Words can "trump" us!
Holding a Haitian baby in my arms, I shed a few tears the other night. Such an innocent, trusting, loving child. Such hateful words had come from the mouth of a bigoted, hate-full, uncompassionate man.
As a foster father to a child from one of Trump’s “s-hole” countries (and godfather to many more), an attack upon Haitians is an attack upon my family.
ABC NEWS10 in San Diego asked if they could get my reaction and comments. “For two years, we have endured the sewage coming from this man’s mouth and heart, and I for one am tired of it,” was my reply.
This is a cautionary tale that we must not overlook.
Words can “trump” us.
The president’s hate speech against Haiti reveals so much. Kellyann said we should disregard what he says, and just know what is in his heart. No Kellyann, that is not Biblical. “…for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) If it’s in his mouth, it came from his heart!
I am appalled that white evangelical Christians’ silence at this and so many of the President’s words and actions that defy everything I was taught as a Southern Baptist.
Growing up, we were not even allowed to dance. And if we used even the most benign curse word, we got our mouths washed out with soap. (I kind of preferred Dial gold bar soap.)
There is little wonder that a person’s “Christian witness” falls on deaf ears when we tolerate such hypocrisy.
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 29:20)
“Even fools are thought wise if they are silent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
Words are powerful.
The Bible tells us the tongue has incredible power. After all, the Bible says God “spoke” the universe into existence.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21)
We can use our tongue to bring blessings and life or curses and death. Our tongues can be the most difficult thing to control and leave us with great regret if we use our words to hurt.
Words often hurt.
The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is dead wrong. Words do hurt.
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
Words matter.
Mr. Trump’s words reveal what is in his mind and heart. So too do mine and yours. That’s why the Bible cautions us to take great care in what we say.
Words are contagious. Especially when coming from the President. But our words live on after us. “Nothing to fear, but fear itself…” “Ask not what your country can do for you…” “All men are created equal…”
I suspect Mr. Trump will be remembered for “grab them by the by the p***y” and as the “s-hole” president.
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37)
Finally, words can heal.
“The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
The best way I can respond to Mr. Trump is to return love for hate.
What a responsibility is laid upon our shoulders to care for the most vulnerable, innocent of God’s children. They are not people from “s-hole” countries. They are human beings, created in the image of God, just like you and me. They are my brothers, sisters and children, loved by their Heavenly Father as much as I love my family of immigrants.
I am honored to be able to play even a small part in helping immigrants and refugees. Operating “The Loft” (our immigrant shelter) over the past two years has afforded many opportunities to hold precious babies from Haiti, Central and South America, Africa, and even Eurasia. I wonder what will become of them if they are deported to a place they have never seen or know.
What will become of Haitian, Central American and African children because their skin is not white enough for the folks in Washington DC? I am ashamed that we have come to this.
According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, our small GateWAY Loft is the only immigrant shelter in Southern California, and one of only nine along the southern border. (I would love to be proven wrong on that – we need more help here next to the busiest border crossing in the world!)
We continue to receive refugees and asylees. Yesterday, ICE brought a Haitian woman with a four-year-old daughter to us. Today Border Patrol brought another pregnant immigrant woman to us. A week ago, one of our resident women from Sierra Leone gave birth. Our GateWAY Loft is over capacity.
Thank you, Lord, for sending your children in harm’s way to us so we may share your love and expand our family.
For Christ’s Sake
Dr. Bill Jenkins
