The Observer Newspapers | What Would Jesus Do?

April 10, 2008

What Would Jesus Do?

To the editor:

This week we were reminded of the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As I watched the old black-and-white images from that time and listened to the inspired words of Dr. King I could not help but to think of the controversy here in our town regarding illegal immigrants. I wondered for a moment which side of this issue Dr. King would have sided with if he were alive today.

Then I thought of other great leaders who championed the rights of those who did not have a voice during times of great controversy. Mahatma Gandhi, Desmund Tutu, even Abraham Lincoln were all names that came to mind. How would they feel about our town's issues with illegal immigrants. Who would they support?

Finally, I thought of the greatest leader and champion of the oppressed that ever lived: Jesus Christ. How would Jesus feel about the way our town has handled this issue? I don't remember seeing an asterisk after the commandment "Love thy neighbor" that provided an exception for people who had not been certified by the government.

There are times when you find yourself in the middle of a disagreement when you need to stop, take look at who is opposing you and what they represent, and then reconsider your own position. Ask yourself, "What are the core values of those I disagree with?" "Is my position defensible in a broader context which considers all of history and mankind?" "How will future generations view these events?"

Reston Interfaith, lead by Kerri Wilson, is the key advocate of the disadvantaged in our area. Ms. Wilson and Reston Interfaith do not ask to seeÊa passport before rendering assistance. The only litmus test they use is one based on need. They see and assist the starving, the homeless, the people who are victims of our economic downturn. They see and help the families who are unable to provide meals for their children. They see and help children who bring home portions of their school lunch so their mothers can have a meal that day. They see and supportÊthe families who look an awful lot like the kinds of people Jesus stood for in the Bible. They represent those who do not have a voice in the same spirit of Dr. King. They stand against injustice the way Gandhi and Lincoln did. Reston Interfaith stands with people who need help regardless of their status with the government. Reston Interfaith helps illegal immigrants. Reston Interfaith helps our neighbors.

Just because a law is written in Washington does not give us an excuse to violate the laws of God when it comes to the way we treat our neighbors. There is no problem that our town faces today that cannot be overcome through compassion, love and understanding. When you go to vote on May 6, consider the positions of those who align themselves against what you know in your heart is right.

This is our town and our community. Let's take it back from those who would make our community into a battleground that pits one neighbor against another. Let's remove the hate from our dialogue. History is watching us. What we do here and now will have an impact that goes far beyond our town's corporate limits. If we can find the collective maturity toÊcreate a sane and compassionate solution to the integration of illegal immigrants we will lead the nation in a new direction. Herndon will go from being a battleground to a paradise where we understand what it means to "Love thy neighbor."

John Griffin

Herndon