07/28/2020
WHY I STILL LOVE AMERICA: Reflections of an immigrant
Our family was really looking forward to this year’s July 4th weekend. The boys vividly remembered the spectacular sights and sounds they witnessed when we took them for the first time to one of the fireworks sites that had the magnificent Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Well, 2020 happened. The word of the year has been unanimously awarded to “unprecedented.”
As I contemplate on the Independence Day of our hurting nation, here are few thoughts that keep me hopeful to celebrate the goodness and beauty God has bestowed upon our great nation. Given the current political climate, it is not my aim to criticize or politicize but as one who immigrated to the US at the age of 20 and eventually became a US citizen, I simply want to share from my own experience and perspective, why I still love America.
1. HOME OF THE BRAVE – Ever wondered why there are more people around the globe applying to enter into America than any other country? Why is America still the nation with the highest number of global immigrants? If you answer, “For economic gain, what else?” You are wrong. There are other countries where you can make more money than in America. The right answer is the American “way of life.” The freedoms, opportunities, values and tolerance afforded by the American constitution to both her citizens and “resident aliens” is unlike any other nation on earth. I recently came across a reliable source of US Census data that showed that the fastest growing ethnic group in America is none other than South Asians. Have you ever heard of the “Asian dream” or the “Australian dream”? No. There are good reasons why we only know of the “American dream.”
“The American dream means that you have the chance to work hard, get an education and do great things for yourself, for your kids. The great thing in America is it doesn’t matter what your last name is, doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy.”
—Former Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal (The first Indian American Governor)
2. LAND OF THE FREE – To go across the Atlantic is no small feat (even on a plane!). Every immigrant generation has had to take a “step of faith” in making America their new home. I’m indebted to my parents for planning, packing and moving our family here. I didn’t make much of it as a 20-year old but looking back at the last 18 years, I’m deeply grateful for how America has been so good to our family and to our larger immigrant community where I now serve as a pastor. Almost every country in the world limits their citizenship by birth and blood. However, in America, if you enter legally and abide by the laws of the land you can become an American citizen irrespective of your race, ethnicity, language, religion etc. Not only is America a land of the free but also a land of immense beauty. Have you ever been on a long road trip across America? The longest one Lisha and I took was from NYC to Key West, FL! I was just overcome by the beautiful landscapes from mountains to valleys to beaches. The warm and welcoming gestures at every rest stop, restaurant and national park revealed the moral compass that lies beneath this country. Yes, it does feel like with every generation that moral compass gets buried even more. Nevertheless, it is there.
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln.
3. ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL- As an immigrant from a country where the value of life is essentially determined by your family, caste and economic status, it still baffles me that anyone on American soil can call 911 and receive immediate help irrespective of their socio- economic status. As a pastor in New York city, I have personally made many 911 calls in our neighborhood to help those who were either drunk, drugged or dragged into a fight. I have seen first-hand first responders come immediately to aid and resolve each case. The reason the unjust murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Tylor and a host of other black lives deserves a national outrage and a cultural reformation is because first, it violates the constitution of God, for each of us bear His image. Second, it contradicts the constitution of America founded upon a Judeo-Christian worldview, “That all men are created equal…by their Creator.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Declaration of Independence
4. FROM MANY, ONE - In 2016, our neighborhood of Jackson Heights was named by TIME as “the one city block that holds the world.” The diversity is so immense that our public square is named “Diversity Plaza.” It’s a safe place where distinct and often opposing beliefs from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Tibet among others are welcomed, shared and often discussed. None of us would be able to do that freely back home. Each voice matters. You have the freedom to believe or disbelieve. Sadly, the ones who often argue, grumble and squabble over the particulars of our broken system are often critics born and raised here. There is an Eastern saying that goes, “One only appreciates the water of his well after he drinks from another.” As an immigrant who lived the first 20 years of my life mostly in remote villages in India and now 18 years in New York City, the possibilities that anyone with determination and discipline can achieve in America is truly remarkable.
Legacy, what is a legacy?
It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see
I wrote some notes at the beginning of a song someone will sing for me
America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me
You let me make a difference, a place where even orphan immigrants
Can leave their fingerprints and rise up
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton: The Revolution
There’s so much more about being in America and being an American to be grateful for. However, this should not make us boast or look down on others. This July 4th should rather humble us and make us ponder over this fact that “the most powerful nation on earth” is still unable to conquer injustices, diseases and brokenness caused by human depravity. Yet, embedded in the original motto of America I believe, lies the answer and the remedy to our present crises: “In God we trust.” Yes, we all know that it is printed on every dollar bill yet when was the last time we looked at it? Really looked at it. Often, that’s how we relate to God. We expect Him to fill our wallets and purses, but we never take the time to look to Him. The God of the Bible made a way to reconcile us to Himself and one another. Out of His great love, He sent His only begotten Son. Jesus Christ completely trusted His Father and laid down His life to rescue, redeem and reconcile us. When we look to Him, we become like Him. We lay down our lives and love our neighbors as we love ourselves and as God loves them.
As a Christian, I’m grateful for my adopted country, but as I see the current state of affairs, July 4th reminds me that “this world is not my home.” The American dream is a “chasing after the wind” just like my 3-year-old who always thinks he can catch those bubbles. Lady Liberty, on the shores of New York City, has been liberally welcoming 4 million immigrants each year with this promise, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The grim reality is there are arguably more weary, depressed and fearful Americans this year than anytime we can recall. There is only One Who overcame every temptation, injustice, evil and even death. He is also the One Who promised, “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” We need to come to Jesus Christ. St. Augustine rightly discerned “Thou hath made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Thee.” Here’s the bottom line: I still love America because it makes me long for a better country and a final home whose Maker and Architect can only be God alone. Until then, I am called to be a good citizen of that eternal City of God and faithfully witness His Word and Will to this present, albeit, impermanent city of man.
Then the One seated on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new." He also said, "Write, because these words are faithful and true." King Jesus Christ
