"When was the first time You experienced being the only one?"
the only white person, the only black person, the only female... the only male... the only young person... the only asian person... the only older person... the only latino person... the only native indina person... the only handicap person... etc
I have been the only one so many times in my 60 years until its hard to pick one that could be signicant. I could begin by saying that before I began my work in reconciliation being the only black in an all white situation was ALWAYS uncomfortable for an assorted number of reasons. As I grew in ministry I found that I had new dynamics like the only female black clergy and the only femALE, black, physically challenged clergy that was not young. I can go on. Yet these are the challenges we face in living across culture and race.
ReplyDeleteHow about the only parent with an adopted child of another ethnicity? Like asian and african american... and the list goes on. Let's open up and learn from each other. its all about Hearts In Harmony... growing together
I was the only white person and person under 40 at a prayer meeting for VBS back in the early 90s. It was weird and at the same time it was wonderful. I still remember the beautiful sounds of prayers, "yes, Lord"s and "Thank you, Lord" songs that we shared. It was freeing for me. I felt out of place, but not out of place and I was glad to feel uncomfortable, because I realized I so very rarely feel that way. My brothers & sisters taught me a lot about being different and being unified in the body of Christ. I'm so grateful for that experience and have since learned to look for those opportunities to be the "only one". I know that I'm privileged in getting to choose and I hope I become more sensitive to those who don't get to choose being the "only one".
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing my friend. This is good to witness. Your sharing opens our understanding of the many areas where reconciliation is needed. This dialogue is the beginning of breaking down barriers. If you get an opportunity to share this blog with another... please don't hesitate or send me an email and I will extend the invitation
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