Something about 1 Corinthians 13 and an asylum seeker

Something about 1 Corinthians 13 and an asylum seeker


It’s been 2,612 days since my friend fled persecution. He was void of choice and led only by a desire for freedom.  Love never gives up.

He cooks meals for the homeless. Love cares more for others than for self.

He longs for the ordinary moments. The touch of his beautiful wife, his eldest son’s soccer goals, play wrestling, fishing trips and crash cuddles. Six years of birthday celebrations have been shared over a phone call.  Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

When opportunity came, he got a job. Each day he wakes up early to work hard. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head.

He hasn’t jumped a queue. He is simply asking to be safe. Doesn’t force itself on others.

Every Tuesday night he cooks my family curry and roti. Isn’t always “me first,”.

Lengthy interviews sometimes without an interpreter.  Held in detention. Still held prisoner to uncertainty because of our government’s policies.  His current visa has no expiry date which forces him to live in limbo. Over four years in Australia and his application has not been processed. No one at Immigration can give an explanation for the delay. Doesn’t fly off the handle. Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others.

He has reason to hold onto anger and bitterness, yet he holds none. Doesn’t revel when others grovel.

He is a man of integrity refusing to take short cuts.  Honest with every move he makes. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

His body is scarred. His hope is marred. Puts up with anything.

Yet he dreams well. He holds onto hope as an anchor for his soul. Trusts God always. Always looks for the best,

With boundless plains to share in Australia, he came by plane. He came by train. He came by Boat.  Never looks back.

I wake up every morning wondering how he does it. But keeps going to the end.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

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  1. 1
    Sandie

    I learned some stuff Yesterday about the detention system and a lot of words fly into my head, but for reasons which I hope are important I can not write them down in response to this hear felt piece of writing. I can say thanks for reminding us what love looks like and acts like in Australia 2016. More people need to see it.

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