Stereotypes

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day.  A friend and mentee of hers, "C," had told her a story about a new colleague, "M," and how "M" had casually made a religious reference in a meeting one day.  I wondered where the office conversation had gone after that, because you never know what will happen when someone mentions religion.  I knew it must be something unusual or provocative, because my friend was telling me about it with her "You've got to hear this!" tone.   If "M's" comment was made so casually, what mayhem ensued, I wondered?

Fortunately, nothing bad happened.  No blood was shed.  No insults were hurled.  (Seemingly) no one even was offended.  Something good happened.  At least one person's eyes were opened.  At least one mind was broadened.  At least one person realized her presupposition.

It seems that when "M" shared her religious beliefs, "C" was surprised that "M" subscribes to that particular belief system.  Why was "C" surprised, when "M's" religious group is among one of the major religions practiced?  "C" admitted that she had fallen prey to racial and ethnic stereotyping.  "M's" beliefs didn't match the profile that "C" had in her head.  "C" realized that, while she is in many ways an open-minded, non-judgmental person, stereotypes and prejudices are still alive and kicking in her thinking. 

"C" felt bad that she had fallen prey to narrow-minded thinking, but my friend pointed out to her that at least she had realized her mistake.  It happens, and I wish that everyone would be as aware and teachable as "C" and realize, regret, and work to correct their erroneous, often harmful, beliefs. 

"C," I applaud you.  As "they" used to say, "You go, girl!"

Play Together, Or At Least Play Nice

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I subscribe to a number of email devotionals, among them one from Dr. David Jeremiah.  In a recent edition, he focused on unity and closed with a quote from Richard Baxter, an English Puritan church leader:

"In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity."

Obviously, both pastor Baxter and Dr. Jeremiah were referring to unity in the Christian community, but I think it's a good lesson for everyone.  Maybe our problems occur when we disagree on which things are necessary and completely forget (ignore) the idea of charity.  Granted, we won't always agree, but as I've written before, it's better to disagree agreeably. 

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Never give up; you never know until you try.

In the insanity that has been my week, I realized that I hadn't scheduled this week's post.  So now, as some have forgotten American Mother's Day, and some are still stinging because they were forgotten, or felt forgotten, on Mother's Day, I salute all "mothers."  You may be male, female, young, not-so-young, parents of children of all ages, parents of pets you adore, just a concerned human being showing love and parental guidance and nurturing to someone who needs it.  Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you have "mothered" some creature in some way, I salute your caring.  God bless you!

A Good Week

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I had a chance to substitute in a class last week and had a great time.  I didn't do brain surgery, and I didn't find a cure for cancer.  I didn't wave a magic wand over anyone's life and fix all her problems, including mine.  Last week I  listened to and encouraged some people, and I had someone listen to and encourage me.  It was a good week.

I'm not subbing this week, but I still plan to listen to and encourage someone.  That will make this week good, too.