by the Rev. Judy DesHarnais
I brought you to this land so that you might live in safety. Safe from those who sought your life in the land of your birth.
I see how you have been forced to hide, to live under the darkness of a government that seeks to cleanse this land of you. A government that has forgotten that it is I that made the continents and I who set the bounds.
A place that has forgotten their own heritage as immigrants fleeing the lands of their ancestors.
I know you are hungry and dare not risk a run to the grocery store. I know you are fearful when you let your children go to school.
But you are my people and I am there with you. I formed you and called you here. I became flesh that I might also feel the rejection that you experience now.
I do not reject you. I was hungry in the wilderness. I know your hunger. I was anxious in the garden of Gethsemane. I know your anxiety and I am with you.
Your suffering will not continue, I your God have seen it and have not forgotten you. I will bring about my kingdom.
I hear your prayers and those of others who you do not know, there are many whom I have called to stand with you, my beloved.
Just as I brought my people out of bondage in Egypt, I will bring about your relief.
Just as I fed the 5000 in a deserted place, I will bring you food.
Just as I opened the prison doors for Peter, I will open the doors of ICE detention cells.
All my people will feel the relief of being seen as fully human and beloved.
I will establish justice in your land.
It is I, your God, that will do this.
Raise up your head, know that you are loved, and you will not always have threats rising up against you.