Addressing Anxiety and Uncertainty in Our Community: Reflections from a Town Hall
This message regarding anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, particularly in light of the current climate, has been shared in Spanish with the LHCC family and our broader community with a spirit of care and concern. It also serves as a personal reflection on lessons learned.
Recently, LHCC participated in a town hall listening session hosted by the Organization of Hispanic Journalists of the Carolinas. The panel featured experts including an attorney and friend of LHCC, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officer, and a psychologist. The discussion focused on the challenges facing our immigrant community.
I would like to share some key takeaways related to the current situation:
1. Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Fear: It is crucial to foster a sense of security and strength, especially for our children. Reinforce the message: "I am strong, I am okay, I am safe. We are strong, we are okay, we are safe." If feelings of fear and insecurity persist, please do not hesitate to seek professional support.
2. The Power of Presence: Focusing on the present moment can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Let go of dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future.
3. Understanding CMPD's Role: The CMPD is dedicated to protecting our community by responding to criminal activity. They do not collaborate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and do not inquire about immigration status during their duties.
4. Empathy and Understanding: We must approach every immigrant with respect and acknowledge their right to be here unless legal processes determine otherwise. The vast majority of immigrants, myself included, come to America seeking opportunities to work hard and build a better future for their families. We must remember that, like our ancestors, immigrants contribute significantly to our society. It is a shared understanding that no one desires the presence of criminals or convicted felons who pose a threat to our communities.
It is my sincere hope that these reflections provide comfort and reassurance during these uncertain times. We are a ministry and community that cares and supports one another. Together, we can navigate these challenges with strength and compassion. We are grateful for the care and concern of our volunteers and community representatives who have offered sage advice in these uncertain times.
Finally, there is a powerful story in Daniel 3 where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego give this inspirational response before being thrown into a fire, for not bowing down to idols. “If it be so, our God whom we serve can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king (King Nebuchadnezzar II). But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” God can and will answer our prayers. However, if things turn out differently than we hope, we must remain faithful and filled with peace because, in Jesus, we are always going to be okay” Daniel 3:17-18.
If you are asking what practical ways you can assist:
Parents are skilled residential and commercial cleaners, landscapers and lawn care services, baby sitters, carpenters, house painters, cooks, and welders. We have a handful of LHCC parents seeking freelance employment to make up for under- or un-employment. If any of these services appeal to you or your neighbors and friends, please kindly let us know. We can also secure client references.
Pray for the well being of our families, knowing that God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline.
Brent Morris, Executive Director
