“The Immigrants in My Soul”

 Perspective for November 2024

A Monthly Inspirational Viewpoint of Life’s Journeys with Sonia Wignall.

Episode Twenty – Eight

I woke up very early this morning and read the news on who won one of our most consequential and historic elections in US history. I was not stunned, I was just meditating on what to say to the weekly prayer group I lead, which would begin in an hour.

The challenge was not the news, but the consequence of it in my life as a leader, and specifically their leader. I had to remain focused that regardless of the outcome, all power, knowledge, wisdom and understanding belongs to God alone. Fortunately for me I pray with amazing women of strength and wisdom. These amazing women of faith support and guide me in my leadership. They will sometimes correct me also, diplomatically, as needed.

During our AM prayer time, we had discussed the election. I encouraged each woman to share her thoughts as she felt comfortable, and they did. Although four of us on the line are immigrants, we all knew we were in a safe emotional space, and it was not necessary that we all think the same or be judged because of our choices. We have always honored each other, celebrated and welcomed with love our differences.

 Although we were all of the same Christian faith, our views, history and experiences differ and so did our choice for a candidate.

What we agreed on was that we were sisters with a shared heart for God, and that his will would be our anchor, our foundation, our submission. That was a bit challenging considering we were committing to honor the outcome even if it was not the candidate we desired.

My candidate was Vice President, Kamala Harris. I did not share all her ideologies, but I was not deterred. I knew she would not lead in a vacuum, but would be guided by the wisdom of her team, her faith, counselors and the expert resources available to her. She had shown the capacity to submit, honor, adjust and pivot. She had shown humility and leadership. She had experienced the responsibility of the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris and I had a shared heart. Although she was born in this country, she is the daughter of immigrants. She too had to overcome many obstacles as a woman of color and also witness her parents’ immigration journey. Her position as the highest ranking woman in the Government of the United States was very inspiring to me.

Her work and candidacy spoke to the people. She committed to represent them. Her campaign and leadership style was what I was able to connect to and felt safe with. To me her style was inclusive, unifying and inspiring. She remained calm and focused. She rose above the constant beratement of her as a woman, and the noise and chaos beneath her.

When she was described in foul and vulgar language, crude jokes, insults and lack of honor as the Vice President of the United States, she did not acknowledge, or respond in kind. She understood her assignment, knew her journey, her strengths, the people she served and the commitment she made. She remained focused and stable.

She was poised, committed and eloquent. She stepped over the inferences that she was “one of them and did not belong”. She flew above the banners that said she was ignorant and incompetent.

She displayed many of the characteristics that I and millions of others believe are crucial to leadership. She positioned herself as a “Servant Leader”, giving many in the immigrant and non-immigrant communities hope. She showed honor to the great opportunity she was given, and represented. She was in turn honored by us.

Consequently I would have to lead the prayer line this morning with our commitment to God. Laying aside our individual disappointments and remembering who we are, what we are called to do and who we serve, above all else. I had to keep in mind that this win would be for a season, although having lifelong consequences. I had to do a Vice President Harris walk.

1st Peter 1:10 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every ef ort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble…”

Our anchor and selection in God has to be secure as we stay focused on where the real power lies no matter who the President is.

The Immigrant Factor

The issue of immigration became a focal point to this election. The narrative was that “the immigrants are not Americans and many are criminals”.

Almost everyone living in the US now has a percentage of immigrant heritage, current or dating back many generations. Like Vice President Kamala Harris and myself, mixed cultures also. We have immigrants in our bloodlines, in our bones. My heritage is Panamanian, Cuban, Jamaican and Chinese. I look 100% dark African American, speak like a gringo and came to the US as a child from Cuba.

Who are the “real Americans”, what is the history of this beautiful country and how did the rest of us immigrants and our ancestors get here? Who belongs, and who decides?

What percentage of “immigrants” and the economic value of their contribution impacts our GDP, compared to their impact on the crime statistics in the United States?

What immigrant, now seated comfortable at the US table of freedom and opportunity, can remove the seat of another vying for a seat, an opportunity also?

Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue ……………….a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”

After hearing the damming and defaming words that Haitians in Ohio were “stealing and eating pets”, my heart ached for my beloved best friend of over 45 years, my wonderful ex-husband, (yes, he is an amazing man), and one of my prayer sisters, and their families, all from the Island of Haiti. These immigrants are and were anchors in my life. They are hardworking, magnificent parents and human beings. They too belong.

When these or any other insulting words are released into the atmosphere, against the people of Haiti, or any other nation, with immigrants here in the US, no wind can put them back in the bottle, or make them go away. The stigma will always remain. I and all our beautiful immigrant brothers and sisters and their families will have to carry them, or learn to fly above them, while remaining focused on the honor, privilege and opportunities of being here. We will also have to teach our children to do the same.

Does there need to be immigration entry reform, in the US, Yes!, but to deny the economic contributions of the immigrant population at large and focus the conversation on the small percent that commit crimes is a blatant attempt to deceive, and to deny the truth that we immigrants are an important contributing part of the US economy. It is a moral crime of deception, scandalizing, deflecting and defamation of our character. All of which has to be accounted for.

Proverbs 19:9 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish”. ___________________________________________

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

“Lord, guard our hearts and itchy ears. Keep us as I and my prayer partners, immigrant family members and friends accept the result of this election. Please turn my heart, mind and soul focused on you. Teach us to do what we have committed to you to do. God, only you can give us the strength and courage to do it. In the midst of any ensuing chaos, remind us that all power belongs to you alone, and that we have hidden your word in our hearts. We anchor ourselves in your promises. Trusting that you are our truth, provision, peace, redemption, banner, and praise”.Give me the wisdom to forgive them, when they know not what they have done.

• SMW.

You alone Lord is the guardian of the “Immigrants in My Soul”.

To Vice President Kamala Harris. Thank you for your leadership and grace under fire. You fought a good and honorable fight. The race is not over yet, this is only a pause in time. Your impact has been fruitful. Your time will come! Stay the course. We will also.

#KamalaHarris #Immigration

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“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it”

• Nelson Mandela

“It takes much courage and wisdom to lead from behind with both humility and power”.

•  Sonia M. Wignall (SMW)