Differences
"...let us stop passing judgment on one
another.
Instead, make up our minds not to put an
obstacle in our brother’s way."
(Romans 14:13)
Growing up in the 40’s and 50’s my
family was very strict on who were acceptable and who was not; prejudicial to
the max. I have come to believe that attitude existed from the fear of competition
within our society. Fear that the immigrants would become equals to the old
time New Englanders. My great grandmother from the deep south was a segregationist,
the rest were from the “Irish need not Apply” school…only expanded to include
all Catholics. There was a definite trend to block the social development of
certain sections of the society. It was a sad time.
I was blessed by being a YMCA brat
growing up. The “Y” were leaders in treating people as equals. Mixing with all
factions I never saw any difference, so it was hard for me to buy into my family’s
ideas. At the “Y” my friends were of all races and religions (Oops, I need to
tell a Jewish story in the next paragraph!) I remember at one point being
pulled aside by an elder and told that my Italian friends were not welcome at
her house. Geeze!
My Jewish story: My friend at the Roby
School, Richie, was Jewish. We shared an interest in swimming and the JCC (Jewish
Community Center) was one bus stop before my stop at the “Y”. You see, YMCA and
JCC did not mix in the late forties. How sad is that, two good friends going to
segregated swim-team practices on the same bus! I am not describing “the good
old days”!
In America we came a long way in the
sixties and still have a way to go. Christians, that is us folks, need to lead
the way. Last week message was Matthew 5 about “…shine your light…”. Recent events
in our world, the good old USA, indicate how correct that is. We need to demonstrate
our Christian love and acceptance of all; every day, everywhere, all the time!
Thought for Today: Today we will
interact with people of all kinds. Let us recognize them as equals and
recognize the blessings of our differences.
Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and
Father somehow America, home of the free, still harbors prejudices within our
society. Today we pray that we can learn to accept others as St. Paul
suggested.
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment
We welcome your comments!