Once upon a time…

Once upon a time, a toddler and his parents lived in a village. They shared a tiny home in their newly adopted town. The neighbors welcomed them. Life was simple. The little one grew and prospered, safe and sound. Until the world invaded, and angry men with swords drawn threatened his life. His parents, as all good parents would do, sought to protect their son from danger. So, in the dark of night, they gathered what they could carry, and they fled. Imagine the young family running for their lives. Think of the father bearing the weight of his family’s protection and provision, yet not sure where or how to find refuge.

When their village was invaded and their home country no longer safe, this young family ran south to a country not their own. They would be foreigners… unwanted… unwelcome. In years past, their forefathers had found refuge in this country when a draught devastated their home. First, they were welcomed guests, but over time they became brutalized slaves. It took an act of God to free them, sending them north, back to the land long promised. Now, this young family must flee that promised land to find refuge in the place of slavery. We have little knowledge of what happened to that young family during their time as immigrants in the country to the south. I have always wondered how their new neighbors received them. Were their neighbors kind, or did they turn away? Did the young family find grace or judgment? Whatever the reality, the young family had to stay in the country not their own, because to return to their homeland would be a death sentence for the boy.

How many once upon a time stories live in our midst today? Families who once lived in peace in the country of their birth. They brought children into this world with the same hopes that all parents have, to bless their children with joy in the day and hope in the future. But when violence invaded their villages and hope was lost, they gathered up what they could carry, seeking refuge in a country not their own. To many in their new country they are faceless… nameless… They have become pawns in a battle for power… often demonized… judged before their story is even told. Many of them know the story of the boy and his family who had to flee. Like us, they love the stories of that boy who became a teacher and a healer and our Savior. Many of those who are the faceless refugees in our midst are our brothers and sisters in the faith we claim. All of them are loved by the One who was once an immigrant child.

Once upon a time, perhaps just 19 days ago, a principal stood in front of his school as members of his community gathered to share the simple blessing of food. Some have an abundance while others have need. At this gathering, the gifts are shared as neighbors talk and children play. For four years, this gathering has happened joyfully, safely, respectfully while the principal has stood watch over a community he loves. He knows when children are well fed, they can learn. And when they learn they grow up to be a blessing. This gathering where food is shared will strengthen the community for years to come. But once upon a time, just 19 days ago, the peace of that gathering was threatened by a man in camo attire carrying a backpack. He yelled at the principal, aggressively trying to gain access into the school. His hate for those who have found refuge in our community poured out in curses, while the principal stood as a human shield for his families. For this principal, they are not faceless, nameless pawns in a political battle, they are neighbors and friends.

Once upon a time, just 5 days ago, the community gathered again to share the blessing of food. But this time, the police stood guard. Their presence protects but also reminds those gathered of the danger of hate. Sadly, less than half of the families came that day. The principal knows that those who stayed away out of fear have less on their table tonight. Their children will go to bed hungry because of hate.

Once upon a time, we were a nation moved and shaped by the words of the Savior. He taught us to love our neighbors, all our neighbors, even those who have fled their homeland to find refuge in our midst. When He taught the parable of the sheep and the goats, He said, “When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink… Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” (Matthew 25) When we look at those who have found refuge in our community, Jesus is teaching us to see His own face looking back at us. How could we judge… demonize… hate… if we see His face in theirs? Could we imagine together a once upon a time where hate has no place?

With you choosing His once upon a time,
Anita