people are different.

"People generally prefer to be with people like themselves." (from Divided by Faith)

Why?

I often ask this question in my mind. Sometimes unfortunately, I ask this question out loud (I'm realizing my questioning and playing devil's advocate can be annoying).

My "why's" are often left unanswered but they usually result in a search and more thinking and more questions.

I think the simple answer to the questioning of this statement is:
We like ourselves. Usually.

We think that the way we do things is probably the best way of doing things. It is, after all, the way we've chosen...to do things. So, we want to be around people who have chosen the "best way of doing things" just like we have.

Obviously, I'm inciting a problem here. Or is there? Is it really all that bad that we like to associate with people like ourselves? This can be argued sociologically from both sides fairly strongly.

Without getting too deep into that discussion (mostly because I don't understand it that well), I would argue that we are missing out when we act completely on our "inherent" desire to be with people just like us...or as close to that as we can find (we're all pretty uniquely weird, ya know?).

But, think about this (I know I need to): We are all different. Therefore, what "way of doing things" is really the best? I mean, we all do things at least a little differently. So, maybe I could be enriched by associating with people that do things differently. The fear (that often paralyzes us) is that we may actually start to think that the "other" person's way is better and that could make us change our mind about everything we've held so tightly for so long (If we let go that easily, then maybe we weren't holding it as tightly as we thought). This leaves exploration of another's culture, beliefs, faith, and preferences as an often taboo pursuit.

So, where am I really going with this? Not so sure, except I can say that I think it is okay to hold values closely and firmly. I even think that is a very good thing. But, I believe we are beings who don't have everything exactly right and we would be better served (as people and as Christians) if we would interact (and maybe even listen) to people who are "different" than us. You don't have to sell the farm and move to the other side of the world on an issue. You may often keep the very same belief on a matter, but your perspective has been widened.

It's not natural for us to associate with the "other" (I know it's not for me). But, I'm trying to explore the good in doing just that.

"It's a white man's system"

These five words jumped out at me as I spent 5 hours last Saturday with my uncle who is in prison. I know he reads this blog, and I contemplated even writing this, but I opted to do it because of what he is teaching me through this process as well as the testimony of Jesus Christ that he is representing.

We drove 5 hours to the Federal Prison, went through "inspections" and then got to hug our uncle and just talk. He had a twinkle in his eye that I have not witnessed in months. He is living life, in a tough place, in a completely different culture, but he is moving forward as positively as he can.

He shared so many stories, but he spent a lot of time talking about the injustice of the Justice System. He told the stories of guys who had 10 years for possession of "meth", when these guys could potentially be rehabilitated in 6 months. Or guys who made one mistake and are now spending 20 years. Their families have been torn to shreds. There is just not a lot of rehab taking place as these "criminals" are getting sent out into the world, only to return at an alarming rate.

About the justice system, my uncle told us that "it's a white man's system". He already has observed the reality that our system is geared toward whites; this coming from a white man who has experienced a bit of this injustice. More to think about from more of an inside perspective. Keep praying for my uncle. That he would stay strong and make a positive influence on those who walks with each day.

discuss this.

For anyone that reads this, you have may have begun to see a theme. I am realizing that we live life in cycles and themes really begin to emerge for what we are thinking about and learning.

Right now, that theme is racial/cultural reconciliation. And that phrase carries so much attached to it. And it is a theme that I hope continues to shape me and grow me for years to come.

Some of you might think I'm crazy or naive, to pursue this challenging and often touchy subject. I will admit that I am no expert and that I have and will continue to make mistakes on this journey, but God has burdened me with the desire to see people from different backgrounds and with unique experiences come together. I desire to see us come together so that we can share with each other the richness of our varied backgrounds. I learn so much from someone who is completely different than me, but that is not the first person I "naturally" approach.

Tomorrow/today we are having a discussion at Taylor about "Diversity". I'm extremely interested and excited for this to take place, and I pray for an open heart and mind for myself and those who will attend.

I leave for now with a few questions. Please respond in the comments below if you feel comfortable.

(1) Why do we naturally surround ourselves and approach those who are similar to us?
(2) Do you have a story or experience of a time when you got to know someone you "normally" wouldn't?
(3) What does diversity mean to you?

Note to Sunshine Gospel

Maybe I'm naive, but I'm positive that some things actually changed in my life and in the lives of students here at Taylor. I've seen the change begin (and I'm realistic with change after doing multiple short term missions experiences). I've seen students approaching their minority roommate with a whole different perspective. I've heard about tough conversations. I've seen our students already pursue opportunities to share what they are learning in a variety of contexts.

Me. I view the world different. Will I sway from this at times. Yes, probably so. But, my eyes have been renewed. I view all situations through a fresher lens. A lens, I believe, that is a little more like the lens Jesus uses. My perspective is more eternal than it was 12 days ago. Thank you for being faithful in communicating and sharing what God has laid on your heart. I know it can get tiring and seem hopeless, but you have done a good work.

We most definitely saw compassion and peace modeled. You shared a tough message gracefully. You challenged us not out of guilt but solely out of a shift in worldview, a worldview shaped by the word of the almighty God. Your values were clear. Live justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly as we seek to see the poor and different than us the way God views them. This conversation will continue but I must work on my homework. Thanks Sunshine for sharing your time and your heart and your unique (sadly) view of the City from a Godly perspective.

Jumbled but I must...

My thoughts are completely jumbled, but I must begin to get some thoughts down. I spent last week in Chicago with a group of 21 amazing people (seen above) and I sincerely believe (and maybe naively hope) that we were changed.

As we debriefed on Saturday, I came away with three phrases that I believe summed up my experience:

1. Reshaped/Renewed Eyes
2. Responders not Fixers
3. Role in the Kingdom

I've been back at school (trying feverishly to do work with little to show for it) and I've been thinking a lot about why God sent me to Chicago to learn and experience what I did last week. You see, call me crazy, but I'm convinced that I was only their last week because God intended and foreknew that I be there. I know I learned and I know I see the world at least a little differently, but where to next?

That is what I'm thinking through and that is where my thoughts seem to continue.