Whether it is one’s life journey, a Lenten journey, or an adventurous outing, life rarely if ever unfolds smoothly; without detours, side jaunts, or wrong turns.
Very recently we as a country were exposed to yet another of the most appalling experiences of brute force. With total disregard for the wellbeing and safety of children, women, or men; children as young as five years old, adults into their seventies were intimidated, assaulted, and in numerous cases dragged from their homes. At least two individuals, US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were murdered.
For what? To show who is in charge; for the sheer demonic pleasure of hurting people because we find their skin color intimidating? Because Minnesota is a “blue” state, and if you are a blue state you deserve to be punished???
Amidst this disgrace and devastation, we also witnessed consistent responses of Courage, Hope, and Truth.
One woman whose courage inspired me and gave me hope was the school superintendent of the Columbia Heights, MN School District, Zena Stenvik. Among the many actions Superintendent Stenvik took was to appear on national television to speak out against the abuses of ICE. Additionally, she tried to convince ICE that she would take care of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. To no avail, of course. Twenty-six parents of the school Liam attends have been detained. Superintendent Stenvik organized her faculty, staff, and parents to protect and care for students and their families which continues today. ICE gradually leaving does not heal the trauma and woundedness that remains.
A consistent response which I heard from various Minnesotans during this siege was community support. We saw it on our news clips with the huge demonstration turnouts and prayer vigils, often in very cold temps. We heard about it from friends who spoke about the network of people bringing groceries to families who were afraid to leave their homes, of the generous donations of funds to churches who were coordinating support services for families who remained in their homes.
One Latina church in South Minneapolis assisted roughly 14,000-17,000 families with diapers and formula.
San Pablo/St. Paul Lutheran Church, originally a Norwegian Lutheran church, now composed of Norwegian heritage and Latina heritage has partnered with Shir Tikvah Synagogue. Together they have raised over one million dollars to assist with rent and groceries. In North Minneapolis, churches continue to support families as well. Ascension Catholic Church, Wayman African Methodist Episcopal (AME) are two of the many churches in North Minneapolis supporting the “families in hiding.” Plus, all the houses of worship between North Minneapolis and South Minneapolis who are supporting as well.
A Ribbon of Courage, Hope, and Truth
In about three weeks, many of us will be listening to the conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate (Matthew 17:11, John 18:28-19). Pilate is the patron saint of the majority of elected officials in D.C. Pilate knew the truth but refused to act on it. The elected officials in D.C. know the truth but they do not have the courage to act on that truth. They manipulate and distort the truth and blame others. Still, Jesus reminds us that the truth will set us free.
I would like to close with two statements of Truth, both from individuals who were/are part of the situation in Minnesota.
“ICE are casting out their hook and reeling in anyone who fits the profile, which is — let’s be clear — brown people, immigrant people, Black and brown people, Indigenous people, and reeling them in indiscriminately,” she said.“So, it’s not targeting violent criminals, clearly.”
– Zena Stenvik, on air, BBC World Service Newshour Newsletter. (Elizabth Shockman. Columbia Heights, MN. 2/13/2026.)
“I am brave, because we are brave” — “soy valiante, porque somos vallientes.”
– Pastor Hierald Osorto, San Paublo/St. Paul Lutheran Church
Thank you, Minnesotans, for your Courage, Hope, and Truth.
As we continue on this current chaotic and divisive journey in our country, may we do so together in Courage, Hope, and Truth.
Bridget
The Annunciation Blog 