I’VE BEEN SHARING MUSINGS AND CONVERSATIONS this month about living as though we are family and we belong to each other. A nudge from my heart (as I’m practicing it each day, myself) to yours … Especially, amidst moments of divisiveness and dissension, let’s declare that “We belong to each other.” Especially, amidst protests and rising up to standTALL for justice, let’s declare that “We belong to each other.” Especially (as I share more about in this note), amidst the often-polarizing topic of immigration, let’s declare that “We belong to each other.”
For me, much in the world is complex and can be challenging to understand and navigate. But, the more I connect with stories of people – as the causes become personal and shift from issues to people – the more fierce I am to explore what my part can be. So, my friend, whatever personal experiences or global stories tempt you to feel overwhelmed with clashes of conflict, I invite you to lean in and focus on the people, not the policy, the politics, or “the issues”, even. Let’s lean in and listen as if the people are truly our beloved sisters and brothers … our family.
I want to share a bit about what I’m learning from Sarah Jackson, a beloved soul sistah who is up to some amazing things. I trust Sarah AND I believe what she is doing matters a bunch to our global human family. Founder of Casa de Paz (Spanish for “House of Peace”), Sarah’s “why” is that “Families belong together.” The mission of the Casa is to reunite families separated by immigrant detention, one simple act of love at a time.
Whether you know a lot or a little about immigrant detention, choose 1 of these ways you can learn about what’s going on from those who are an intimate part of the story. As you do, you might just be inspired to act (and make a difference).
…WATCH or HOST a screening of the film, Welcome Strangers, about Casa de Paz. A bit about the film: “Every night at 6pm, just outside of Denver, Colorado, detained immigrants are legally released from an ICE facility onto unfriendly, industrial streets. Most of the men and women are asylum-seekers. They have little idea where they are and have nothing more than the clothes on their backs …” more
…READ the book, The House that Love Built or listen to chapter 1, about Sarah Jackson’s extraordinary vision and journey. A bit about the book: “The House that Love Built is the quintessential story of one woman’s questioning what it means to be an American – and a Christian – in light of a broken immigration system. Through tender stories of opening her heart and home to immigrants, Sarah Jackson shines a holy light on loving our neighbor … ” more
… WATCH my conversation with Sarah Jackson about how she began the Casa and what she’s up to now in this episode of The Seeds Storyteller Series (it’s just 36 minutes … listen to it on your next drive or walk!). Or, listen to this episode (48-minute) about a life-changing volunteer experience she had with The 3-Minute Hug. In each chat, we talk about soul care amidst stressful days, how to navigate life’s wild unknowns, courage, and connection. I have a hunch and a hope you’ll love ’em. (PS – For more, check out this film on Netflix, The 3-Minute Hug.)
A conversation with Sarah Jackson about belonging and borders, how she began the Casa, and what she’s up to now (36 minutes).
Don’t know what the “3-Minute Hug” is? Learn more in this conversation with Sarah Jackson about her life-changing volunteer experience (48 minutes).
Trailer for the film, “The 3-Minute Hug”, on Netflix.
More amazing stories, quotable words of wisdom, connection links with Sarah Jackson, and nudges for inspired ACTion here.
I share this connection with Sarah and other changemaking friends of mine from around the world – activists, visionaries, artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, educators … (the list is long and the ways to make change are vast!) – so you can be INFORMED about global happenings, discover some INSPIRATION in your life today, and be IGNITED more in your unique ways to make a difference.
I’d love to hear what encourages or inspires you from this note’s nudges.
I hope that you are ohh, so well, my friend.
My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you.
You are loved.
You belong.
We belong to each other.
Let’s standTALL together and light up the world!
xo, -Sarah DT ❤️
