This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land

There is a movement happening in Belize, where Belizeans are taking back land from delinquent foreign landowners. As in all developing countries, there are hundreds of thousands of acres in Belize owned by foreign investors. These businessmen bought the land for pennies years ago, many never stepping foot on Belizean soil. Some (many?) of them have not paid taxes on these parcels for decades; some have even died and no one has taken an interest in their foreign holdings. So Belizeans are doing their research, finding out which lands have been abandoned and petitioning the government to distribute that land to Belizeans.

I think about what it must feel like as a Belizean to have only gained independence less than 40 years ago. What's it like to know the best land is owned by British, Chinese, American millionaires, among others? To struggle to feed your children and see foreigners sweep in and lay claim to your nation. Who's land is it, really?

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I just finished reading a short book, called "The Other Side." It's a collection of true stories about migrant children who have crossed into the Unites States. I worked with undocumented migrant children in the States for years, both professionally and as a foster parent. The reasons for crossing over were not new to me, nor were the dangers they described.

Reading those modern stories caused me to reflect on ancient accounts of people who fled their places of birth, facing danger, in order to survive. Joseph's family migrated to Egypt to escape famine. Moses fled Egypt to escape retribution for killing a man. The entire nation of Israel escaped slavery and oppression in Egypt, fleeing into Canaan. Mary and Joseph fled Israel with an infant Jesus when his life was in danger. Who's land is it, anyway?

There are powers at play in this world. The haves versus the have-nots. Those with power and those without. Dark spirits at play; greedy, power-hungry, with insatiable appetites for what they can possess and control.

How do people reclaim their country, their birthright, when those wielding checkbooks want it for themselves? Who's land is it, after all?

Psalm 24: 1 "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

the world and those who dwell therein,"

The land is not ours at all, despite whatever papers claim. It is the Lord's. So, too, are those who dwell in it; each person an image-bearer of their Creator. I'm challenged and encouraged to see equity as something to aspire to, something to work toward. Equity means fairness, impartiality and balance. I'm not advocating a communist system where each person is given the same portion, regardless of their skill or character. To me, land equity means each person having what they need.

Reading God's perspective on land ownership, I support Belizeans gaining land for themselves, as well as migrant people searching for a safe place to lay their head. This land was made for you and me.

Rebel Without a Cause

One of the fun little things I did during this time at home was to take an online quiz about the 4 Tendencies. After answering a few short questions, I was designated a Rebel. Though the label is less than flattering, I can't refute the findings. I am an independent thinker. I do things that I believe are good and worthy of doing, not because anyone else expects me to do them. If I'm pressured to do something I don't want to do, I balk and "put up my dukes."

While I definitely own that being a rebel is a personal characteristic, I also see a lot of it in my American heritage and culture. America was founded by people who passionately believed in their own personal freedom, even if that meant overwriting the cultures that preexisted their arrival, even if it meant fighting superior forces to claim that freedom. America's rebel history is not all noble and for many many people, those were not the good ol' days.

Being a rebel can be noble and righteous. It can also be arrogant and selfish. For me, if I sense my rebel spirit being triggered, I must reflect if it's righteous indignation or my flesh that's being inflamed. Just because I don't like something doesn't mean I am right.

In the midst of our current pandemic, some feel that these severe restrictions are a slap to the face of healthy, law abiding citizens. Jesus had a recommendation for people who are slapped in the face.

Matthew 5:39 says, "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;"

Nowadays, people are mad that the laws around Covid 19 are costing them financially. Jesus wasn't concerned about our ability to get ahead financially, so much as he was concerned about our ability to give radically.

Matthew 5:40 says, "If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too."

Nowadays, people are upset by rules that infringe upon their rights to move about freely. In Jesus' day, Roman rule dictated that a Jew would have to carry the load of an occupying soldier for a mile without payment or recourse. Jesus' response?

Matthew 5:41 says, "If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles."

Jesus was a rebel, but not the aggressive gun-toting, flag waving type that we see on the nightly news. His cause was higher than personal earthly freedom. His cause was deeper than protecting the creature comforts we are so enamored with. Jesus always took things to the next level, in a way that tore the listener out of their earthly mindset and challenged them to live according to a different kingdom's culture.

I am a rebel. I am an American. Above all, I am a Jesus follower. That characteristic supersedes any others. That culture must guide my response to the things in my life that hurt or degrade me; that cost me and are unfair.

Stop the Ride- I Want to Get Off!

I wrote a few months ago about parenting on the roller-coaster. At the time, we were preparing for our move to Belize, with so many unknowns ahead of us. Lately, the experience has felt less like a roller-coaster and more like a tower drop ride. There's still the adrenaline rush and the feeling of being out of control, but with the tower drop, you don't actually get anywhere.

With Covid 19 keeping us indoors for the last 6 weeks, the view has not changed, nor has the cast of co-riders. The ups and downs that come are no longer exhilarating, but exhausting, even predictable. We know what effect good or bad weather will have on each member of the family. We can predict who will sleep well and who will have insomnia. We can read the non-verbal signs to draw each other close or give each other space. We have adapted. We have held on. We are done.

I find myself wanting to shout out: "Stop the ride! I want off!" Even good things turn sour when there is nothing to break up the monotony!

Proverbs 18:14 says, "The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?"

Despite my desire to get off the ride, quarantine remains in place. The ride isn't over yet. More ups are coming, as well as more downs. My prayer is that though you may feel isolated, lonely, bored or stressed, your spirit would not be crushed. This, like all things, shall pass. Soon enough we will be let off the ride and, with jelly legs, we will seek out our next adventure.