text: Humility, Kindness and Welcome: Hard but Biblical Callings - From Jordan's Stormy Banks
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  Humility, Kindness and Welcome:
  Hard but Biblical Callings
  There is, in the American character, an exceedingly hopeful and optimistic spirit. I believe righteousness and kindness are embedded in the hopes and dreams of this nation. Though sometimes twisted in irrational ways or hidden behind today's political climate, we continue to share, as Americans, a desire to welcome the stranger, to see the rejected of other lands as a new and potentially vital part of our own. Yet, because of various pressures and difficulties, that vision—that hopeful trajectory of a positive future—is threatened. In some areas of our country where crime and illegal immigration have appeared to increase in tandem, it is tempting to leap to associative conclusions.
  These sentiments correspond well to what Jesus intoned in the face of harsh opposition as he continued to reinforce: "Love the alien as you love yourself; for you were once aliens in the land of Egypt…" (Leviticus 19:34).
  The tendency for many, and the constant temptation for all, is to blame problems on those who are new or different or those we simply don't understand. Yet, consistently in this country and throughout Christian history, we remember the legacy of the stranger, the heroic actions of the unwanted, the new insights and contributions of disregarded and even despised.
  Let us "pursue righteousness and kindness and find life and honor" and live out biblical wisdom—together—as we seek those new insights so necessary for our spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth. Watch carefully around you today—at the store, in the office, around the neighborhood, on the news—and look for positive signs of compassion, openness, courage, and new insights about living together in harmony. And as you do, consider another passage from the Bible:
  Just as the Statue of Liberty represents the spirit of human hope and the ideal of this nation and democracy, this verse from Isaiah is a bold reminder of our biblical hope – and spiritual goal. God's expectation is for our humility to exceed our suspicion. Though tempted to criticize and look down on those not in our circle of friends, the biblical calling is to bless, welcome and empower "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40).
  Now, let's look at the full text of Emma Lazarus' poem. She, by the way, was from a Jewish immigrant family originating from Germany and Portugal. Notice in her sonnet the echo of this biblical theme of humility and welcome while alluding in comparison to the ancient Colossus of Rhodes:[1]
  Let us together, with genuine humility, ponder what this means. In our churches and places of worship, and in our nation as a whole let us deliberate with mutual respect: How wide is the door? How humble and contrite is our spirit? Consider the role of a Christian regarding the various social issues of our day, whether the ongoing controversies with immigration, how we respond to refugees, the emotional debates surrounding LGBTQ concerns, relationships with the Muslim community, concerns about the those without homes … These and many other issues remain highly charged within and outside the Christian community. Without a coherent and well-articulated message from active citizens who are also committed Christians, all of us will continue to struggle.
  Let's face it, humility, kindness, righteousness and welcoming the stranger … these are tough in todays political and social climate. They are also very biblical, and remain as necessary today as they have ever been. Let us work together and rise to the challenge.
  "Lord, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference. Amen."
  [1] One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue stood over one hundred feet tall on a pedastal that was reported to have been over fifty feet tall. Built in 280 B.C., it was destroyed in an earthquake in 226 B.C.