This week I found myself writhing in pain and crying out—in my dentist’s chair. The infection was so deep under the tooth he couldn’t seem to get it anesthetized. I kept telling myself, “This nightmare will soon end; just hang on for a few more minutes…” And then it was over. I went back toContinue reading “Book Review: The Beekeeper of Aleppo”
Tag Archives: Syrian refugees
World Refugee Day–Faith over Fear
A bomb threat at the hotel where we were supposed to teach English caused us to cancel our classes one day. Thankfully, there was no bomb, and we could carry on teaching English here in Indonesia. That’s the closest I’ve come to a bomb. I’ve never watched missiles fall from the sky and wipe outContinue reading “World Refugee Day–Faith over Fear”
International Day of Peace — And a Special Offer
The United Nations has declared this Thursday, September 21, as an International Day of Peace. The theme this year is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.” Special attention will be directed toward displaced peoples. UN Secretary-General António Guterres offers this exhortation: “In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats. We must resist cynical effortsContinue reading “International Day of Peace — And a Special Offer”
How Would Jesus Respond to the Travel Ban
Since President Trump issued the temporary travel ban against citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations, there has been no end of controversy. Some foreign leaders have criticized it; others have supported it. Likewise, within America, many Christian leaders have joined in protests and petitions, while others have argued its merits. What concerns me isContinue reading “How Would Jesus Respond to the Travel Ban”
Donald Trump Jr, Skittles & Syrian Refugees
Last week Donald Trump Jr. tweeted a picture of a bowl of Skittles with this message: “If I had a bowl of skittles and I told you just three would kill you. Would you take a handful? That’s our Syrian refugee problem.” Like many others who protested, I am grieved by the casualness by whichContinue reading “Donald Trump Jr, Skittles & Syrian Refugees”
America–land of the fearful, home of the no-longer-brave
I want to talk about fear. About how fear is robbing America of its greatness and its destiny. And about how to find our courage again. We have become a nation of panicky, terrified, paralyzed wimps. We’re so afraid that our confident, well-adjusted, highly educated children will lose their job to a Latino man strugglingContinue reading “America–land of the fearful, home of the no-longer-brave”
Jim Baton 