Living Free
Simply Sunday: 08
Friday was their very first July 4th in America. One year ago, they learned they had won the green card lottery after applying every year for the past 10 years. They began preparing for their big interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country, and dreaming of a future that held endless possibilities. They could have never imagined that one year later, they would actually be sitting here, on this blanket, under this fireworks display, surrounded by red, white, and blue. The brilliant display of light reflected in their eyes, as they watched in awe and wonder. The loud bangs made them shudder, too, as each burst pierced through the night sky.
They could have never imagined being here, in this moment, in this place. They also could have never imagined that this same country who extended an invitation to them, is now turning its back on so many other families who have also come here (yes, even legally) seeking refuge and the promise of a new life. They could have never imagined they would be caught in the cross fires of debates over whether their American-born baby would be recognized as a U.S. citizen. They have no agenda, other than working hard to give their own family the best opportunity they can in this strange new land.
And yet. They sat on this blanket, with light in their eyes and hope in their hearts. They faced the night sky knowing that the darkness of future unknowns is heavy… but that it only takes a few sparks to illuminate the darkness with light.
I sat on that blanket too, holding that precious baby. I felt the weight of his little body in my arms - and the weight of my responsibility as an American, to both celebrate this land I love… and also to insist that liberty and justice for all, literally means for ALL.
I saw the light reflecting in those sweet baby’s eyes as each new burst of fireworks lit up the sky above us. “Welcome to America,” I whispered… “you belong here.”
You see, I met his mother only weeks after her arrival to the U.S., and while she was still pregnant. We became fast friends, as I was drawn to her courage, humor, and beautiful family. We navigated months of establishing medical care for her during this pregnancy, and we spent hours together in various waiting rooms. We shared countless stories, laughter, and tears. Although we came from very different places in this world, we connected as two women just trying to raise our families well, navigating the chaos in the world around us, and recognizing God’s hand in it all. We remained curious about each other’s perspectives on the world and our lived experiences. Then, she blessed me in a way I could have never imagined… by giving this baby a name that honored mine.
My privilege to be born in this country was not a result of my efforts. Her journey to this country was a direct result of her own efforts. And both of us were here in this place together only by the grace of God. There we were, families surrounding us on this blanket, watching the same fireworks illuminate the sky above us on this 4th of July.
It all felt like too much to comprehend in that moment.
As the fire made a brilliant display in the sky, I thought about the irony of it all. When the power of fire is controlled and harnessed for good, it can be used to light a path, illuminate the sky, provide warmth, and so many other ways that benefit the good of all. But when it is allowed to burn out of control, it can destroy everything around it in an instant.
This year, no matter where you found yourself on July 4th- whether boycotting the celebrations due to your frustrations with the state of our country, or whether you proudly sported red white and blue…
May we be people who are aware of the responsibility that comes with living in a free country.
May we recognize that liberty and justice for all, truly means ALL.
May we be people who hold the flames high to illuminate a path for others around us.
May we be persistent in our efforts to keep the fire from burning out of control, and to say something when we see something that threatens the safety and humanity of those around us.
May we recognize that true freedom means living in a way that makes others around us more free, too. Extending more grace, more love, and more compassion for our neighbors will not dampen our own light… it will only brighten the path we share. When we lift others up, we rise together- stronger, kinder, and more free than we could ever be on our own. ❤️
With liberty and justice for ALL,
Dr. Peek