Steven LaChance Blog

“You are safe with me.”

Those are words that matter a lot right now, especially when we’re surrounded by so much hate and fear. It’s tough for some folks to remember what it was like when our government was actively against us, when simply being who you are put you in danger. They might not recall the harassment or the unjust arrests — things that happened for no reason at all. But if they’re not feeling it themselves yet, they’re learning about it fast, and that’s making them scared.

A lot of people are packing up their lives, leaving behind years of hard work, memories, friends, and family, not knowing if they’ll ever be able to return. If you think this isn’t happening in the United States, you’re mistaken. Right now, entire groups of people are watching their rights get stripped away, little by little. Those protections that were never perfect but were a safety net are disappearing. Things many take for granted—like medical care, decent housing, or a steady job—are increasingly out of reach for many. One quick decision can make someone’s driver’s license or passport useless overnight. And here’s the kicker: the people who are being hurt often discover that their friends and family made it possible with their votes. How can we make sense of that?

Today is Sunday, a day we typically use to pause, reflect, and maybe even pray. But it’s hard to find that connection to a higher power when it feels like religion is being twisted into a tool to hurt others. The rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. feels like a type of jihad—a deliberate attack that uses faith to promote hate.

We need to hold tight to our sense of spirituality, separate from the version those spreading hate are pushing. For those who identify as Christian, it’s vital to remember what Jesus really taught: love, not hate. When people twist the Bible, picking and choosing verses that incite division, remind yourself that their interpretations stem from the prejudices of the hateful, not from the heart of the faith itself.

Even during the darkest times, like the Holocaust, many held onto their beliefs. They didn’t let the world’s horrors erase their faith, and neither should you. Do I think we could see that kind of persecution again? Sadly, yes. The history of Japanese American internment serves as a stark reminder that such realities can arise again when we target certain groups of people.

These are seriously scary times, and so what can we do? We have to be there for those who feel scared and have nowhere to turn. We need to listen, especially to young people who haven’t yet witnessed hate the way some of us older ones have. They need to know there are safe spaces out there and people who care enough to listen.

The kind of hate coming from our government right now is dangerous, and it’s going to cost lives. Those who support this agenda will carry the weight of innocent blood on their hands. It’s on us to stand up and be a safe haven during these dark times. We need to fight for everyone who is being marginalized and make it clear that they are not alone. Together, we can push back against this wave of hate and help alleviate the fear that so many are experiencing. Stand with those who are frightened because they truly need us now.