A TOUCHY SUBJECT
Their eyes glimmer with urgency. They aren’t as lucky or blessed to be born into a cushy life. Their life is harsh. Reality to them is much different from it is to most of us.
As a kid we’d hang out on the dock of the marina to see the scads of carp swimming around and under the slimy docks. On occasion to have a precious snack, we’d tear off a sliver off of it to drop into the murky water and watch the fish swarm for provision – the biggest one usually ended up getting his way and the modest prize.
I think of those carp from so many seasons past when I see the men swarm the trucks in hope of work. Like the fish, they’re desperate. The truth is they’re real life desperadoes. The don’t sport sombreros or pistoleros, but they’ve broken the law to be here and that makes this a touchy subject. Kinda like the hot potato not many folks want a turn at and if they get one they want to make it as brief as possible.
Living in the southwest I know this dilemma first-hand. I personally know men who have made the illegal trek through a punishing Arizona/Mexican desert, run out of water and came whisker close to death trying to make a better life for themselves and their family.
I’ve often wondered what I would do if faced with living in abject poverty and intense violence, knowing the land of milk and honey was a three or four-day walk through hell on earth. Would I risk getting caught? Maybe prison or death to have a life worth living? I come up with the same answer every time; a resounding yes. I don’t think I’d hesitate for two seconds. I’d do and risk it all to have a chance to have my family live a lifestyle we’ve all come to take for granted.
As I watch the desperadoes swarm the potential hard labor opportunities, it becomes blatantly clear that these men don’t have a plan “B” – there is no back up plan, “just in case.” They’re lining up to work – not lining up for a handout! They’ll do whatever they have to in order to care for their loved ones.
That doesn’t seem so “alien” to me – that seems like an attitude that once described the people who made up this God-fearing nation. I have to say those folks willing to work hard to make their own way have my respect. I know some “good” American folks that only want to stand in line for a handout, not a job…
Interestingly enough, just a few miles from the mega do it yourself box store that I’d just left, I ran into a kid that looked like he could be one of my relatives… from the good-looking side of the family that is… He was in fine shape, in his early twenties, and he held up a sign at the stop light before the underpass.
Mr. GQ’s sign read, “Got a great spirit for adventure and ran out of money along the way – anything is appreciated!” I just stared at him till his Hollywood smile melted. While I appreciate the kid’s honesty… I have more in common with the desperadoes…
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 8:38 pm
We men always want to go hands on and come in with the problem-solver. What you just saw might have been a prayer opportunity. I know…the temptation is to think that’s not enough. When we behave that way (and I do too) we are demonstrating how really limited our confidence is in the effectiveness of our prayers. I go to Philippians 4 and note what Paul says…”in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known. (speak ’em out). I know a woman who prays for the salvation of every passenger in that jet flying overhead. Crazy? Bold? Obedient? You tell me.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:20 am
I can’t argue with that, Doug. That’s a sound statement on your behalf and good advice. I can say I didn’t pray for the kid, but I do pray for specific things in our country, although not nearly specific enough. Good call, brother. Thanks for calling me out!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 6:37 am
Floyd, its not a touchy subject for me because I know this lifestyle. It was not long ago that I came over to school (Still feeling High Class) that my Dad ran out of money and so did I. I struggled and did everything I could just to make ends meet. So coming from another country I can align with this. In America nobody should be struggling because it has so much opportunity, we just have to go get it. Its there, but we would rather hang out on the corner and ask for handouts. Yes its a touchy subject for some, but for me its reality. Its why I stay hungry for more education and more learning. I want my daughter to realize where we came from. It definitely was not the land of milk and honey. Thanks for sharing this.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:31 am
I appreciate your story, Lincoln. Those are the type of things that turn average people into great people and leaders. I’m with you, the best things I ever got were the things I never got. That is the ingredient that propels us to unlimited heights, especially when we know if we’re in the will of our Father nothing is beyond us. Thanks for sharing that passion. I’ve said it before, I like it!!!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 6:39 am
“I’ve often wondered what I would do if faced with living in abject poverty…”
Putting yourself in another man’s shoes. Until we can be honest enough with ourselves to do that, we’ll lack compassion. I’d say you’ve borrowed a lot of shoes in your lifetime, Floyd. You’ve definitely got some compassion in you. May the Lord continue to give you outlets for it–including sharing your stories here on your blog. They help us all.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:36 am
“I’d say you’ve borrowed a lot of shoes in your lifetime.” What a great line, Lisa. I’ll have to borrow that one. Much wisdom in your words, Lisa. I know you’ve borrowed more than your fair share and it shows in your heart through actions. Thanks for the encouraging words, sister. It’s a two way street, Lisa. Glad to be traveling it with you… even if you have lapped me again… (couldn’t resist… !)
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 6:31 am
I love this Lisa and agree with you completely, “Until we can be honest enough with ourselves to do that (walking in another man’s shoes), we’ll lack compassion.”
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:35 am
I’m with you, Ngina. I think being able to “see” ourselves in someone else’s life and circumstances is the gift from our Father of compassion… it’s not the gift that always makes us smile, but it doesn’t hide from Truth. Thanks, Ngina. I know your heart is made of compassion from Above.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 9:19 am
“I have more in common with the desperadoes…”
You think?
American law is up against real need and a higher law. I don’t envy our political leadership – not that I really expect them to be able to solve the problem, as polarized as we are.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:43 am
I told you it was a touchy subject! I definitely don’t have anything in common with the kid who is on a mission of fun. Nothing wrong with fun, but I believe it’s his responsibility to pay his own way. I guess I had so little as a kid and had to fight, scratch, and claw, to make my own way, I grasp that mentality. Thanks for always sticking to your guns, Rick. That’s the kind of thing I respect as well. Guess you already figured that out!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 9:21 am
Hmm, those are good points, Floyd. Thanks. I appreciate hard work ethics and devotion to family too, and see that in them too.
Immigration is such a complex case, huh? No easy answers.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:47 am
No. No easy answers. The verses from the OT echo in my head that speaks to how we’re to treat the “aliens” in our country. In some aspects we do, in others not so much. I have pretty strong ideas on things and rarely bring them up here so as not to divide us as Christians. I feel my calling is to unite us on the points that matter. In the end we can agree that all the souls of this world are created and called by our Father… regardless of how they got here. No easy answers is right. And thanks for commenting on this touchy subject! I respect your take on things, sister.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 1:44 pm
Great post- one of my fav’s.
You sparked several emotions in me as I read this. Since you know me so well, I won’t go into it, besides, you already said it all.
Great job!
by the way…did you see the article on The Blaze about a woman holding up a sign asking for money to get a boob job? At least she’s honest, but I’m not donating. You can edit this part of my comment if you want 🙂
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
Thanks, TC… and yes, I knew your take… Who said being predictable is a bad thing? Not me! Nope, I like your story and what it brings. The world has lost it’s perspective!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
There have been interesting points made here. I work at a factory with a number of friends who have taken the long route out of their native country Cuba. Other family members followed even years later. The stories I heard about political BS down there, coupled with a system that completely kills individual initiative, made me understand that these friends would have done anything pretty much to break free. I respect them and I respect their work ethic, upbeat personalities and happy assimilation into the Canadian scene. Floyd your blog reminds us that there but for the grace of God…
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:41 pm
Very, very well said, Doug… And yep, there go i. Love your style and heart, brother. Thanks for adding your perspective.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:29 pm
Even as a child, we tried to earn money. I took over my brother’s two days a week paper route for the shopping news – – when he got a regular paper route. All summer long until school began, I earned a couple dollars each of the days worked. When Robert and I married and things were tight, I either worked or took in children for working mothers. But Thank God, we have never been as desparate as those men who were ready to work and hoped someone would provide a days labor. We often say, don’t buy things made in say for instance “China.” Then we have blogger friends who urge us to purchase handbags and jewelry made by women in Africa, because they came out of “slavery” and are trying to better themselves. I wonder if there is an equalizer – it doesn’t seem so?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:52 pm
You’ve been a worker your entire life and have the wisdom that comes with it. The things earned are so much sweeter… I agree, there are no easy answers to these most difficult of issues, but we have the right heart and it seems that God is going to open our eyes more and more… May the lost open theirs… Thanks, Hazel. A paper route huh?… You never cease to amaze me!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:53 pm
Great post, Floyd! I remember when I lived in Chicago thr “workers” on the side of the road who waited to be picked up for work. Our neighborhood had a lot of illegal immigrants living. There was even a bus on the West side that took people back and forth to the Meixan boarder (every week). I resonate with your heart hear.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 6:11 pm
Thanks, Dave. People struggling the best they can to provide for their families have my deepest respect. That is true love, brother… And thanks for your heart too.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
I with you 100 percent, I would take that dangerous trip across any border if it would help my family. The bible says if you don’t work, you don’t eat. I see the alien’s doing jobs that those begging on the streets won’t do. You tackled a problem that is before us everywhere. Brave post brother.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 7:00 am
Great point, Betty. It’s just common sense to me… which our society sorely lacks. People also miss the gratification the our Father designed into a job well done. Thanks, Betty, you always boil it down a step more, making even more sense out of any subject. Wise hearted indeed!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 9:12 pm
It kills me when I see all the men lined up, hungry to provide for their families. I want to make up a job for each of them, every single time! I have the utmost respect for a man who will do anything to work and provide. That said, I know opening the borders is not the answer, but of course I don’t have an answer to this sad problem. Thanks for your fearless, compassionate heart Floyd.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 7:06 am
I hear you, Audra. We could talk about solutions for days, but it starts with the proper heart and perspective first I think. Thanks for sharing that big heart of yours, sister. It is always appreciated.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 9:14 pm
It’s scary to say in some circles, but I care less and less about the negative reactions. We desperately need immigration reform. Mexico might look like a paradise, but it’s hell on earth for a lot of people who WOULD do the process legally if it was an option. Getting a green card is so wrapped up in government tape and roadblocks that people would rather break the law. I would too.
Floyd, thanks for noticing those men. I worked out in the orchards last summer with my refugees and alongside many Hispanics– we have migrant worker camps in the area and they were the nicest, hardest-working people I’d had the pleasure to be around. I respect and LOVE the Mexican culture, 100%.
They just want a better life.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 3:42 pm
I hear you, Jake. I know people that have been trying to be legal for over a decade, still no luck. I know others that have had businesses and homes here that have been deported… In the past four or five years one million muslims have been granted citizenship in the city of Detroit ALONE!
I’ve had similar experiences, Jake. They want a better life and are willing to work for it… I too many people that want a better life but don’t think they should have to work for it.
It is great to hear from you again, Jake. We gotta catch up. I also need to check up on you! Thanks, man.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 2:16 am
Dear Markus
Gonubie is a small village and we have only two sets of traffic lights. At the one nearest to the centre of the town there is always quite a few men waiting daily to be picked as day laborers. My husband hired our gardener a few years ago from that corner and he is one of the men I respect most in my life. He has been working for us for nearly six years. But at that same corner there is also men with placards in their hands with the same old story of being unemployed begging for help. In port Elizabeth the other day we hear the story about a building constructor offering a beggar work for R 200 a day. This beggar turned this offer down, because he told the constructor that he “earns” about R600 to R700 a day with his begging and he doesn’t need to pay a cent income tax on that money. That says it all.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 3:47 pm
Yes indeed, Mia. That says it all. I respect your landscaper too. It’s a gift to be gratified with the work of our minds and hands. I for one can’t stand to sit still for too long anyway! Thanks, Mia.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 5:24 am
This IS a touchy subject, Floyd. I do agree with you about those who only desire to work hard at anything in order to provide for their families. My heart goes out to them, because I know they are sincere, and they have many needs.
I guess there is the other side of the story though–those “citizens” who don’t want “outsiders stealing THEIR jobs”. You probably can recall me writing about “Bill”, my (bitter-hearted) Dad. Just this morning, I found a few messages from him in my inbox. He has a very real “distaste” for Muslims and Pakistanis. A couple of these messages were rife with what I call “hatred” toward those who enter Canada illegally, or they do it legally, but then expect Canada to cater to them and soften the laws of provision for them; that they complain about Canada so much, that my Dad wonders why they don’t just “go home” if it’s so awful here in Canada?
These types of messages disturb me. Because I too, know what God says about the alien and sojourner in our midst. It’s a fine line, requiring balance, but I sure don’t think these types of messages circulating around the internet do any good whatsoever in solving anything. All they “serve” to do is to further harden hearts, and feed into people’s prejudices.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 3:59 pm
The world has changed so much it’s crazy. Being in business I see daily people who refuse to do the jobs that illegals would jump at. Kids and adults who believe their mom and dad will take care of them forever or at least until the government does. It’s gotten to the point that no amount of money can bring many of these folks to work. I’m also aware of the groups of immigrants that make a point to play the government to make sure they don’t have to work and while I agree hate messages don’t fix anything, in general, we need to have laws that balance budgets and term limits for politicians. Regardless of political persuasion, that will fix most things…
While it is a touchy subject, I’m with you, it starts in the heart. And a heavenly perspective will start us at least in the right direction I think. Thanks for speaking up, Jillie. You know I respect every word that you have to say, sister!
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 8:21 am
I definitely prefer to lean toward the human side of an argument and not the political, economical, or whatever other kind of rhetoric there it out there. I used to work in a public assistance office briefly (about 6 months) and it was a mess. I could tell you stories, but I’ll refrain. Needless to say, I definitely feel your point here and can get behind the sentiment. Thanks for tackling this touchy subject, Floyd. I appreciate getting my thinking muscles churning in a different direction.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 4:58 pm
Thanks, Jason. You know I generally try to steer clear of issues that divide us and focus on the things that bind us together, but now and then I think it’s good to have a discussion that we might not all agree on and still show the same respect to all of our sisters and brothers in Christ and actually have us grow closer and stronger instead of dividing us. ( How’s that for a run on sentence?)
Thanks for making a great point about considering the subject from a heart position first. Makes sense to me, brother.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 9:17 am
This post is an example of that brave, compassionate heart of yours Floyd, and I’m so grateful to be your sister in Jesus.
The plight of immigrants in America today breaks my heart; over and over again.
As you know, my son and family are involved with refugee families in an inner-city non-profit Christian ministry (I also help with logos, photos, and other digital projects, and gifts for food and other needs, since I live at a distance.) Some of the families are here illegally while others have been sponsored by churches and various organizations. The majority of the people are super hard-working individuals, who would rather have a hand-up, than a hand out. And, Dear God, the children; I’d better not get started about them as I might not stop writing this side of heaven.
We try not to get caught up in the political debates. We see each legal immigrant or illegal person as an individual, someone God has sent across our path, or into our lives so we might share His blessings and love with them.
Having worked in foreign mission work for many years I’ve learned from friends in India who witness bed-to-bed of people sleeping on the streets at night. It’s easier to share with the hungry about a loving God after compassionately giving them a blanket, morsel of food/water, and some time to just hold them.
Many of the people my son and family minister to are in need of food; the majority are in need of Him.
I remember my son and DIL sobbing after visiting an immigrant home where the mother was boiling some sort of root she had dug up, to make soup for her four children. She had nothing else in the cupboards or fridge. We’ve learned since, this is a common occurrence with countless families; just in my son’s city alone. Many are clueless to the help available to them, or there is a language barrier, and if illegal, they have the added fear of being deported, so must fly under the radar.
I firmly believe that God is sending people to us in the US, creating a mission field right in our own country. How can we continue to turn a blind eye, as one friend put it, “while luxuriating in Big cars, Big bellies, and Big churches”. How can we be so selfish? Are we going to be His hands and feet to carry out His command to love others? Will we share what we have, our food, clothing, time, money, whatever God has blessed us with, so the hopeless can hope again, and even more than that, be happy to hear of the One True Hope, Jesus Christ? When we do that for immigrants, illegals, true homeless, prisoners or any person he brings to our attention; we do it as unto Him.
Apologies Floyd, for hijacking your comment section, turning it into my personal soapbox.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 5:21 pm
No need for apologies, Betty Jo. I was genuinely looking forward to your response on this subject that is so dear and close to your heart and family. I think you presented a case that none of us as Christians can ignore. How can we ignore the human aspect of any scenario? And as you stated, what we do for them is what Christ said, “You have done unto me.”
I appreciate the passion for the ministry God has called you and your family to… that’s not a coincidence. You and yours are the hands and hearts of our Savior to Him and His children that he knitted together and new before the foundations of the universe. Thank you, sister.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 11:27 am
Dear Floyd,
I appreciate your compassion, born out of your own struggles, for those born in poverty. Your post reminds me of Jeannette Walls memoir, The Glass Castle, and what she went through…her resiliency…and yes, but by the grace of God…and I have to ask God, what would you have me do? pray…give as He leads…thanks for tackling a difficult subject
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 5:24 pm
I’ve heard so much in the last few weeks about “The Glass Castle” and have added it to my “must read” list. “What would you have me do?” That’s the best advice I’ve heard all day! Wise words and heart, Dolly. Thanks for sharing your compassion and heart here, sister.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 4:27 pm
You did a great job with this touchy subject. It’s definitely a complicated topic and i don’t have any magic answers. Loving our fellow man? That I can always agree with.
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 5:26 pm
Wow. That really struck a cord with me, Chuck. That’s what we’re called to do and that is love in action. Wise words and advice, brother, I can always agree with that too, Chuck. Thanks for bringing that perspective and your heart, both are always respected and appreciated, Chuck.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 5:26 am
If it were me, I’d be going across the border too
I know it’s illegal, but after visiting that country, I’m not sure I would stay.
But I think I would do what I could to make my status legal.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:33 am
My sentiments exactly, David. Thanks for your honest thoughts about this and all the “touchy” subjects that come your way.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 6:52 am
This is such a great post Floyd, i love the heart of it. I love what Lisa said in her comment – it’s very hard to have real compassion until you have walked a mile in another man’s shoes. I came to the US 2 years ago and sometimes people don’t have a good grasp of what the rest of the world grapples with, which would help them understand and ‘walk a mile’ with someone that’s come in looking for opportunity, not handouts.
Great post and a great challenge today, as always. I enjoy my visits here and love the growth and stretching. Something you’ve said about unity, sometimes we need to be broken before we can be united. Be challenged before we can grow. so this is one of those posts that might fell prickly to some but in the end it makes us better and stronger as a body of Christ.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:38 am
How a so appreciate your comments, Ngina! I’m always blown away at the amount of wisdom for your age! God has brought you here and blessed you and is preparing you for great things. I’m honored to be part of your journey and appreciate all that bring to all of us and how you strive to be the glue that unites us as family. Thank you, sister.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 9:22 am
So much empathy in this post, Floyd. So many Americans look past the faces and the desperation in these men; they are so out of touch with their own dried out souls. We have such a dilemma here in the U.S. with how to handle this situation. We are desperate for a God who saves, restores and brings wisdom to the hearts of men.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:44 am
Amem, Rachael. Without the compassion in our hearts from our Father we can’t begin to see and do the proper things for others and ourselves. May He pour out wisdom on us as we take the hard issues head on. Thanks for giving your perspective on a touchy subject, Rachael.
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:58 am
Floyd, a touchy subject indeed … I can see it in the comments. I could easily pen at least as many words as are in your post in response. I’ll try to spare all of us the grief.
I latched on to your comment about good Americans waiting for handouts. I think that might be almost as big a tragedy as the plight of the desperadoes. Hard working people made America great – they’re STILL making America great. On the flip-side it has produced such an abundance that we have an entire generation of “Mr. GQ’s” who, by and large, have developed an “entitlement” attitude and don’t want to do hard and/or “dirty” work. I can’t count the number of kids I’ve seen whose first car – usually bought by mom & dad – is nicer than any car I’ve ever owned. Why would they want to do dirty work? I wonder if buying so much stuff for our kids just because we can hasn’t done them a disservice and may ultimately be doing our country a disservice as well.
Don’t misunderstand me, I realize there is plenty of poverty among our own citizenry that is not necessarily due to laziness. But the “entitlement” thing will only make it worse if we can’t get our young ones to understand that “doing” hands are not only what built America but what get you paid.
I agree with you, I identify much more with the desperadoes than the Mr. GQ’s.
Great post, Floyd!
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
Very well stated, David. I agree with you on the entitled next generation. I may be a little guilty of it myself. As I look back at the things that I had as a kid I realize that the best things I got were the attitude of gratitude for things earned… and the material things I never got… I’ve said often, if you give a kid a thousand dollars for doing nothing, how will they ever learn the value of it and what it takes to earn it? The days my back hurt the worst and my hands were the dirtiest are the days I felt the most gratification. The sweetest of gifts in this life are the ones we are blessed to earn. Thanks, David.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 1:12 pm
Great post Floyd,
It’s amazing how much harder foreigners work than most Americans. We have gotten too comfortable with our nice car, house, and stuff. We stay in our bubble while most of the world is starving and dying. Young people (and some older) need to learn the value of hard work and perseverance. Great post and thoughts!
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 2:12 pm
It’s amazing how much most of us in our society take for granted. I’m with you, Dan, it really is like a bubble and like most bubbles, this one will pop as well. Thanks, Dan.
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 2:19 pm
Amen! Some times popping the bubble requires a big needle:)
Saturday, August 17, 2013 @ 2:32 pm
I’d say there’s a big needle-uh-comin’!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 6:11 am
It *is* a really touchy subject, but I definitely admire those who are willing to work to change their lives and not just claiming that its everyone else’s responsibility.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:35 am
Absolutely, Loren. I couldn’t agree more. Those are the ingredients of successful people! Great call, thanks.