A Rabbi, a Muslim Chaplain, and a Christian Pastor...

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The stereotypical set-up for a joke, right? This set-up, though, was about three of us participating on a panel discussion before a group of about 40 assisted-living residents. This happened on Monday and I’ve been thinking about it all week. More than thinking about it, the experience itself lingers and pulses through my veins. 

A few things have settled in my heart 
– like the gathering of folks in their elder years continuing to discover and learn. Even the cantankerous gentleman, obviously set in his ways, who seemed more determined to challenge and disagree than to listen. His objective may have been to oppose our togetherness (actually he probably disagreed more with my understanding of what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. That’s for another day), but still he was there.
 – the representatives on this panel. People of different traditions who believe in one God. Some who don’t support women in leadership. Yet we sat together respecting one another. All sharing the simple message of love for God, self and neighbor…even if we complicate it with doctrines.

It may not sound like much. But this experience has merged with other activities this week…my studies, meetings with FaithInTexas and DallasBlackClergy for just housing solutions and (re)building the city of Dallas together, and the National Council of Jewish Women luncheon. I could tell you that the work of these organizations is important and impressive. It is. But underneath it all is the experience of listening to others’ stories, narratives that are true and human, and witnessing the common ground of all people…to love and be loved, in community.

I hope one day to be more articulate in explaining my experience. For now I can only mention the fullness I feel. Allowing stories of struggle and suffering to wash through me, breaking open my heart to become larger. Feeling the truth that we are in this together. Realizing all the answers we are looking for and our purpose are already present within and with one another. May we  keep drawing from the well of relationship to discover the nourishment and renewal it offers.

In this together…