January is the worst-

I was about the make some disparaging comment about how terrible January is. The weather, the snow, the lack of job prospects. I had a rough time last night and kind of spiraled.

But then I deleted the lot.

Because I realized that these random setbacks are cake in comparison to other things. Real things that people have to deal with-now. I woke up this morning to news that refugees coming to my country are now completely unwelcome, due to our new president signing off on new orders.

When I was in NY this last October, I went by the Statue of Liberty. I didn't go to it cause I'm a cheap skate but it was cool enough to take the ferry around and see it in the distance. How amazing and wonderful it must have been to those who had traveled for weeks to see this beacon of hope and welcome. She doesn't face us, she faces those who are coming to her, seeking refuge. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Finally, after all of this, finally- we have found respite from the storm.

until now.

I've become obsessed with the musical Hamilton, anyone who speaks to me might know of this obsession. To be perfectly frank and honest, I think the Lord works in mysterious ways. I think that throughout time people across the world, religious or not have been inspired by sparks of inspiration from God. I think this is the case with Hamilton. Weird? Yea. We needed to be reminded of our history, of those who began this nation. None of which were perfect and upstanding men, but they were the men we needed. And through Lin's musical, we are reminded that we're all immigrants at some point. That even orphan immigrants can make a difference- that it was the immigrants that also led the charge against the British. Young kids to old kids know these songs. Know these men and stories. They are learning the nuances of the beginnings of our nation and that was just a spark to know more. We needed Hamilton- now. We needed Lin-now. It wouldnt have been quite so poignant 10-20 years ago.

So here is the deal. I won't stand idly by while my refugee brothers and sisters are condemned. I don't know what I can do, but I will figure it out and do my damnedest to support them.

I am less concerned about bringing in a potential terrorist than turning away thousands of people who are in despair.