My Take on the Refugees as a Christian

    I've thought an awful lot about what I want to say. The older I get the more I can see a big divide between people's way of thinking. There are so many opinions, a variety of approaches to those opinions and the only way to know who is right to use hindsight after the fact.
    As I recall every member of the Islamic faith I've ever known, I can only reflect on them with fondness. They hold as strongly to their values as I do. They want to love and help the world. They are normal and good and not worthy of the negativity that is being heaped upon them.
    I can't get the recent bits of hatred, terrorism and innocence out of my head. My heart hurts for France and their suffering. My heart hurts for Syrian refugees, and all those who didn't wish this to occur, yet will feel the inevitable backlash. My heart hurts for every single guiltless person who will endure pain throughout this time of turmoil. The world we are living is full of such deep rooted pain for many people.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/syrian-refugee-photos_564a319ee4b045bf3df04d49?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&section=politics

    I read a brief article that showed this picture of this tiny boy left in war-torn Syria. It haunts me. It brings chills over my body. I look at those big brown sad eyes. This photo was mixed in with others that showed children sitting on tanks, men standing on what once was tall apartment, dead bodies wrapped in sheets laying on the street to be identified. But this baby who just happened to be born in a tumultuous time, who had no say-so over the conditions of his birth, who can't escape alone- he sticks with me. How can I forget this small boy, with his dirty face, who has seen more graphic, horrific things than many 20 times his age?
    I can't and I don't want to. His life is important. Instead, I want to help him. I prayed so fervently last night that he and his family would be safe. That their country would win over the reign of hatred, that ISIS wickedness would stop being projected over the world. Then I thought, it's possible that he isn't even alive right now, that these prayers are fruitless. How horrific, but that's honest.
    I am angry/frustrated/livid that a few Extremists are doing things that create hardships for all Muslims- most of who don't feel the same way. Who despise what they're doing in religion's name. Who hope they'll stop causing persecution for them. That need help and don't wish harm on anyone. In the end, the world's hatred towards Islam is what can help propel them to go to these crazies, under the false pretenses that they're the only ones who care for them. What a shame.
    So what should we do? I don't have all the correct answers alone. American citizen's don't. Politicians don't. That's why our votes and our voices matter so much, so that we can come together with viable solutions.
    These refugees with their shattered lives, who I'm sure would rather stay in their countries in different circumstances, are suffering greatly. They have been/will continue to be turned away from so many places because of radicals they don't agree with because, there isn't time to really sift through who is dangerous and who isn't. I have tried to think of the options: If we don't help they're stuck in a horrendous, disgusting situation. Innocent people will die, their country (and maybe others) will be destroyed, they innocent will never realize what compassion, gentleness and love is from Christian people. If we do help then we're seen as aiding terrorism. People will say that we're forgetting our own, that it isn't our job, that we're giving assistance to people who could hurt America later.
    Is it possible to aid everyone? To help our homeless, our veterans, the lower class and these poor impoverished refugees who are safe? How can we do this? Why wouldn't our country do this? I want to do this!
    I think of Jesus Christ, a man who truly was perfect. A man who loved the meek, the faithful, the sinners alike. And I pray so hard that things will ease up and that our leaders will know what to do. That if I can help, I will be able to take courage and do so. I ask that everyone join me in this, it's devastating for everyone.