Differences

Differences "...let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up our minds not to put an obstacle in our brothers' way." (Romans 14:13) Growing up in Boston in the 1940s and 1950s, my family was strict about who was acceptable and who was not; prejudiced to the max. I believe that the feelings existed from the fear of competition within our society. Fear that the Italian and Irish immigrants would become equals to the old-time New Englanders; the blacks, Catholics, and the WASPish list went on. (I made up that word WASPish.) There was a definite trend to block the social development of certain sections of society. At the end of the era, some factories' help-wanted signs stated, "Irish need not apply." It was a sad time. The good news is that I was blessed to be a YMCA brat growing up, and they were leaders in treating people as equals. I mixed with all factions and never saw any difference, so it was hard for me to buy into my family's ideas. My grandmother advised me that my Italian friends were not welcome at her house. At the YMCA, our director, Jim Goodwin, was a leader in educating us on equality (in the 1950s). Jim was exceptional and well before his time. His daughter tells me he spent time reaching out to the JCC (Jewish Community Center) and scheduling joint events. My senior year of high school was at Huntington Prep in downtown Boston. It was my first exposure to a truly diverse community of mixed nationality and race. It was confusing because they were great guys, and my family had a true WASPish background. We studied together, trained together, and were fond of each other. We all shared a common goal: to get into a good college. My story has a point. Somehow, I was blessed by being exposed to worldly people and was blind to the differences. My friends were varied. The moral is clear: love your neighbor and do not be afraid to show it. Thought for Today: Today, we will interact with people of all kinds, recognizing them as equals and embracing the blessings of our differences. Love them all unconditionally. 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