By Jenny Zhang
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Immigration is a life-altering experience that involves leaving everything behind in the home country to seek better opportunities and a brighter future. While this decision holds the promise of new beginnings, it also brings forth a range of challenges that can aggravate or cause various traumas for immigrants. These traumas can have profound and long-lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being. This article aims to tell the truth about how Jesus helps us endure trauma with his compassion, love, and grace.
Contrary to the expectation of a fresh start, immigrants can continue to face significant challenges in their host countries. The stress of settling into a new environment, finding employment, adapting to a different culture, and integrating into an unfamiliar community and society can be overwhelming. Experiencing discrimination, racism, and xenophobia can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and hopelessness. Moreover, the separation from loved ones and the yearning for a sense of belonging can lead to loneliness and depression.
When I worked as a social service worker, I met Maria (not her real name), an immigrant from a small village in China, who arrived in Toronto to reunite with her husband and daughter, full of hope, happiness, and dreams. She was excited to start a new life, but one day, while she was working in a supermarket’s kitchen, a group of people began hurling racist slurs and insults at her. She was frozen, feeling a rush of fear and humiliation. Then she burned her left arm accidentally due to the distraction. Unfortunately, her husband and daughter thought she became a burden to their family since she had not got her health card yet and had to pay a huge amount of money for her treatments. Later, her husband and daughter left her alone to struggle with her injury and financial difficulties. The traumatic and tragic incident left a lasting impact on her, causing anxiety, self-doubt, isolation, and a fear of living alone. She came to me to find out if there were some social services she could access. I felt heartbroken for her. So, while registering her for a few eligible services, I suggested she could try to find a “yoke” from Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Our Lord understands that trauma is an unbearable and heavy burden. Over time, with the support of a Bible study group and therapy, Maria slowly began to rebuild her confidence and heal from the trauma of racism and abandonment. Eventually, she channeled her pain into advocating for immigrant rights and raising awareness about the harmful effects of racism. Even though the healing process is still ongoing, she finds peace, love, and hope in Jesus. I believe she has been equipped and will not be re-traumatized because of the protection of our gentle healer, our heavenly Father.
The journey of immigration is complex and challenging. Understanding the traumas caused by immigration and offering appropriate support and resources to immigrants under the guidance of our heavenly Father can pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. By acknowledging and addressing the struggles of immigrants, we can help create an environment that fosters resilience and acceptance. We can have hope in Jesus Christ. The Bible acknowledges that sin and brokenness cause trauma in this world. It also invites those who are suffering from trauma to cast their cares on God and trust in his salvation and freedom. God’s compassion, comfort, and hope empower us to not be afraid of those who can harm only the body.