September 10, 2020

​30 Days of Anti-Racism

​The challenge for today is to learn greetings and phrases in other languages.  I have always felt that the key to addressing our own biases and prejudices is through relationship.  It's easy to be scared of a person you do not know.  But often, when we break down the faćade and get past the defenses we can discover the humanity of others.  One of the best ways to make new friends is to respectfully and lovingly learn the language they speak.

Did you know that Wesley Park is still an important host for The Literacy Council's English as a Second Language course?  The class is now online, and is a continuation of the ESL experience that so many have found to be life-giving.  It is a beautiful thing to hear people speaking Spanish, Vietnamese, Swahili, and English as they work together and support each other.  That work often begins with a greeting.

Hello!  Hola!  Xin chào!  ​Karabuni!  

What phrases and words can you find and practice that would create a space for hospitality and friendship?  How can language bring us closer together?  When Restoration Community Church became a part of our faith community at Wesley Park, we made cards people could color and customize as a sign of welcome.  Feel free to print it off and keep as a reminder of our common bond, or send to the church.  I can make sure Pastor Banza gets any that are sent in as we celebrate our ongoing friendship.

Peace,
Dean

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