Prejudice

As I sit here watching the world news, especially the massacre of Muslims in New Zealand, I can't help but wonder how anyone can have such hate in their heart. Where does all this prejudice come from?   To see the rise in white Supremacist shootings/deaths over the years it just makes me sick. There are groups all over the world that express hate and I guess there always have been but how does this touch you and me?

Have you ever experienced an incident where you needed to go to a neighbor's house and had to ask for help but couldn't get it?  It could be for any reason.  I have.  Neighbors down the road were home but would not open the door. At first I was angry, not understanding how someone would not open the door. This stance was my viewpoint because of an incident a few years ago...that is,  until a friend stopped by and immediately told me this neighbor operates out of fear. That helped me to see a different perspective! 

Our feelings are there but spurred by our thoughts. I needed a neighbor to simply share his thoughts to me. How often do various groups hang on to their thoughts with no willingness to get to know others, or get to know another person. 

Prejudice surrounds so much: people of color, religious differences, sexual/gender differences, even different heritages.  Too often our minds are made up and that's that! Then we end up acting out of these inner thoughts and feelings which are absolutely not accurate. These actions bring great harm to others and ourselves.

How can we open ourselves to a willingness to communicate and get to know others for who they are, not to operate out of preconceived notions? How can we see the similarities in others, not the differences?  How can we live in the solution, not the problem? 

Courtesy of Pixabay

The answer I come up with for myself is "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!" I need others, though, to keep challenging me with other perspectives when my own is not accurate.

My deepest condolences go to all those affected in New Zealand! Let us operate out of love, not hate. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.  It's a small, small world and all of us are affected by such horrendous acts.  Let peace begin with each of us.  God bless you! 

I am a spiritual director and have openings at this time in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI.  If various world events are something that you would like an appointment to discuss can be reached at 920.793.3530. Spiritual direction is a wonderful arena in which to discuss every day happenings.