Let's just call them people

I'm going to try to make this short...

You guys, what if we stopped using the word "refugees" and started saying "people".  I mean, that is what they are.  People. Humans.  Beautiful, unique, souls made in the image of God just looking for a safe place.

And yes, it is scary.
And yes, there may be risks.
But also, yes...they are PEOPLE.

And yes, our veterans need better care.
And yes , there are so many homeless here already in America that need safe places.
But also, yes...they are PEOPLE.

I guess I'm just sort of overwhelmed with the hatred that I see all over my newsfeed...from both sides.

One meme said, "If you have ten grapes, and you knew that two of those grapes were poison, would you eat any of the grapes"

Another meme said, "If you think fertilized eggs are people, but refugee kids aren't, you need to stop pretending your concerns are religious"

First of all, grapes aren't people you asshole! Second of all, I knew it was mere seconds before we waved that pro-choice flag.

Why do we need to pit one group against another to prove worth? That Syrian refugee is a life.  That homeless vet is a life.  That unborn baby is a life (it is. seriously.)  Stop acting like one life has more value than the other. Every life is fearfully and wonderfully made and so, so precious.

I'm not saying I have the answers.  But I sure am surprised at how many of people do.  What I do know is that it isn't a cut and dry issue and that it is so much more complicated than a yes/no or right/wrong answer.

In a world where children are scared to lay their head down at night because of the nightmares about lost family members, I'm kicking the covers off because I'm just a little too warm.

I don't understand.  And I don't know what to do.  So I will just pray.  I will pray that God helps me to love harder, freely, and without fear.  I will pray for courage and protection for those souls fleeing their homes.  I will pray for wisdom and guidance for our president to make the right decisions for our country. And I will pray for you too.  Just cuz.

Family visit

My family came to visit this past October.  Three pretty big things happened.   

1.  My Brother and I surprised our parents with him visiting too.  Mom and Dad had no idea he was going to be there.  I videoed the big reveal on my computer.  You can't see faces, but you can hear the surprise in their voices.  Everyone got a little emotional...

2.  My Dad ran the Chicago Marathon!  This was really the whole point for their trip.  And he did awesome!  We were all so proud of him...and it inspired me to maybe run a marathon one day. Maybe. Okay, probably not.  But good job dad!

This is my Favorite picture of him when he saw us.

Taking a quick break for some pictures

3.  I checked something off of my list of 30 things.  A BOAT TOUR!  We took the Chicago Architecture tour, and it was so pretty.  That is a really beautiful and relaxing tour. If you visit Chicago, ya gotta do it!

Isn't my city SOOOO pretty?

And that's all I have to say about that.