There are cruel people in this world who abuse us just for being who we are. There is someone, as I have said on Twitter, who hate-stalks me and others to rip apart our perceived opinions, and their latest reviling accusation in which they tagged me was that those of us who welcome refugees and advocate for immigrants, are essentially responsible for rape. Clearly, this is an evil person, and I think my character and what I believe about abuse has been consistent enough over the years.
Loving people, and supporting the cause of the orphan and the widow and the displaced, is indeed risky. In these days of polarization, you are also immediately judged as an extremist for having quite ordinary Christian views. (The piece also accused all of us of being for open borders, which is a laughable accusation, as we all likely have a variety of views on border law and immigration. I'm far more concerned with the disgusting attacks on our character though, and I have said so online.)
As people who know me are aware, I grew up overseas, in England, though I was born in Ohio. And yes, Ohio is a little different even from Texas. I also spent time in Europe, learning the other two languages I speak and teach. So I am a stranger wherever I go now.
I decided to write this today to point out that while ignorant Americans and sometimes, as in this case, quite evil abusers who claim to be Christians, have been chasing their tails about mostly poor people: climate refugees and those targeted by gangs, fleeing over our borders, Russia has been amassing troops, using refugees as provocation, along the border with Europe.
This is a threat to many innocent people, and potentially dangerous for my family and friends who live in a free Europe and United Kingdom. As part Finnish, I am quite concerned about what it means for the happiest country in the world, long term. As a military spouse, I have concerns about how it may impact our family directly someday. It's personal.
Many refugees had or have similar concerns. Those who belittle others for loving refugees, dehumanize us all. They do not care about our lives. They don't understand it could be any one of us in that position and maybe someday shall be. The inhumanity may yet get many people killed in our time. Americans like these really shouldn't have been so easily radicalized by our enemies against our values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If they are Christians, they've forgotten who Christ is.
This is a hybrid war, and there are evil ideas and ideologies being spread, harming so many ordinary people and curtailing freedom. We did not deserve this, just for living. Those who do evil must be rebuked, in the meantime, I am glad there are still many people who love the stranger, because I was a stranger.
Pray for peace, because evil people want a war. War is not inevitable. Love people instead.
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