When you see hearts turn to stone and it hurts you, I have an idea. Buy a vacuum cleaner for some newly arrived refugees to America for $19 on the gift page set up by the U.S. Committee On Refugees And Immigration. I am not an especially political person, but I strongly believe in compassion, and it seems to be out of favor now.

Every morning, I try and do something about that buy donating a recommended gift from the refugee gift page. You can buy a needed gift for as little as $2 dollars (a prayer rug) or as much as $168 (backpacks for school kids).

People in great need, our new brothers and sisters, are arriving in America even now, before the government moves to ban them in the name of protecting us from these women and children, who have lost everything and need everything. They are here legally, have been thoroughly screened, and are devastated, and now, frightened by their new home, it sometimes seems devoid of compassion.

Many have waited years in refugee camps to come to America, their homes and lives have been destroyed by a civil war they played no part in, other than to suffer. Their children are frightened and bewildered, their mothers and fathers and husbands are trapped behind, they may never see them again.

Your donations have lifted their hearts and spirits and shown them that compassion lives, hearts of stone can become hearts of love and empathy. This is my daily prayer my sacrament, it is inexpensive and important. When you heart turns to stone, do good. Buy a vacuum cleaner or browse the gift page. And thanks, you are making a difference. This will be a long haul, and I am in it.