Why It Matters:
Belonging, Values, Socialization, Structure, Aspirations, and Community
As I reflect on the importance of finding common ground among people of diverse customs, beliefs, and religions, I am reminded of the values and principles that have been taught throughout my life. My journey, filled with a sense of purpose, has shown me the significance of building bridges that connect individuals, regardless of their differences. It is in understanding and embracing our shared humanity that we can truly bring about the impact of belonging, uphold core values, shape the way we socialize, give structure to our lives, and reach our collective aspirations as a global community.
When I think back to my childhood, I often wondered why my mother held such a strong desire for family and faith. Her story, marked by both joy and sorrow reveals a poignant truth. She carried with her the heavy emotional trauma of having been given up by her birth parents as an infant. Raised as a foster child by a loving family, my mother experienced firsthand the boundless capacity of the human heart to embrace and nurture children who were not of their own flesh and blood. The family that took her in opened their hearts to several foster children, each one welcomed into their home with love and care. It was in this environment that my mother learned the true meaning of belonging, as she and her foster siblings became an inseparable family unit. She often spoke of the pain she occasionally confessed about being the only one among her natural siblings to have been given up. The feeling of abandonment and the quest for belonging left an indelible mark on her soul.
Belonging is a powerful force that shapes our lives. It is the essence of being connected to something greater than ourselves. I believe that there is a common ground that unites us all – the profound human need to belong, to find meaning within a community that shares our values and aspirations.
Family life, with all its intricate layers, rituals, and traditions, was very dear to my mother. The structure it provided, the rhythms of daily life, and the unspoken assurance that family was always there formed the bedrock of her existence. It was within the embrace of her foster family, with their shared values and customs, that she learned the fundamental principles of love, unity, and community. This upbringing instilled in her the belief that we are all part of a larger family – one that extends beyond our immediate relatives and encompasses the entire human family.
My parents (deceased) involvement in the Baptist church exemplified this universal quest for connection and purpose. They were an expression of faith, service and nurturing the spiritual well-being of their congregation. My father, a deacon and trustee, stood as a beacon of guidance and support, while my mother, the choir director, head of the youth Sunday school, and leader of varied projects infused the church making the impossible, possible with her dedication to the education of young minds.
Stemming from this backdrop of faith and community, my brother embarked on a journey of spiritual exploration becoming an ordained minister who then later converted to Judaism. While his conversion may have deviated from the familiar path laid by our family’s religious heritage, it underscored the profound truth that the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment can manifest in varied forms of diversity.
The common ground among varied faiths, customs, and beliefs may require us to view our shared humanity from humanitarian perspectives. Our world is rich and diverse, influenced by a myriad of customs and religions, from Western to Eastern and Far-Eastern spiritual and religious practices. Each of these traditions offers a unique lens through which individuals seek meaning, purpose, and connection. The beliefs and customs that guide our lives may differ, but the fundamental yearning for love, belonging, and spiritual fulfillment unites us all.
It would be easy to define the paradoxes, conflicts and barriers. However, and overall, having peace is a goal for a sane, mature society. It is challenging to achieve peace in densely populated areas. It is true that proximity and overcrowding can lead to increased conflict and tension. This is due to a number of factors. Densely populated areas often have high levels of social and economic inequality. This can lead to resentment and conflict as people from different social classes come into contact with each other.
Education is key to understanding and respecting different cultures. By teaching people about different cultures and beliefs, we can help to break down barriers and promote understanding. Everyone has this responsibility, and many groups and institutions are actively engaged in this work.
The Parliament of World Religions, for instance, is an international organization that brings together representatives of different faiths to promote interreligious dialogue and understanding. Many universities also have interfaith/interreligious dialogue councils that organize events and programs to foster understanding among students and faculty from different religious backgrounds.
In addition to these specific organizations, faith communities themselves play a vital role in promoting interfaith understanding. By teaching their members about other faiths and fostering respectful dialogue, faith communities can help to create a more tolerant and inclusive world.
The United Nations (UN) designated the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week, a time to “promote harmony among all people regardless of their faith beliefs.” The UN also has a number of programs and initiatives that focus on interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
While education is essential for promoting intercultural understanding, it is important to remember that this can be a complicated journey that requires patience and consistency. The hope overall is that there is a willingness to learn about different cultures, and to engage in respectful dialogue with people who hold different beliefs. By doing so, it can likely bring us closer to creating a more just and peaceful world.
Throughout his career, Lee played pivotal roles in shaping disability policy and promoting inclusive employment practices.He co-chaired the Olmstead Employment Sub-Committee for the state Department of Human Services, focusing on creating an inclusive work environment for people with disabilities.As Chairman of the Welfare To Work Committee within the Human Services Advisory Council, he contributed to creating initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in need.Earlier in his career, Lee served as a legislative analyst and was CEO of profit and nonprofit organizations.
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Thanks Lee. Indeed, now is a time where we need to work towards common ground and mutual respect for the diversity we see in our world. Ultimately I pray for a time to come when the world will be at peace and all troubles will cease.