“A Third Way” conference, small but fervent in participation, was held in Chattanooga, TN. The main point and goal of the conference was this: How do we have a strong Christian identity that is also benevolent to others? So many times “tolerance” goes along with a weak identity, weak loyalty to a tradition. On the other hand, people who are really strong in their beliefs can sometimes behave in hostile ways (or perceived hostile ways) to outsiders. The idea for the conference was that there was a “third way”—a way to have a strong identity that is generous and benevolent to outsiders.
Human beings are generally fearful of the unknown, the strange and the unusual. We rightfully warn our children to be aware of and avoid strangers. We place things of an unfamiliar nature in boxes labeled beware, dangerous, harmful or not to be trusted. Thus, a stranger is to be feared. This sets the stage for hatred. To a large degree, people of all ethnic groups tend to be xenophobic, very often without really recognizing it. Xenophobia causes fear, and sometimes fear naturally generates hatred.
Language and culture are inter-woven in our normal lives, but the depth or the centre point, from where all the imagination and creativity originates in the form of art and literature, is obscured in the hidden layers of the unconscious self. It is from the deepest layer of the self where all the diversity of life springs. At the same time, it is the focal point, or an ultimate abode, for diverseness becoming oneness of being.
I am the ginger brown of the Egyptian
The blackness of the Sudan
I am the beauty to which the birds sing
I have the supremeness of the royal Lion
I am the Orchid that adorns the shore of the Nile
And the brightness of shimmering stars
I am the nomad that dwells in the Sahara
I am known throughout the lands afar Continue reading Nature’s Sweet Biracial Child — Poem by Wendell Brown→
Where have all our beautiful flowers gone
Each so very special in their own way
Where have all our young flowers gone
Why has this world’s evil taken them away
True Love never dies
When happiness really finds us
And sweet tranquility fills our minds,
When cupids arrow does pierce our hearts
True love does never die…
