Love Thy Neighbor

Lately I've been reflecting on my Mom’s journey and the sacrifices she made for me. She left Jamaica in search of a better future, first migrating to Canada and later coming to the US; she believed it would offer me more opportunities. 

For three years, she lived here without legal status, until her employer offered to sponsor her in exchange for cleaning their house and caring for their children. 

That was over 45 years ago. My Mom has since passed on, and my children are now first-generation Americans - they'll never know that struggle. As I think about her story, my story, my heart aches. It aches for the way we’ve allowed fear and judgment to dictate how we treat those who are different or struggling. 

We dismiss people’s humanity with labels and stereotypes, and too often, we justify it in the name of Christianity. But how can we claim to walk in love while turning our backs on those who need it most?

My Mom's story is one of resilience and sacrifice. Someone saw her worth and gave her a chance. That single act of compassion transformed her life and changed the course of my family’s history.  And yet, I wonder—how many lives are we overlooking because we’ve decided they don’t deserve a chance?

Left: My Mom, Ann (years later with her employer/sponsor Diana and her daughter Jennifer)

This isn’t about politics. It’s about seeing people as God sees them. It’s about remembering that faith without love is empty, and compassion without action is hollow. If we truly believe in grace and mercy, then it must extend to everyone—not just the ones we deem worthy.

I share this not to provoke, but to remind us all: behind every struggle is a person, a story, and a purpose. Let’s be the kind of people who see that—and act on it. Because one day, you too will need that same love and compassion you withhold.