A Prayer for the Tired, the Poor, and the Yearning-to-Be-Free

Today I found myself reading the words etched into the Statue of Liberty — words I’ve known for years but suddenly felt in a deeper way. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”

That little poem, written by Emma Lazarus, wasn’t meant to be political. It was meant to be compassionate. A welcome. A reminder that people all over the world carry the same longings: safety, hope, dignity, and a chance to make life work for their families.

As I read those words again, something stirred in my heart. I thought of the moms and dads — good people — who simply want what every parent wants: a place where their children can sleep without fear, learn with confidence, and dream without limits. Not criminals. Not threats. Just weary souls longing to breathe free.

Of course, we all know there’s brokenness too. Evil exists. Crime is real. There are some who harm, steal, and destroy — and justice must protect the innocent. But in the middle of all that noise are countless others who are not running to do wrong — but running from the wrong done to them.

And this question keeps pressing on my heart:
What can we do for the good ones? The loyal ones? The hardworking ones who want nothing more than to build a life and contribute to the communities they love?

Maybe the answer starts with us — not in Washington, but in our hearts.

Scripture says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

And Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

Those aren’t small verses. They are reminders that compassion is not weakness — it is Christlikeness.

So today, I’m praying…

For the tired.
For the poor.
For the families yearning to breathe free.
For leaders to be wise.
For communities to be kind.
For our country to remember its heart.
And for God to help us see individuals — not headlines.

May we be people who reflect the heart of Jesus: strong enough to protect, soft enough to welcome, wise enough to discern, and loving enough to pray.

Lord, give us eyes to see people the way You see them — and hearts big enough to care.

Behind every journey is a story… behind every story is a soul God loves.
GiveMeYourTired #LoveYourNeighbor