Our first task in approaching another people, another
culture, another religion, is to take off our shoes, for the place we are
approaching is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another’s dreams;
more serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival, and
will continue to be there after we are gone.
The first time I saw this anonymous quote was on a beautiful poster hanging on
the wall of a high school class. I tried to memorize and unpack it
because I knew it was a gold mine of wisdom which if lived could bring about
greater peace, respect, justice and freedom between peoples. Over the years I
have encountered these words again both on paper and within the context of reality
of everyday encounters—life. This
truth has often guided my journey of discovery, understanding and acceptance of
the different peoples and cultures I encounter. They have also challenged me to
open my mind and heart to receive the unique beauty and wonder of each. I imagine the same challenge of understanding and accepting the different peoples with whom we share this great land must have made the early settlers feel threatened to some extent by anyone who was not like them or who did not vote according to their criteria. Diversity can be a threat but it is also a gift. I was reminded of this last week when I ran into a lady who came to the U.S from Italy decades ago with her family. She was only a little girl when she got here. Referring to English she said, "I hated the language at first!" She did eventually learn English and today speaks it very well. I wonder if her resistance was prompted by the expectation to speak English in school and other places. Though not the official language of the U.S, it is hard to be successful in the U.S without knowing English. After being assimilated into the culture and ways of the United States, the lady was able to conclude with much thoughtfulness," Everyone has something to offer us. Maybe this is why we were made so different--that we can learn from each other and depend on each other." Each migrant group brought along distinct traits --industriousness, efficiency, drive for success and the rich cultural heritage of the native land. By allowing ourselves to be enriched by this breathtaking wealth of cultures, we can get the best of all worlds!
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