Family

Over the last couple of years of “Continuing the Conversation” and other meetings I have listened to the concerns of many when it comes to family and friends who have less than loving attitudes about people not like themselves.  I will admit to not having a lot of experience with this (except for those who, through business interactions, made it clear they had no problem with “screwing me over” because of my race, but would attribute it to other “excuses”). Pizza and Social Justice has tried to find ways to help our members deal with these kinds of people.  We have viewed a number of videos that tell the story of others who have had success in HELPING people make profound changes in the way they see others, and in how they relate to people who are different from themselves.  In reviewing these videos there were some elements that were similar.
 

Well folks, 36 years ago today, I remember picking up my soon-to-be and going to the florist to pick up flowers to take to our soon-to-be wedding. We were standing there with a room full of last minute Mother’s Day Flower purchasers. I remember Nancy speaking up from the back of the line informing everyone that were were there to pick up the flowers we had reserved for our wedding. Like the red sea parting for Moses, all the guys separated so we could go to the counter pick up our flowers.

Once we were outside of Foundation Hall at the Bahá’í House of Worship I was amazed at all the people who were there to witness today’s event. I remember being in a daze throughout the ceremony but I do remember distinctly that I did not fumble my Bahá’í Wedding Vow “We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God” (which did concern me a great deal because I have never been comfortable speaking while the world was watching).

Today, before work, I went out for breakfast and while there a fairly large group of people came in.  I was not sure as to their ethnic background but I am somewhat sure that they were of Muslim background (the restaurant is across the street from a Mosque). As I watched them I was taken with a "spirit" that seemed to emanate from them and that got me to thinking about some of my attitudes.

As an African American, born here in the U. S. and raised in a society that is slow to accept minorities I got to thinking about some of the difficulties and barriers they face as immigrants. I am aware that it is not easy for them, leaving their homeland, and coming here to make a fresh start, and create a new life. I put myself in their shoes and realize how hard that can be and this is something I had not thought about before.