The word 'welcome' in many languages at Winnipeg's Human Rights Museum
Many years ago I heard a pastor offer a very simple solution to creating a more peaceful world.
He said it was time for us to step outside our comfort zones, to put ourselves in places and situations that might at least initially feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable, and start getting to know people who are different than we are.
Travel is one way I've gotten to know people who are in some ways very different from me
He said it was time for us to get out of our holy huddles and make new connections that break down the polarizing stereotypes of 'us and them' or 'friends and enemies'. It is easier to hate, judge or stereotype people we have never met or haven't taken the time to get to know.
I often think about how easy it is for me to stay in a rather complacent huddle with people I already know with whom I share many of the same beliefs, traditions, interests and lifestyle choices.
I attend this terrific church for example that offers me opportunities to volunteer, socialize, explore new ideas, discuss issues and use my talents. I could stay primarily in the holy huddle my church provides and be very active and involved. But that may not be good for me.
Winnipeg's upcoming Folklorama provides opportunities to learn about cultures very different from our own
I need to take advantage of all the opportunities right here in Manitoba, right here in my own city of Winnipeg, to step outside my comfort zone and really get to know people who have a different religion than mine, who are in a different age category than I am, whose first language is different from mine, whose sexual orientation is different from mine, whose culture and ethnicity is different from mine, whose economic status is very different from mine and those who hold very different political views than I do.
I pray for peace in the world every night before I go to sleep but that petition often feels hollow. I can't just pray. I have to do something!
Sign I saw while on a walk in Winnipeg's west-end neighbourhood
I want to remember the importance of breaking free of the comfortable circles of interaction I naturally tend to migrate towards, especially as I age, and push myself out into a wider circle to get to know people who are very different from me.
That's something I CAN do.
Other posts..........
Stretching Experiences
Wînipêk
Inter-Faith Dialogue- A Path to Peace
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