In the midst of the recent terrorist attacks, not only in Paris but around the world, hearts are heavy with a yearning for an end to the violence and heartache. The lack of regard for life by these terrorists is surely the type of villainous activity you see in some kind of horror movie where no one survives by the end. ISIS, Islamic State In Syria, has made it clear they will exert whatever power they have over anyone who crosses their path, Muslim or not. Which by the way shouldn't even include the word Islam, but that is a topic for another day. In Syria, where ISIS currently operates, beheadings, bombings, and gunfire are regular everyday scenarios that Syrians must witness and cope with.
What do Americans have in common with Syrian refugees? Only one thing, we are both human, we are all the same on the inside. We have the same emotions and the intelligence to feel compassion towards others. Some, unfortunately, know pain and sadness more than others. As Americans, thankfully, we may never know and experience what they have lived through and the kind of pain that burdens their heart, body, mind and spirit. All because we were born into a country where war, though prevalent, is not physically near us. Where we have a freedom and right to be who we are without persecution. Where we can look up and see clear sky's without having to look past clouds of smoke from bombs.
Being born into a free country was not a choice. Rather a privilege bestowed upon us by whichever God you believe in or by pure coincidence, some may say. The same way for Syrian refugees, being born into a country where home must be built around death and anger and violence was not a choice.
Refugees are not fleeing their country because they want to. No one wants to leave their home, their ancestry, their culture, for a country where they will be labeled 'foreigner' and, unfortunately, degraded by many. Though it is easy to assume, Syrians can't simply pick up and move to another city or state because this barbarity is nearly everywhere, not only in Syria but in the Middle East as a whole. They are fleeing because there is no other way to escape the grips of a terroristic era of people who will destroy anything and everything with the blink of an eye.
Most Americans can take a look to their left and right and list at least five things they are thankful for. As I sit in my room at this very moment there are more than five things I'm thankful for.
My home
My bed
My laptop
My cell phone
My health
For many Syrian refugees there is not much to be thankful for. Many have lost their families or everything but the clothes on their back. Why should we let blameless people suffer if we have the resources to help? There should be no question here of whether or not America should help Syrian Refugees. If we can't help people who can't even name five things they have to be thankful for than what is the point of being citizens of an amazing country. A country like America, where you have been given the resources to be the best you can be and make not only your life better but others as well.
