Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people,” Isaiah calls out to a people In exile, bringing a message of hope. His words of hope and peace at times seem so far from us, even as we continue our Advent journey. Isaiah’s people did not know how the story would end, and in a real sense, neither do we.
Neither does Bruna Ferreira, who is the ex-partner of Michael Leavitt, brother to White House Press Secretary, and with whom she shares a child. Arrested for overstaying a visa – she entered with a visa at the age of 6 and has DACA, which is supposed to protect her. But, as we all know, when parents fight over children, things can get ugly, and they have. And it’s especially ugly here.
Now detained, accused of being a negligent mother, and the rest of it, she faces removal based on an incident that occurred when she was 16, but did not lead to an arrest. Leavitt, on the other hand has had several arrests, including a DWI. Now, of course, she wonders whether she will ever see her son again.
Prayer for the Day
Surround us with a wall of hope In our despair, O God,
Moving us from fear to living your promise;
May your citadel of strength protect us, O Lord,
Even as forces around us batter our faith.
Let your arms welcome us and embrace us,
Holding us in your everlasting love.
In the name of the One who shows your love to all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
By ensuring that no one in government has too much power, the Constitution helps protect ordinary Americans every day against the abuse of power by those in authority.
Chief justice John Roberts
Everyone must have their little tooth of power. Everyone wants to be able to bite.
Mary Oliver, American poet and writer (1935-2019)
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,
And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
And I walk in faithfulness to you.
Psalm 26: 1-3