This post is based on reporting by NPR. Read the original story here: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/24/nx-s1-5723914/ice-iran-deporatation-adoption-adoptee-veteran
Fruits of the Spirit: When Love Meets a Broken System
A U.S. veteran adopted an orphan from Iran over 50 years ago. She grew up American in every way that matters. Now she faces deportation.
The Story
A U.S. veteran adopted an orphan from Iran over 50 years ago. She grew up in the Midwest, attended church every Sunday, and learned to love America from her father who served in the Air Force during World War II.
But in the eyes of the U.S. government, she is not American. She is an immigrant who overstayed her visa since childhood. Now in her 50s, she faces deportation to Iran - a country she has not seen since age 2, does not speak the language, and where her Christian faith puts her in danger.
She received a letter this month saying removal proceedings have begun.
Fruits of the Spirit in This Story
❤️ Love
The love her father showed by adopting her transcends borders. Love is not concerned with paperwork or legal status. It sees a child in need and says you are mine. This veteran loved his adopted daughter for over 50 years. True love creates family, not just biology.
💚 Kindness
Adoption itself is an act of kindness. Opening your home and heart to a child who has no one - that is kindness in its purest form. The family chose to love when they did not have to.
💙 Faithfulness
Despite facing possible deportation, this woman has remained faithful to her faith and to her country. She has lived an upright life with no criminal record. Her faithfulness is unwavering even in the face of injustice.
🕊️ Gentleness
How she handles this devastating news matters. The Bible says a gentle answer turns away wrath. Despite her fear, she is handling this with grace, trusting the process, not lashing out. That is gentleness under pressure.
⏳ Patience
This situation requires immense patience. The legal system moves slowly. Her entire life is in limbo. Waiting for justice while facing possible deportation - that is patience most of us cannot imagine.
A Reflection
The fruits of the Spirit are not just for happy times. They are most powerful when tested by trial:
- Love endures beyond paperwork and legal boundaries
- Kindness creates families that last a lifetime
- Faithfulness persists even when the system fails
- Gentleness keeps grace even when facing injustice
- Patience waits for Gods timing when human systems break
The Apostle Paul wrote that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39). Not even deportation orders.
A Prayer
Lord, we pray for this woman and others in similar situations. Give her Your peace that surpasses understanding. Surround her with people who will fight for her. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of paperwork or legal status. Heal our broken systems. Help us bear the fruits of Your Spirit even in our hardest moments. Amen.
This is part of a daily journey through the New Testament, focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.