The Struggle For Peace

This past couple weeks have been challenging, in a good way. I got a new and unexpected case involving 2 girls seeking asylum, who were detained by immigration. This was my first time as the Law Office of Julie Flanders to deal with a situation where the clients were detained. It was heart-wrenching and complicated. I was glad to take the case because it was meaningful. But the meaningful work kept me up late at night and presented new dilemmas.

I had to deal a lot with different immigration agencies. All I can say about those agencies is that they are a mess. Their policies are inconsistent and their personnel are at times very unhelpful. To my surprise, I began to think about a career change. If I were to work inside one of those agencies, perhaps I could make things a little bit better. And by treating people with respect, perhaps I would make people's day better who are going through something like my clients were going through. By simply answering the phone kindly. And I began to think about a steady paycheck....

I knew starting my own business would be challenging. When I told Jon about my thoughts, he reminded of all the reasons I chose to do this. To be outside the system. To not follow the status qou, the easy path. I sighed. Then at church our guest speaker/ musician spoke about the struggle for peace. Peace does not come easily. Peace does not come through settling, peace comes through struggle. So I decided that if it is peace that I am struggling for, it is a good struggle. Life was not meant to be easy. So there it is. This is not going to be easy, but at least I am not alone- thanks to all you other peace fighters out there. Keep up the good fight. And thanks for your support- I am going to need it.