Although I have completed the course for which this blog was once required, I have decided that to continue to write. Why? Because my focused study of refugees last semester caused me to grow to deeply love them. My desire to do all I can to provide relief and to serve them has only increased.
This past weekend, Elder Kearon delivered an imperative and powerful message in General Conference on the subject of refugees, and it moved me. He connected things that changed my entire perspective on the current refugee situation completely. I found it profound how he brought up the fact that the Savior knows exactly what it feels like to be a refugee, because He once was one, both as a child and throughout the rest of His life. He also talked about our heritage as members of the church, and how we "don't have to look back far in our history to reflect on times when we were refugees, violently driven from our homes and farms over and over again." Never have I felt more of a connection to the millions of people displaced, and never have I felt more of a duty to make a change than when he spoke these words. So, so profound and inspired.
In addition, as announced in the General Women's Meeting on March 26th, the church has started a relief effort to provide us with greater ability to reach out and "love one another." On the home page, the First Presidency states:
"'I Was A Strager' gives sisters a way to serve as individuals, in families, and in organizations and to offer friendship, mentoring, and other Christlike service to the refugees in our midst..."
I am so grateful for our inspired leaders and the guidance and direction that they so willingly and lovingly give. I am also grateful for a beating heart and a willing and able body that I can use to help my brothers and sisters who desperately need it.
Listen to Elder Kearon's talk here.
Visit the "I Was A Stranger" homepage for more information here.
