The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong

I now better understand the importance of supporting those immigrating to the U.S. , the struggles they encounter and how I can make a difference.

This was a refreshing, insightful read. This book enlarges the reader's understanding of the themes of immigration and hospitality in the Bible, as well as teaches about the plight of immigrants, concluding with a question we each must wrestle with: will we be brave enough to live out "radical and subversive hospitality"?

This is a very insightful, thought provoking look at the US/Canadian immigration issue, particularly from a faith perspective. Gonzalez weaves together 4 viewpoints in the course of this book: her story being from a family of immigrants; her childhood connection to the Catholic faith; her work with immigrants through World Relief; and the Bible. Gonzalez' perspective on immigrants is informed by her own family's experiences - she discusses the experiences of her and her siblings, her parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles and is able to make much of the immigrant experience very real. This is bolstered by the stories of immigrants who she encounters as part of her work with World Relief. Interlaced through this are discussions of the Bible that inform the Christian viewpoint on immigration. This last part is particularly interesting because Gonzalez draws on the Catholic faith of her childhood (using sacraments to help frame the discussion) and her evangelical Christian faith.Very insightful and thought provoking.

This books was short, went over Bible passages I've never seen that way, and kindly challenged me to understand immigration through a new lens. This isn't a new topic for me, but this really helped me know how to address my discomfort about the way we address immigration policy in the United States. I would say I am in Phase 3 of Rising Up (via Averageadvocate.com 5 Phases of Rising Up) on this issue, so it really helped me embrace learning more and knowing how to act.

What an interesting approach to compare the author’s personal immigration story with Biblical narratives about migration.

Karen Gonzalez's book is three wonderful, and necessary works rolled into one:1. A powerful personal story of immigration and the journey from stranger to citizen2. A introduction to the US immigration system with its profound injustices3. A fresh look at the bible and God from the lens of the outsider, especially Hagar, Ruth, and all the "others" God sees and calls beloved.It does all this while also being beautifully written!This is a timely and important work, especially for anyone who considers themselves a Christian, or who wants to grow in compassion and love for neighbor. Who wants to imagine what it might look like to put that love into action for our real neighbors who we who call ourselves Christians and Americans are hurting through our policies and ignorance.

The author openly shades her own story as an immigrant as she also unfolds deep biblical themes from people in the Bible who were migrants too. The last chapter had practical steps on how to get started on serving migrant communities. A just read for all who seek to better understand immigration from a biblical perspective.

Gonzalez weaves her family’s immigration journey with the Biblical stories of Naomi and Ruth, Abraham, Hagar, Joseph, the Syrophoenician Woman, and our refugee Savior. Her story and insights remind us that God is a God who sees, a God who sees the vulnerable and those in need of refuge.Within the narrative is current immigrant policy, ideas for action and reflection, and discussion questions. Gonzalez’s voice encourages, challenges, and calls us to be more in this narrative.From the preface, “Immigrant stories always matter, because immigrants are image-bearers alone.” Will we be a people who see immigrants as God sees them? Made in his image. Longing for home. Seeking belonging.