Ever since I was tiny, my parents have instilled in me the idea that freedom isn’t free. Both my parents were in the Air Force, and most of the men on both sides of my family have served in some branch of the military.

As I got older I decided that the military life was not for me. I honestly don’t think I have what it takes to be a devoted soldier, one that can continually put my life on the line and salute the caskets as they get loaded on the plane. A job that I know my dad had, but he doesn’t like to talk about it.

I love America probably more than the average person. My husband and I have American Flag onesies. I have a permanent countdown on my phone until the forth of July. I even made the White House out of ginger bread this year! However, because of America’s recent immigration law, I’ve felt a new vigor light inside me unlike one I’ve felt before.

• I need to insert a disclaimer here and say that this is actually NOT a political post. Whether you think Donald is sexist or Hillary is a nasty woman is your own business. I could honestly care less. In fact, I think this Ellen clip pretty much sums up exactly how I feel.

While we can acknowledge the possibility of some of these people being threats to America, we also need to face the reality that majority of them are not. They do all have something in common however; they need help.

The thing about equality

This is where I was going earlier by saying that I could never be in the military, but I know I can do something. The military is there to handle the terrorists; the scary people that threaten world safety. But average citizens have a job too; to combat the hatred and divide between nations with love and understanding. So many people protest for equality and love among a certain group of people, but there’s something interesting about the idea of equality. It applies to EVERYONE.

America also has an amazing motto built in to our National Anthem. We promise to be the land of the free, and home of the brave. By this standard, anyone who who is seeking freedom and is willing to be brave can not only enter, but make a home. Most refugees are fleeing a country where the government does not adequately provide for its citizens (sounds familiar), and requires them to go to great and dangerous lengths to obtain independence (also rings a bell).

I’d like to make another interjection here and say that in one way or another I think everyone can relate to being a refugee. I relate by being adopted and never meeting my birth parents. With the help of my adoptive parents, I found refuge from the world and learned what it meant to be part of a family.

I’m also a Mormon. If you know anything about Mormon history, the early saints were persecuted and chased throughout America until eventually settling in Utah. Finally, some ancestor of mine somewhere felt unsatisfied with their current country and decided to move to America. And when they moved, they must have been allowed in the country, because here I am today; an American.

The fact of the matter is, I’m not a fighter of a person. When it comes to politics or physical aggression, I choose not to get involved. But when an issue like this arises, when living things are being denied basic rights, I have to get involved. Not because I’m a Democrat or Republican, but because I’m a human being. Every living things deserves food water, safety, and a home.

Now, to the point of the post (told you it wasn’t going to be political). Even though the current immigration ban is preventing us from helping new refugees, there are still things we can do! Opportunities are all around us and literally take minutes of our time or just a few dollars of our money. The important thing is choosing to act. Because when someone is in trouble, you help them. That’s just what people do.

Here are a few quick options, and you can pick what best fits your lifestyle.

1. Make a Valentine

   

2. Attend a March

   

3. Donate a few dollars

   

4. Send them a Letter

   

5. Talk about them!

   These people have some of the most amazing stories. We can learn so much if we choose to love and understand instead of hate and shun. This is a video some of my friends made and I could not be prouder of them or my school.

Thanks so much for reading, hopefully that wasn’t too political for anyone. I’m so thankful that my ancestors were able to come to America, and provide me with opportunity to welcome others into my home.

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