I am surrounded this week by Christians from 32 nations and my greatest learning and my greatest surprise is how alike we are. Regardless of nationality or position or language, some people are annoying, some are amazingly humble; some are gifted teachers and some should never be given access to PowerPoint and a microphone. Some are arrogant, talking ad nauseum about their personal accomplishments, while others quickly shift conversation away from their own success to another’s interests. Doesn’t it sound like any church conference or academic gathering?
At the same time I am confronted this week by own prejudices. It’s not politically correct to be honest about my prejudices – the ones that I can deny in my lucid moments and intentional conversational. These thoughts flash through my mind unbidden and embarrass me as soon as I think them. ‘He’s so well spoken… for a Kenyan.’ ‘She’s so loud… just like an American.’ ‘Huh! A humble Frenchman.’ ‘African women are so beautiful.’ ‘Filipinos are so humble.’ Where do these stereotypes come from? The negative ones and the positive ones. How have they become hardwired into my psyche? And more unsettling, can I be re-wired? How do I come to see everyone as a Child of God, no more and no less?
Is it true that recognizing one’s problem is half the battle? If so, is my awareness of these prejudices the first step towards a more gracious and honest view of the world? To seeing others through the eyes of Christ?
It seems that exposure helps. My understanding and sensitivity have grown in the past few months and may grow again exponentially in these five days. I have giggled with a woman from Nigeria about dozing in workshops, reveled in the beauty of Malawi with an Australian, learned about texting devotions from a Filipino man, and shared belly laughs with UpperRoom staff from South Africa. I have appreciated illustrations on a Frenchman’s blog, been inspired and mentored by a Kenyan and Russian, heard about a Nigerian’s dissertation, and chatted with Americans.
150 Christians from 32 countries have gathered to work together in hopes of strengthening the culture of reading and writing in the global church – how can I not be changed?! Please hold me accountable if I am not.
Bravo and ditto!