Jesusluvsall's Blog

This drawing was given to me by a girl in 3rd grade. I gladly put it on my refrigerator door yesterday because it has more meaning to me than artwork in a museum because of who gave it to me.

The little girl’s parents came here as refugees. Even though the little girl was born here, her life experience is that of the daughter of refugee parents. They don’t have much. They were happy to get a housing voucher for a house in a low income neighborhood.

I visited them yesterday. We had tea, ate delicious snacks, and talked for an hour and a half. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to get to my school to prepare for my evening class.

Her family has not been treated kindly by people over the years. I met them through a friend who has championed their cause. My friend Kelly was my assistant six years ago and has gone on to do wonderful things helping refugees and immigrants. Kelly asked me if someone could help them move last December. I showed up with a pick up from my church and met the family for the first time.

Kelly was there yesterday when I visited and we were joined by a friend from my church Lorri. Lorri wanted to meet them. The girls need new clothes for the winter. Lorri had some gift cards for them to go shopping. She enjoyed meeting the family. I am grateful the girls can get some new things.

Each member of the family has so much kindness in their hearts which makes it more troubling to me how unfairly they have been treated. When I think of what Jesus said in Mathew 11,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “

I envision Jesus with his arms open to them inviting them to come to him. My prayer is that they can come to know the gentle heart of Jesus and his love.

Showing kindness and friendship can mean a lot to people who suffer in this life, yet require so little from us. It can be as simple as giving a little of our time to visit, speaking words of encouragement, or listening.

Asking the daughters about their school and lives was more of a blessing for me than it was for them because as I listened to them, I could feel the love Jesus has for them. They like to draw pictures, so I asked the little girl in 3rd grade if she would draw a picture for me. It is on my refrigerator door as a wonderful reminder of the special girls and to pray for them.

Showing kindness is a choice on our part. When we choose to show kindness, we may not always be rewarded like I was with the picture, but we do have the great blessing of being closer to the heart of Jesus.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.