All Things New
By Michelle Swearingen, RILA Co-Founder and Legal Advocate
Last week, I had the privilege of accompanying an Afghan client Maria* her usband and their sweet little boy to their final court hearing where a judge granted them asylum! The former Afghan government and the Taliban-controlled government in Afghanistan persecuted Maria because of her Christian faith. She did an amazing job testifying, was ready for every question and communicated beautifully the danger facing Christians and women in Afghanistan. She articulated her hope that her daughter could grow up in a country that allows her to learn and grow and that she herself could study and thrive here.
This family has lived in fear as Christians in Afghanistan for years. They escaped threats in Afghanistan and Pakistan and made their way through South and Central America to get here -- all with two young children and while Maria was pregnant. She and her husband are so overjoyed at the outcome and that they will never have to relive the worst days of their lives again!
On my way to the hearing, I listened to the song These Are the Days by Lauren Daigle. She talks about how God is breaking in with beautiful and good things, even when we can't see it sometimes. There's a line, "If it's not good, then it is not over." And that just sticks with me. He is making all things new. Sometimes we get to see Heaven break in, and justice is done. Other times, we are stuck in the hard places waiting for justice. But if it's not good, then it is not over, because ultimately God will wipe away every tear and right every wrong. What a joy to celebrate this beautiful day with Maria!
- Name has been changed to protect client’s identity