Liz Perraud
Executive Director
GenOn Ministries
Do we grab opportunities to bridge divides? The possibilities for division of community are numerous: theological, social, generational, racial, geographical, political, and so on.
Sarah is an elementary school teacher who grabbed such an opportunity. I’ve 
known Sarah since she was in elementary school herself. We attend the same church, and she grew up in our LOGOS ministry (her young daughters attend now). She recently posted a story of an experience in her classroom. Sarah gave me permission to share her story, but I know that her intent is to point toward the others and to Christ as the model and teacher for kindness. I also know that Sarah was the catalyst for the experience.
A student in my class turned nine, which means she starts occasionally wearing her hijab, the head covering many Muslim women wear starting at age 10. As the only one who wears it in our school, she was nervous. And honestly, so was I. So, we planned to share with the class why she would be wearing it some days. Her mom helped her pick the prettiest one. We wrote down what she was going to say.
It was beautiful. The 27 other third graders listened to her, clapped when she was done, and asked thoughtful questions. She was beaming.
In a world where it is so easy to see the bad, or to feel like the small things we do fail to make a difference, this small glimpse of beauty was so needed. What a blessing.
May we be watchful for our own opportunities to deepen relationships and form community across differences.
Other GenOn Connect articles: May-June 2019
Denominations Come Together for a Common Purpose
Bridging Gaps Through LOGOS
Parents’ Corner: Bridging Divides
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My pleasure, Karen!
What a beautiful story, Liz! Thanks for sharing it.