What is a Refugee, Daddy?

The news was just finishing when an announcement came on: "Join us tomorrow as we celebrate World Refugee Day!"

"Daddy, what's a refugee?" Five-year-old Jason asked his father, looking up from his toy cars.

His father turned to Jason, a kind smile on his face. "Well, a refugee is someone who has to leave their nice home and go somewhere else because it's not safe for them to stay where they are."

"Oh no!" Jason said, clearly troubled. "Why isn't it safe?"

"It can be for different reasons," his father explained gently. "But often, it's because there's fighting happening in their country, right where their home is."

"Why is there fighting? You always say it's not good to fight, Daddy," Jason said, clearly puzzled.

His father paused for a moment. "You're right, J. It's never good to fight. But sometimes, when grownups can't agree on things, they might choose to fight. It's never a good thing to do. That's what makes places unsafe and why people have to leave their homes."

"So they leave all their toys behind?" Jason asked, his voice small.

"Sadly, yes, sometimes they do," his father replied, reaching out to hold Jason’s shoulder. "They often have to leave most of their things behind and go to a new country where it's safe."

Little Jason looked down at his cars, a sad look on his face.

"It's okay, little buddy," his father said, seeing his son's sadness. "I know it sounds very sad. But there are lots of kind people who work really hard to help refugees and make sure they can be as happy and safe as possible."

Little Jason nodded slowly.

"Here's something wonderful we can do," his father continued, a warm tone in his voice. "We can pray together right now for all the refugees out there. Come here, hold my hand, and let's pray."

Jason took his father's hand.

"Dear God," his father began, "we pray for all the refugees in the world. Please be with them and keep them safe. Help them find peace and happiness wherever they are, and may the day come when they can go back to the place they call home. May there be peace in all the world. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

"Amen," Little Jason echoed, a little bit of comfort settling in his heart.

The End.

This story is dedicated to all the refugees in the world. May God comfort you, and may the day come when you can go back home.