I've put off writing this. The idea has caused me an irrational amount of anxiety. Mainly because I fear the reactions of those who will read it. However, I also know that when the Lord has set something in my heart, it is impossible to ignore. So here goes.
I am a dreamer. I am a DACA recipient. What does that mean? I am not a citizen. I am undocumented. In short, I came to the U.S. with my mother at four years old. We came legally, on tourist visas. Those visas expired, and were never renewed. My mother tried, as best as she could as a single mom, and recieved her work authorization. We were told that since I was a minor, I would be safely covered under her temporary status. That all changed when I turned 18. I officially became an undocumented alien.
I lived my life in the shadows, avoiding relationships and honest heart-to-heart conversations with people about my life. It was easier to keep people at a safe distance, than try to explain away my status. So that's what I did, it's what I've been doing. I gradually lost my sense of self.
At the same time, my relationship with Jesus Christ became very real. He showed up in my life through people who refused to let me be less than what He destined. He showed up through long time prayers that were answered. He. Showed. Up.
Back to that conversation. She asked me the question, "who are you?". This caught me off gaurd. The first answers I thought of were teacher and friend. She smiled and asked again, then again, and one more time. I don't like rapid fire questions. They make me nervous.
"Sharon, you are the daughter of the one true King". Those words are still ringing in my ears. For so long I let my citizenship, or lack thereof, define me.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you".
-John 15:16
He chose me. He chose me to bear this circumstance in life to showcase His ultimate and divine authority. My lack of citizenship is not who I am. It is a small part of the large picture that the Lord has already set for me. He is greater than my immigration struggles. He is greater than any political power play from either side. He is greater than all of my fears. He. Is. Greater.
I am currently legal to work and provide for myself. That can all change in an instant. But I have no reason to question His provision. He has carried me through this far, I believe He will continue to until I have fulfilled His plan. In the meantime, I will choose joy, I will choose peace and I will continue to seek out His desires for my life.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28
