By Christina Pacheco
Today, one would be hard-pressed to turn on the TV or radio or open social media and not hear about worldwide wars and struggles. The 24-hour news cycle and technological enhancements let us witness these wars and their destruction from the comfort of our own, often safe, homes. Yet, many Americans bristle at the idea of welcoming our global relatives into our country as immigrants and refugees. We are not alone in this fear; other countries have also denied entrance. A significant concern often articulated is, “there is no room,” meaning we fear there are not enough jobs to go around, there is not enough housing, and we may lose our identity and culture. These concerns are rooted in a scarcity mindset or a belief in limited resources and are really about the power and privileges associated with those identities. It is not about space.
Jesus has an abundance mindset or a belief that there are plenty of resources for everyone. His abundance mindset is illustrated in the story of his feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. Let us live like Jesus in an abundance mindset.
Most people seeking a life in the United States must leave behind everything – everything they own, everyone they know and love, and their identities and cultures. They do not do this with ill will or intent. They do so to seek better opportunities and safer lives for themselves and their children. My father immigrated to the United States from Bolivia. He did so to pursue a better education and more opportunities for the children he hoped to have one day. After graduating with his master’s and while working on his doctorate, he worked at a local children’s hospital, where he spent the next 40 years working to address childhood asthma and allergies. Although he retired from the children’s hospital, he continues to work at our local community college, helping to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. While many individuals come to the United States seeking a better life free from persecution and rich with opportunities, they often face many challenges and hardships, including experiences with discrimination.
As we approach the holiday season, it is important to remember another famous family seeking refuge that was told there was “no room.” A nine-month pregnant woman embarked on an arduous 90-mile journey with her partner to participate in the Roman census. When they finally reached their destination, they were informed there was no place to stay. While none of us could ever think of turning away the holy family, think about how you may have “closed the door” on others seeking refuge, safety, and better opportunities. As you prepare to share the holidays with those you love, think of how you can open your heart to those who do not have a safe place to celebrate with their loved ones, just as you would have opened the door to the holy family.
Happy holidays from my family to yours.
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Christina M. Pacheco, JD, MPH, is an assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center and the director of policy and development for the National Hispanic Council on Aging.