July 28, 2025
I recently came across a Facebook site and web page called “We Choose Welcome” https://www.wechoosewelcome.com/. This group created itself in the face of hostilities and draconian procedures being carried out by the Trump Administration in relation to our immigration situation. Today, a poem was posted that moved me to tears because of its vulnerability and grief and resolve. We cannot look away. We cannot sit idly by.
I keep thinking of the families I met
in Juarez.
A Christian center for migrant
families waiting for their asylum
dates.
I know that’s all done now.
You are not around all those
round tables in the brightly lit beige
room . . .
Your children no longer rest in the beds
provided by big hearts.
I wonder where you are?
In the desert?
Sick?
Staying with someone you love?
Preparing a meal?
Finding hope in a day’s labor or
possible solution?
We ate pizza together
in the beige room.
We crafted paper flowers together
instructions given in Spanish . . .
so you showed me how to wrap
the paper just right.
I remember hoping it would be your
“turn” soon.
I know now you no longer have
a “turn.”
I’m sorry my nation did this to you.
I’m sorry for the chaos my nation
may have caused in your homeland.
I’m sorry you walked a long path
just to be turned away.
I’m sorry for the lies people
spread about you.
I’m sorry for the unfounded fear
people live in.
I’m sorry for the ways our laws
have harmed you.
I’m sorry.
I have no good answers today.
I am grieved.
You carry a hope & a will that this
world needs more of.
I pray one day you will be safe,
known, & welcomed in your fullness.
In the meantime . . . I will stand with
you on the other side of these walls
we’ve built.
I will speak the truth about
your journey.
I will correct lies that
harm you.
I will urge my leaders to act
with mercy.
One day I hope to see you again.
I hope you are still making things
with simple supplies.
(c) Mindy Summers
Resisting with you,
Rosemary
Photo credit: Pixabay
Spirit Reflections 