Hope on the Border
How a ragtag band of warriors and a bronze statue redefined charitable giving on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border
This beautifully presented and shockingly enlightening book by Gil Gillenwater should be required reading in every school and for every citizen of the United States. Hope on the Border shares Gil’s firsthand knowledge of what life is like on both sides of the “wall” dividing America and Mexico, along with the horrors and hope deeply ingrained in those who attempt to cross.
The author goes deep into the history of the border from both countries’ perspectives. Blending culture, anthropology, politics, religion, customs, symbolism, and social justice (and injustice), Gil has created an eye-opening and illustrious portrait of “suffering and triumph” that most of us only know as “The Border Crisis.” But we only know one side of the story.
While most of us don’t rely on the media for our education, many capitulate to this infinitesimal snapshot.
That’s why this book is such an essential tool for broadening our understanding of pictures. Gil shares the dark side of how this line of antagonism evolved into a heated debate, while fairly citing both the pros and cons along with a collective “boots on the ground” perspective.
The only thing missing is captions for the images. The photography presented on each page is stunning, but I would like to know more about each picture. The most impressive aspect of the layout is that it’s designed like a coffee table book, featuring vibrant images on each page that, individually, tell a story.
There’s also a fascinating narrative associated with the icon at the border crossing—the Border Virgin, or La Virgen de la Frontera.
Gil dedicates a chapter to The Lady in Blue, as she has been cited time and again as a celestial mirage or manifestation when death looms for those attempting the blistering, remote journey to cross. You’ll want to read about this legend, along with the story of the sculptor who created this iconic symbol for the organization Gil runs.
One final piece of this book, but by no means inferior, is the author’s “call to awaken.” His charity, Rancho Feliz in Arizona, has served migrant individuals and families in need. For over 25 years, Gil, his team, and numerous international volunteers have collaborated to provide food, shelter, medical care, education, and support to those in need on the border. But it also serves as a paragon of hope. In his words, the primary message of Rancho Felize is that “we are the cause in the fabric of life and every action we take affects the whole.”
It’s hard to relay the impact this Hope on the Border has had on me and others with whom I’ve shared it. I sincerely hope you will read and share a copy of your own.
Image Courtesy of PR By the Book
