As We Persevere...

I never imagined I would live in an America where our citizens would become afraid to walk out of their front door. If you're unaware, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem, and Homeland Security Advisor, Stephen Miller in conjunction with the US military and National Guard, have invoked it's immigration law enforcement troops known as ICE on our local streets across the country. Their mission is to deport 3000 immigrants per day, even if it's their own GOP voting base. What is unusual is even here in Texas a state considered Red (conservative, but we’re actually purple) many Austinites prepare to protest what some believe are this administration's many atrocities against those foreign and domestic. To date, there have been three known killings, two in Minnesota, of American citizens attributed to the Homeland Security projects known as of early 2025, major initiatives like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ERO which include the expanded use of expedited removal, the 287(g) program for local law enforcement cooperation, and the Criminal Alien Program (CAP). Additionally, the administration has introduced Project Homecoming to facilitate self-deportation through the CBP One mobile app, offering incentives for voluntary departure. Yes, it’s scary Believers, and it’s real. 

Along with what some call a fascist ideology to undermine the US Constitution, there's also a behavior trending that contradicts the teachings of Christ; love thy neighbor, care for the poor and indigent, suffer no harm to others, remain humble and benevolent, obey God's laws. These tenets and commandments are required by every Believer. But no, intolerable challenges confront us and the adversary runs rampant today attempting to devour every morsel of freedom, human kindness, and dignity.

But I want you to know that regardless of what you may see, read, or hear, God is in the plan. Some of us can’t see, feel or hear Him because of the trauma we are suffering, but the need for those lost in Christ contradictory ideology and propaganda must be exposed. The experience of hate, isolation, tyranny, and harm must fall upon every person who wished these atrocities on others. Unfortunately those who remain faithful and practice His works and words must suffer too. But we have a stronger tolerance. Through God we know all will be made right. We may suffer the loss of friends, family, employment, financial opportunities, our places of worship. Some may lose all. But I want each of us to remember and continue to spread God's love, compassion, wisdom, grace, and mercy with whomever we encounter. It will be hard, and we could possibly lose everything but our belief in God and our democracy, but through perseverance never lose your freedom or faith. Let's continue to pray for our country and one another.

Isaiah 5:20 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Proverbs 22:16 

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.