Reblogged from #NotInMyName | Once Upon a Time…
Ater the horrendous attacks in Paris, many muslims took to twitter to show their support for those suffering from terrorism, invoking the hashtag #NotInMyName.
I saw this on twitter and found it very moving. I am not a Muslim, but have read books on Islam. Several of them were written by Ravi Zacharias, who emphasized awareness among Christians that not all Muslims desire war and destruction, but that many do want to share their faith in peace. And just as Christians bristle with annoyance when we’re reminded of what we did during the Crusades, they too hide their faces in shame at what extremists do in the name of Allah.
I applaud them for standing apart and for their desire for peace.
Today, I read an announcement by Alabama governor’s office, stating they would not be allowing any Syrain refugees to enter Alabama. This comes as a result of one of the Paris bombers having entered Paris on a Syrian refugee passport. There is still some debate among media as to the accuracy of this information, which will probably be cleared up in a few days, but true or not, this does not change how I feel about the actions of Governor Bentley.
I think it’s shameful, foolish, ignorant, and heartless.
Have we as Americans become so fat on our privilege, that we have become willingly ignorant and neglectful of the needy and helpless? I wrote a poem about this once, when I was struck by how self-focused and blind we can be. We have so much, and care so little.
To make matters worse, shortly after I read this announcement, I read this article on CNN, stating that this diseased thought is sweeping our nation. With over, 12 million refugees fleeing the crisis in Syria, we were only willing to take about 10,000 of them here. That’s better than nothing, but it’s only a drop in the bucket. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate that terrorists can exploit their situation, but seriously, 99% of those people are running fromISIS. They’re just people; homeless, starving people. Oh, and half of those 12 million are children.
Shame on us for this display of cold selfishness. Shame. On. Us.
It’s times like these when honestly I am not proud to be an American. That is not to say that I’m not thankful, I am. I love my freedoms, my home, and my family. I would be the first one to grumble if they were taken away. But I’ve also reached the point where I think we’ve become so used to being and having that we could use a dose of cold hard reality. Most of the world does not be and have like us and many of them are tired of hearing us complain that our light and sweet carmel latte is not hot enough. Or that we don’t have the space or the money to help the starving homeless multitudes.
I am taking this chance to stand apart. Like those muslims I admired, who were brave enough to declare they did not support the extremists of their group, I am saying that Christ loves the needy, reaches for the lost, and desires those who follow him to do the same.
I am saying to you America, Not In My Name!
World Vision for Syrian Refugees
UNHCR – UN home for Refugee Crisis
judithbarrow1 said:
Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
Heartbreakingly wrong.
Mary Smith said:
I can only echo Judith’s comment above.
writerchristophfischer said:
Thanks Mary 🙂
MELewis said:
Americans are not the only ones – France is certainly no hero in terms of taking in refugees. The UK is no better. Only Germany seems to be opening its doors. Anyone with a brain should be able to see that ISIS is using the refugees to spread fear and hate. Good on you for calling it out!
writerchristophfischer said:
Yes, a lot of countries could help out those who are taking refugees in already. In Europe especially, since we are so close and are a Union with humanitarian ideals.
Thank you 🙂
davidprosser said:
I’m delighted that since Germany made it’s superb humanitarian gesture that other European countries (including the U.K.) have upped their quotas.
I can understand the PM’s logic in wanting to send vast amounts of money to keep the refugees close to their own countries ready to return once the situation is secure but as building and creating an infrastructure takes time the refugees need more pressing help.We must get rid of the need for them to set out for our shores in unsuitable shipping that has currently cost so many lives.
The only comment I can make here as to the decision of so many American states refusing to help the refugees is to ask,Whatever happened to ‘ Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’ ? The same country that may have opened it’s doors to your families to give you a chance.
Hugs
writerchristophfischer said:
Great comment. Agree with you completely. We need to help them here and at home to enable them to stay. Hugs 🙂
dgkaye said:
Bravo! Canada will have 10,000 here by year’s end and 25,000 more by February. They say they are doing a careful vetting process, and it’s not taking 2 years to let them in.
writerchristophfischer said:
Bravo Canada – as always. Thanks Debby ❤