God Loves Oppressors and Abusers?
A brief quote from #weirickreadinglist.
Full of self-deprecating humor, idealistic yearning, and vulnerable moments of frustration and failure, Assimilate or Go Home: Notes From a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith is a moving collection of essays about the inner conflicts and situational foibles of working with refugees.
Author D.L. Mayfield brings readers on her journey of discovering her good intentions weren’t good enough: the savior complex is real and powerful, but it inevitably places distance between the serving and the served. That was the barrier Mayfield fought to overcome, and still does, in hopes that her friendships with the poor, the under-resourced, and the often unwelcomed will change her as much as it might change them.
This book offered some personal relatability for me. I felt a connection with the author, D.L. Mayfield, who lives in Portland, a city I love and used to live nearby. And I think she alludes to working in Minneapolis before that, where I went to college and where I still have some friends. Minneapolis is a refugee hub, and I’ve heard Minnesota has the largest population of Somalians outside of Somali.
In a time when immigrants and foreigners are under harsher scrutiny than many of our homegrown citizens, refugees have become a political pawn for both sides of the aisle. Fortunately, more people in faith communities, humanitarian organizations, and the public sphere are speaking out about the stories and struggles of refugees who simply want a safe home, workable jobs, and the chance to show they, too, can be a part of our society.
Here’s something Mayfield wrote about God’s love for the oppressed and the abused—as well as the people causing them strife and opposition.
A Quote From “Assimilate or Go Home”
“But like the smallest of seeds, an idea began to grow: What if it was all true? What if God loved everybody, exactly the same? What if there were no hierarchies, no gold stars, no way to spill or waste or fritter away or lose the love of the Almighty? In my mind, based on my experiences, I was beginning to understand what the scriptures said, what the prophets and the poets fleshed out constantly: God loved the poor and powerless, the ones who weep and are abused. He loves the damaged ones, the bruised reeds, the trampled, and the forgotten. This, this I could believe. But the Bible also talked extensively about those on the other side, and it was still all love. His forgiveness is astounding, beyond comprehension. The idea lodged itself in my heart, and I could not look away: God also loves the oppressors, the abusers, the young people with savior complexes, the gluttons, and the cowards. He loves us all so much, that he cannot help but bring his kingdom. He gives his woes and blessings alike, all out of love. There is no one that can be left out; the door is wide open to whoever should enter.”
— D.L. Mayfield, Assimilate or Go Home: Notes From a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith
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