TLR 145: Start With Welcome with Bri Stensrud

The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

It’s easy to feel alarmed when we read the headlines…

Especially when it comes to the immigration crisis. Current estimates suggest over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Many of them desperate to enter the United States – legally or illegally – which causes many people a lot of concern.

But what if we could balance the need for secure borders with compassion? What if we could engage with the crisis in a way that reflects the Christian values we cherish?

In this episode of The Living Room, author and human dignity advocate, Bri Stensrud shares from her book, Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation. She gives practical tips on how to align your heart with God’s heart for hurting people yet still advocate for secure and safe borders.

Key Takeaways:

• Find Out What God Says: Let Scripture shape your view on immigrants and refugees. From Genesis to Revelation, God cares for all, including the vulnerable and outcast.
• Seek Connection Over Fear: We often fear people different than us. Get to know immigrants’ personal stories, and discover the humanity that headlines often miss.
• Start Small, Start with Welcome: Making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures; it begins with small, intentional acts of kindness that demonstrate God’s love.

Rather than getting caught up in politics and safeguarding “The American Way,” let’s open our eyes to the opportunities to love those around us. It was the tangible, yet practical love of God shown by Christians that changed the world 2000 years ago. And I believe that’s how God wants to change the world today.

Links from Show

Bri’s Book: Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation

Bri’s Ministry: Women of Welcome

Bri’s Facebook Pages: Women of Welcome & Private Facebook Group

Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God

Joanna’s YouTube Channel

[Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]

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