What's the Difference Between an Emigrant and an Immigrant?

Grace moment by moment-weekly column
This week marks the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many communities and cities in Mexico and North America set aside a day, the Fifth of May, to honor the beliefs of people of Hispanic heritage.
As is the case with Cinco de Mayo and many local, regional and national festivals, it is hoped through the sharing of food, music, faith and customs, people will learn to respect the diverse representation of ethnic heritage found in the United States.
After all, when you think about it none of us can claim to be a true American unless someone is of Native American descent. America is a hodgepodge of different backgrounds, faiths and social class. Many of our ancestors emigrated to the United States from other countries. Some came to start over financially, while others came to freely worship God without censorship or persecution. Whatever the reason given, it is wrong to deny someone the promise of a better life based on economics, prejudice or politics. Everyone deserves and needs to be treated as a human being with dignity, respect and compassion. The following poem is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech.

Treat Me as Christ Sees Me: A Human Being
I have a dream . . .
to be treated like a human being.
"Not by might, nor by power
but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
Not for race, color or position
but for Love in God's disposition.
He alone is the One,
who made me in the image of His Son.
Through His eyes He can see
Christ's blood, shed for me.
Through His love alone
God's Grace has shown
that the pathway to God
is through the power of Christ's blood.
There is no other way
to face the coming Day,
when Christ comes back
knowing His forgiveness is what a person lacks!

Written on:
January 19, 1992.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Scripture References:

Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 7:13-14; John 3:16-17; John 14:6;
Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; & Ephesians 2:10.

For more information on Cinco de Mayo, explore Mexonline.com