For many years as a Pastor, I received an envelope of money from “HJ.” This person wanted the money to be given to those coming into the office in need of help with the basics of life. I never knew who it was because HJ went to great lengths to remain anonymous.

A few weeks before I retired, I asked on a Sunday morning if the mysterious HJ would reveal him or herself. During my final week he sent me a simple one sentence note letting me know his identity.

This past weekend I attended the memorial service for the father of a long time friend. He lived to be one hundred, and his initials were also HJ. After months of all the despicable things ICE has done to innocent immigrants and their children here in Minnesota, it was healing to celebrate the life of this HJ who lived the answer to it all.

He and his wife gave themselves to the immigrant community around them when it was frowned upon by many. They helped immigrants settle in Minnesota. They helped them to learn English. They taught Somali women to drive so they could get to work. All of this happened in the later decades of their lives.

I refer to him as simply HJ, because that’s the way he lived. He did it all quietly and humbly. Never seeking any notice.

It’s the HJs that help us remember~we are love.

Pastor Tim Tengblad