Helping Those in Need

"I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me."  -Matthew 25:43

Our neighbors used to have chickens that would visit our yard.  The chickens would come to eat the bird seed that the squirrels, as they jumped into the feeder from a nearby hand rail, would inadvertently knock out of the bird feeder that was in the window above this basement window.  I would have to refill the feeder constantly just so the intended recipients--song birds--would have something to eat.  But I did not mind doing this.  I had plenty of seed to keep refilling the feeder for the birds as well as the squirrels.  The fact that the chickens were also benefitting from the fallen seed added to my pleasure of having them visit my yard.  Even my cat enjoyed watching them from her window perch.

I am deeply distressed by our new President's order preventing people from certain countries entering the U.S. because of what he calls "countries with terrorist ties."  In the meantime, refugee families who have already been vetted are left stranded in the airport because they are prevented from traveling to the U.S. where they were to be sponsored by an awaiting family.  In his misguided attempt to protect the U.S., the President's action has done the opposite of what the squirrels did.  At least the havoc they wreaked provided food for the chickens.  Our President is wreaking havoc in real human lives, tying the hands of those who want and are able to help.  As a response, my husband and I have started giving an automatic $100 a month to the International Refugee Committee.  It is our way of "refilling the bird feeder" at least.  But I am also praying that hearts will be changed and the President will see that all lives matter--not just the unborn, but those who are hungry, sick, and in need of safe shelter.

I am grateful that I have the means to help others in need even if it's just a drop in the bucket.  If we all step up to help in some way, the bucket will be filled to overflowing and in doing so love will have conquered fear.