In seventh grade, we studied the Holocaust. I was horrified by what I learned. Gas chambers. Killing off those who were different. Exterminating those with special needs.

I hope I would have done something to turn the tide—even helped just one person. Or would I have looked the other way while Hitler marched on and advanced terror?

We used to live a few hours from the Grand Canyon. The first time we went there I wondered if something was wrong with my soul. Everyone was enamored with the magnitude and majesty of the Canyon. I was hardly phased. I felt hardhearted and numb.

My soul laid dormant as I was unmoved by the vast chasm that lay before me.

I confess, I’ve had a similar response to the Refugee Crisis. Maybe avoidance is a coping mechanism—or I’ve let the comforts of American culture lull me into a apathetic state—but I am concerned.

Glennon of Momastry said this, “Why are some Christians so obsessed with “saving” people, until there are actually people who need saving?”

This statement helped jolt me awake as I realized the time is now to do something because wouldn’t I want someone to help me if I were a refugee?

I don’t understand all the details surrounding this crisis but I want to be more Christlike. And I hope it’s not just to make myself feel better, and less guilty.

I want the refugees to know that they are not alone.

Watch this video to learn more about helping the displaced.

There are softer hearts that have already shed light on the darkness of this situation. They have also provided ways that we can do something. If you haven’t yet, head on over to Ann’s blog, Jennifer’s blog or Tsh’s blog to learn more about the Refugee Crisis.

We want to be welcomed, but are we welcoming others with our attitudes and actions?

We want to be loved, but are we loving others in the way we want to be treated?

Let’s pray, let’s give, let’s wake. Let’s arise and stand for His sake.

Dry bones, awake
New life, in place
Proud mind, turn meek
True voice, now speak

O sleeper, time to wake
Wanderer, walk straight
Old chains, be gone
Healed heart, find song

Let us arise and build
Let us be wholly His
Let us stand for His sake
Now that we are all awake

Hard heart, be tilled
Empty life, freshly filled
Idle hands, now move
On the cross, love was proved

Foolish one, be wise
Weary soul, arise
Sinful flesh, be freed
All things are new indeed

Let us arise and build
Let us be, wholly His
Let us stand for His sake
Now that we are all awake!

Dear God, Forgive our apathy. Help us clearly know what You would have us do, to be Your hands and feet to the refugees. Please comfort those who mourn and give hope to the hopeless. Show us the way that we should go and give us the courage to follow You. Thank You that nothing is too hard for you or beyond Your grasp. Thank You for the opportunity to show Your love to those who’ve been brought low. Help us wake up, come out of hibernation and do something. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Find out how you can help at We Welcome Refugees and learn more about the Nazarene Fund here.

P.S. Linking-up with Kelly Balarie for the #RaRaLinkup.