I finally did it! After years of saying, I really need to get TSA Pre-check, I enrolled in Global Entry for that perk and more. If you aren’t familiar with Global Entry, it’s kind of like TSA Pre-check but for entering the country. It’s an expedited route through customs and immigration.
During my first return to the states with this new traveler’s card, I flew through Fort Lauderdale with a layover to my next stop, which is not my normal route. I love the new international terminal in Orlando (MCO). Since most flights I need are available non-stop from there, it’s my typical port of entry.
Navigating the Fort Lauderdale airport, I walked through baggage claim to the customs line to use my new Global Entry card. Scanning the room to find the right line, I paused. The line for nationals and the line for visitors were indistinguishable.
Both lines looked and sounded the same.
The line for U.S. citizens was a chorus of many languages. Just as I called my mom to let her know my flight was smooth, so did the Spanish-speaking woman call her family to share the same news.
The souvenirs each traveler carried back were varied, too. Just as I had gotten a new tattoo on this trip; so did the nearly 7’ tall man whose arm was saran-wrapped.
I saw vibrant patterned dresses, traditionally wrapped turbans, and orthodox prayer shawls. Many cultures represented, many faith traditions, many voices. All belonging to one nation.
Belonging.
A sea of people as diverse as could be. With no clear distinction between the lines of those who lived in the United States and those who were vacationing. Turns out the Global Entry line was on the far end, such a short line I didn’t even know it was there! That’s the perk I suppose; when they say expedited, they mean it.
So I walked by the lines of nationals and visitors to re-enter my country full of people who don’t look or sound like me. People who belong here.
My husband and I have been discussing “justice” a lot in the past few months. He has been asked over and over again recently, What does biblical justice mean to you? And his answer has been consistent–and accurate, in my opinion. He says, “Biblical justice is honoring the image of God in all people.” I’ll write another blog about that in the future.
To wrap up my observations from this trip, I must share how to seek biblical justice–how to honor the image of God in others–while in line at the airport.
It’s celebrating every tribe, tongue, and nation. Not in a future what-heaven-will-look-like sense, but in a the-kingdom-of-God-is-here-now sense.
It’s recognizing the differences and the similarities we carry, honoring and celebrating them both.
And it’s not reducing people to policies, but creating belonging spaces for all.
Even in line at the airport.