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I remember the day I received my green card in the mail. It was a Monday. I went downstairs to check my mail as soon as I heard it was delivered and immediately booked a flight home for that Thursday. It had been over six years since I had had the ability to leave the United States and visit my home country. I had missed weddings, baptisms, and funerals. I had missed Christmases, New Year's Days, Mother’s Days, Father’s Days, birthdays, and all sorts of joyous and grievous occasions. I had missed my grandfather Salvador’s passing and funeral. I had welcomed nieces and nephews, born while I could not travel home. Spending important days apart from my family was incredibly hard. I think of that when I recognize how difficult this year is for so many. We have much to lament: the rise of COVID-19 cases and deaths; the ongoing killings of Black and brown people in the U.S. at the hands of the state; the negligence in dealing with the great disparities that make this health crisis particularly acute in Black, Indigenous, and communities of color; the extended election season that was filled with harmful discourse and abusive behavior; careless gathering practices; and the continuous stress of living through a pandemic. We long for a special time of comfort and joy with our loved ones this holiday season — and our nation’s top health officials say that, too, is dangerous. That anticipated separation will have an impact on our souls. Our traditions will need to be mourned and reimagined. Some have long been familiar with the concept. Many Native American people have been lifting their lament on Thanksgiving Day through a National Day of Mourning, which honors native ancestors and condemns the genocide inflicted upon them, the theft of Native American lands, and the constant erasure and attack on Native American cultures. Their lament begs us to reconsider the history we celebrate, to examine the origin of our traditions, and to reimagine a new way of being together with one another. Some are separated from their families due to immigrant detention. Behind bars and alongside other detained people, many immigrants in detention facilities often lean on prayer and songs and on each other to make it through the holidays. A visit from a family member may be completely out of the question, as they sometimes live in a different country or have not been granted a privileged immigration status and therefore cannot approach a detention facility. In the absence of family, letters and memories shared with others at detention centers sustain the spirit. Let us draw lessons from those who have long had to make it work. And in that, I offer a prayer.
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Our Latest Begrudgingly Thankful: What Our Editors Are Reading This Week (by Jenna Barnett) De-politicizing refugee resettlement, virtual Thanksgiving, and other stories our editors are reading. ‘I Will Literally Convince Some People to Vote by Using Bible Verses’ (by Curtis Yee) How organizers and faith leaders reached Georgia's unregistered eligible voters in the 2020 election. What Warnock's Critics Get Wrong About the Black Baptist Tradition (by Mitchell Atencio) White pastors routinely critique the U.S. But when Black pastors do the same, they're called “un-American.” How Close Did We Come to a Coup? (by Lexi McMenamin) The Coup-o-meter is sticking around, just in case. |
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From the Magazine Making Home Life Sacramental Again (by Kaeley McEvoy) Emily M.D. Scott and Anna Woofenden want us to move our hands along with our spirits. |
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Looking for responsible gifts to give this holiday season? Sojourners' Just Giving Guide is the place to discover alternative giving ideas from faith-based, fair trade, and nonprofit organizations. Give to Sojourners this Giving Tuesday! To celebrate this season, in the spirit of gratitude for all that you have made possible, we at Sojourners are offering you a special gift: a copy of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s new book, with your donation of $25 or more. Don't wait - supplies are limited! |
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