It’s interesting today how often we get stuck in our heads, think about ourselves and forget about things around us.  For example, I have been stuck in my own head recently, trying to figure out what makes myself tick. Depressed and feeling so very alone, I think I have problems.  In reality, my problems are minor, figments of my overactive imagination.

The violence happening around the world, most recently attacks in Beruit and in Paris, are mind boggling.  I can’t imagine the fear and the pain felt by those affected by these atrocities. Paris is one of my favorite cities.  I hurt for the city. It makes no sense.  The thought that a religion could encourage it’s members to kill. Oh wait….  I’m Catholic. There was that nasty bit about the Crusades several hundred years ago. Hmmm… not our brightest spot that’s for sure. It was still wrong though.

I listen to those saying that we need to bar our doors and restrict access to refugees.  I don’t know about you, but I’m the great grand daughter of not just 1 or 2 immigrants but FOUR.  That’s right… all of my great grand parents came from outside the US.

Why did they come?  So they could make money?  To raid and terrorize a nation? Nope not at all. They came for the opportunities but they also came to escape to the freedom and safety the US offered..  They came for a better life, to get away from persecution and violence.  For them, it was back breaking work.  Heck one of my great grandfathers worked in the coal mines in the early 1900s. I’m not really sure it was that much better than what they came from but at least they were free. This is the same thing people in Syria are looking for… freedom.

How many Syrian refugees have fled their country?  Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? And one person in a crowd of thousands of people committed a horrible act.  Yes, it’s despicable. Yes, it’s terrifying. However, this is their life… a life of fear and death. Think about it, these are the monsters they are running away from. What if… just what if this is what the monsters want?  What if they wanted us to close the doors on these people, offering them now where else to go? Why?  This PROVES the West is evil, callous, selfish and every other negative stereotype out there. And those people who are turned away flock to their cause.

I don’t know about you. I prefer the monsters not finish this latest recruitment drive.  Instead, we should open our arms to those in need.  Yes we have our own problems at home and we need to take care of those too.  The human capability for empathy and caring is limitless. Remember… they are our own.  Refugees are are people too. And they need someone to show them we care, because that’s what’s going to make a difference in this cold, cold world.

So again, I think I have problems.  I have a home, a family, pets, a job, a country I’m proud to live in, and my faith. I am safe and secure, thanks to countless soldiers who gave their lives and wellbeing so I can be free. I/m female.  I’m an engineer.  I don’t have problems… I am blessed beyond belief!  All because my ancestors decided they wanted live a better life.  I’m thankful they did and I’m thankful Lady Liberty opened her arms to us. I hope she continues to do the same for those in need now.