Toolkit for Anxious Times
Jesus’ words, “Do not worry about your life”, from Matthew 6 were not spoken to people with surplus or safety. They were spoken to people living under occupation, economic exploitation, and political violence. We must not spiritualize anxiety without first telling the truth about the world.
Rooted in Matthew 6:25–34
Many are anxious because:
Money Worries & Economic Insecurity
Fear of Civil Unrest or War
Unstable Government & Political Violence
The Sense That Things Are Falling Apart
When Jesus says, “Do not worry,” He is not denying collapse.
He is offering a different anchor when structures fail.
He invites us to:
Live one day at a time when tomorrow feels unsafe
Trust that care still exists, even when systems do not
Release the belief that our hypervigilance is the only thing holding the world together
This is not passivity. This is holy resistance to despair.
Worry is not a personal failure; it is often a reasonable response to systemic instability
Jesus is not dismissing fear; He is inviting embodied trust in the midst of it
The call is not to denial, but to re-rooting our lives in daily care, dignity, and presence
This is not "don't worry, be happy" theology.
This is psychological and survival wisdom for anxious bodies.
1. Grounding Tool: Return to the Body
“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (v.25)
When the world is unstable, anxiety pulls us into the future. Jesus gently calls us back to the body we are already in; the first place God meets us.
Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
Ask quietly:
What is my body holding right now?
Where do I feel tight, numb, or tired?
No fixing. Just noticing.
Practice: Body Check-In
2. Family Preparedness Plan
Creating a plan reduces fear and protects children
Create a simple Emergency Family Plan:
Emergency contacts (2–3 trusted people)
Childcare plan (who picks up children if needed)
School & medical info
Important medications
Allergies & special needs
Write down:
Identify a temporary caregiver
Consider a caregiver authorization letter
Keep copies (not originals) of documents in a safe place
For Parents:
Reassure everyone in the family: Planning does not mean something bad will happen; it means your family is covered.
3. Document Safety Checklist
ID (passport, consular ID)
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Immigration paperwork (if any)
Medical records
School records for children
Store copies, not originals, in a safe place or digitally
Tip: Use a trusted person or encrypted digital storage.
4. What To Do If Someone Is Detained
Full name (as it appears on documents)
Date of birth
Country of origin
Act quickly but calmly
1. Write down:
2. Find out:
Where they are being held
Their A-Number (if available)
3. Contact:
Immigration lawyer
Trusted advocacy organization
4. Do not share details publicly on social media without guidance
5. Emotional & Trauma Support
Fear of deportation is chronic stress and collective trauma. It is important to practice grounding skills.
Put feet on the floor → name 5 things you see
Hand on chest → slow inhale 4 sec / exhale 6 sec
Whisper: "I am here. I am safe in this moment."
Grounding tools (simple + effective):
Keep routines
Avoid sharing adult fears with them
Reassure with presence, not promises
For children:
Normalize emotions: Fear, anger, numbness, exhaustion; these are survival responses.
6. Community Safety & Support
Faith communities
Mutual aid networks
Trusted community leaders
Support groups (in-person or virtual)
Do not go through this alone.
Encourage connection to:
Create a community phone tree for emergencies.
7. What Not To Do
❌ Do not open the door without a judge-signed warrant
❌ Do not run or resist
❌ Do not discuss your status
❌ Do not sign paperwork you don’t understand
8. Affirmation & Hope
Your life has value.
Your presence matters.
You are more than a status.
Preparation is an act of love.