As the new administration prepares to take power I wonder who you are watching out for. Have you thought about that?

• Do you know any immigrant families who are scared they will be split up or deported?

• What about women who are scared to get pregnant for fear they won't receive appropriate healthcare if something goes wrong with their pregnancy?

• Public school teachers who worry about increasing class size or decreased funding or dystopian rules about what they must and must not teach?

• How about same-sex couples who fear the legality of their marriages might be at risk?

• Families living in poverty who worry that safety-net programs will be cut in order to make government more "efficient?"

As I write these questions I think of what is often called "the quartet of the vulnerable" in the Bible. This is a phrase used by biblical scholars to describe a category of people who are of special importance to God.

The Old Testament is filled with references about God's special concern for: the poor, widows, orphans, and immigrants. Over and over, we read that God has compassion for these groups of humans and that God commands his people to seek justice for them and take special care of them in their vulnerability. Some suggest that in modern times, this group could expand to include the homeless, migrant workers, refugees, single parents, and the elderly.

I find it amazing sometimes, in a not so great kind of way, that those in our nation who don't call themselves followers of Christ often seem deeply concerned about the quartet of the vulnerable while church-goers and self-proclaimed Christians often seem filled with disdain, disregard, and something bordering on hatred for the most vulnerable. This leaves me speechless. It leaves me wondering if folks ever read their Bible. It makes me wonder what kind of gospel their pastors preach.

God cares for the quartet of the vulnerable. We who claim to be God's people are also called to care for the quartet of the vulnerable.

So back to the question: Who are you watching out for?

My husband and I are watching out for first-generation students applying to college, for public school kids who could use a support team, for any of our queer friends who feel concerned about their safety or the safety of their marriage, and for immigrant friends who are scared of losing their status.

Not trying to be heroes. Not needing to make a big splash. Just trying to do what we believe Jesus calls us to do by seeing and loving our (most vulnerable) neighbors. One person at a time. Right here where we live. No spectacular actions. Just the next right thing. Watching out for the quartet of people for whom God has always cared for with an extra measure of care.

Who are you watching out for?

I really, really want to know.