. An anecdote about getting to know each other and the trauma refugees bring with them- At a fun gathering in the basement of the church kids played hide and seek together as kids do. But when it was time to finish no one could find the Hmong kids. When they were found it was explained that hide and seek wasn’t a game. When their parents told to hide, they did, and they remained hidden until their parents came to get them, so they would not be found by the soldiers and killed.
This is why we must remain a nation that continues to welcome refugees and immigrants.
💔
From the book: For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional quote. "God is in control" some will say Be silent, be still, wait for the Lord." Sentences like these can excuse inaction, dress paralysis in pious garb, and frame cowardice as an act of faith."
Thank you, Kristin. You and Jemar have opened my eyes and my heart over the past few years. I appreciate your introduction to the new-to-me voices and opportunities. I will continue to seek ways to make a difference.
Thank you 🙏🩷🤗
ditto
The practice of nonresistance must be kept present. The resurrected life cannot be kept in the past bit present with every neighbor, every hour. When the practice drifts off into the past it is no longer a practice. Jesus kept the nonresistant burden until the end with forgiveness flowing freely from his broken body.
My parents were one of those Christian families that took in a refugee family of 6 after they fled Saigon in 1975. I was only 15 but we all experienced so much over the course of that year of them living with us -about how the refugee process worked. They are like family to us to this day. Sadly,my folks now support this administration. I think they get stuck on the legality issue. It’s made for distressing conversations. It’s complicated as I say and I try not to put people into boxes anymore. We are all multi- layered.
This is really interesting to me. I've experienced the same. People who have a pretty good past track record not getting it for some reason. I'm curious to know more about "the legality issue." I've heard this too. What do you think it means, where does it come from? Can you expand on this? Is it as though U.S. law is inviolate?
I was thinking of how my mom will say, “ they came in legally or through the right process”. I don’t think it’s more complicated than they think that people coming over the border doesn’t feel legal to them. I’ve tried to explain the complex asylum laws but it doesn’t get through and frankly it sometimes hard to defend. I know we need better immigration laws.
Thanks, Ruth. I think this is something that is well worth investigating further. Your post is making me wonder how many otherwise admirable people are unaware of not only the broken immigration system, but also why immigrants are one of our most valuable resources (check out John Mearsheimer), and also the complicity of our State Department in creating a mess in so many countries. Take a look at Jonathan Blitzer's Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here to help understand how U.S. Foreign policy has helped to create the horrific conditions in Central America. Helps to understand how deep the despair is. Anyone of us would do what these immigrants are doing and more to try and get our families out of danger of rape and murder, compulsory gangs or military. How can we help them to see this is what Jesus calls us to ...
Thank you Susie for this interchange and for the ideas to read more about this. Yes, I hope we can help Christ followers to see that caring for the poor and desperate is exactly what Christ did. I cannot even imagine the pain and despair that drives a family to seek refuge. I taught refugees from Afghanistan for years and it was extremely educational to learn the background of the women and how they lived. It is not easy to immigrate and yet they stay strong and show so much courage and fortitude. Its like the US has forgotten the words on the Statue of LIberty. Unfortunately, we have a history of looking down on the next immigrants coming behind us. May we do better.
Yes, well said, and I am in awe of your experience with these Afghani women. Just one other thing good to mention here is immigrants as an easy scapegoat as the screws are tightening.
Kristin, we have immigration task forces from two churches in Holland (BLVD and Maple Ave) who would like to sponsor a screening of Jemar's movie in Holland, MI. I have already filled out an interest form. I am just wondering if there is a way we could connect with others in Holland who want to join us? It's one of our small forms of resistance here and a next step after we had over 3,000 gather in front of city hall for No King's Day.
Maybe check with Holland United Church of Christ or with Still Processing?
Thanks I will send them both a note
I remember reading Milton Meyer years ago -- and taking note.
If people are interested in national efforts to combat the Trump regime's establishment of migrant concentration camps, I recommend a zoom call about resisting ICE's warehouse detention program on April 14 sponsored by Indivisible. https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/932124/
People who live in proximity to these facilities are finding ways to resist -- but what can the rest of us do? I am hoping for more answers from organizers.
When we were in South Africa, we spoke to white people about Apartheid and many said, "We didn't know. We knew something was off, but we just went along with it."
Although the time is dark, we can be thankful for access to information like your letter and independent news.
Thank you for this motivating letter. Standing against the tide with you.
Once again you have convicted me. Thank you for reminding us how important it is to not be complacent. Blessed Easter !
Thank you Kristin . I appreciate your work and truth telling
I watched the film with Jemar on his zoom Thursday evening and it is excellent!!! I am in communication with him because I want to bring it to Iowa City where I live and my hometown of Sioux Center, Ia. We cannot be quiet!
This is convicting and inspiring. And the quote at the beginning is one to share.
Yes! Mayer's book. Two years ago a young friend in her 20s invited me to read and discuss it. It continues to haunt, not the least because of how it is reincarnating in our present moment. I hope your students know the power they have to influence their parents' and grandparents' generation by inviting them to read this book and then meet to discuss it.
I told my students I’m assigning them readings that have haunted me in the hope that some may haunt them as well.
Ernst Fraenkel's Dual State concept, which I learned about in David French's NYT article, illuminates this evil lurking in the shadows as well. And seriously, I think it would be a really interesting assignment for these students to find an older relative who would read and discuss this book, and then bring the essence of the discussion back to the classroom.
Yes, I almost added the Dual State concept to this post but decided to do another one around that, also drawing on Mayer.
Much to ponder here, thanks Kristin. One item comes to mind which features Hmong immigrants. A heartfelt look at an older embittered isolated man who surprisingly goes from “get off my lawn” to eventually helping his for foreign neighbors.
From Wikipedia:
Gran Torino is a 2008 crime drama film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the lead role. It features a significant Hmong American cast, a first for mainstream American films.
A nice little read as I'm heading out to the hospital on a quiet Holy Saturday. Easter Triduum always makes me miss the Catholicism of my childhood. I think you once mentioned you associate your mother's passing with the darkness of Good Friday. This one surely does feel heavy. A blessed Easter to you and your fam. 🙏