On most days I engage with folks on the other side of the divide on a range of issues. Of late, the issue of the migrants on our border has been a hot topic. Tonight I was being goaded and mocked by a woman because of my desire to offer hospitality to our migrant brothers and sisters.
She wrote:
"I’m still waiting to hear about the migrant family Jim Keady said he was going to take in."
I responded saying:
"I signed up with the organization that is coordinating sponsoring families. I am waiting to hear from them. I had a long talk with my 10-year-old about it and how the migrants seeking peace and a new start are similar to the refugees she saw me work with in 2015/2016. She wanted to know where they would sleep. :) If I am chosen to help a migrant family in this way, I welcome it and I know that it will be a powerful experience. Peace, JWK"
Another woman then chimed first saying that we needed to take care of people here first and then asked if I had contact with the (refugee) gangs, because if I did, I would feel differently and I wouldn't let these people into my home because it's real gamble.
I responded saying:
"There are gangs here in the United States. I was a Councilman in Asbury Park. I remember in 2013 standing over a man who was bleeding out on the sidewalk and his friend was dying half a block up in the middle of the street. I remember sitting in the Johnson's home on Pine Street among the bullet holes in the walls, the kids laying on the floor in a couch fortress to feel safe, the parents telling me what happened. So yes, I know the horror that gangs and gang violence can cause. But I also know that the majority of people are good in those areas and in those populations. I have spent the past 20 years of my life wandering in and out of the margins of our society both here and abroad to listen to and accompany the poor, the marginalized, "the other." Can it be scary sometimes? Yes. But this is how, in part, God has called me to serve and to advocate. Because of my faith, I do not fear death, perhaps that liberates me in ways that others do not feel liberated. This is my path, the one I was called to live, and it is one that is grounded in love, a radical love, especially for those that most people fear, especially for "the other," especially for the poor, the unwashed, the unwanted. That's all I can say. If you understand, I hope you can wish me well as I do this work. If you do not or you disagree with me, I understand and I hold no malice towards you. I am simply doing what in the depths of my heart I feel called to do. Peace, JWK"
The first woman responded:
"I look forward to hearing how it all shakes out. I personally am called to serve God in ways that do not open my home to strangers.'
I responded saying:
"Would you be interested in learning about my experiences on the front lines of the Syrian (and Afghan/Iraqi) refugee crisis? It was my work in that arena, in part, that informs my approach to the migrant crisis. Let me know. If yes, I'll share. If no, no worries. Peace, JWK"