It was already dark outside, people all around talking to one another, sipping wine and eating square blocks of cheese. Our team was on cloud nine to have the combination of both these items and were giddy as we stood in a circle getting to know young teachers at the school.
The primary students had just finished performing their concert set list for parents and family members. Cocktail hour was now rollin strong, and my team had been waiting for this night since we were first invited to it the previous week by our host family.
We ditched our daily workout clothes, unfashionable chacos, pulled back hairstyles and traded them in for simple dresses, flip flops and a few strokes of makeup- a very rare site. We felt like completely new people, with clean hair, down and all.
The atmosphere was light and upbeat as we met locals, observed accents and traded fun cultural differences. The night felt almost fake, too unrace-like…until the famous questions started popping up, altering the very tone of our conversation and night.
Why is America not Christian anymore? Why are they being sued for practicing their religion?
It was as if this question had been planned, prepared, and planted at the precise moment. We stood there, blindsided, offended, and hesitant of what to say.
This was not the first time we felt cornered. It seems as though having someone light grade interrogate us about what is “wrong” in America has become a daily occurrence. I am continually amazed with how much information from media is taken as fact.
To most, the idea of America is confusing.
Who do you think is going to win the election?
Why don’t Americans travel much?
Why are Americans so ignorant of our country?
Through the numerous questions, and assumptions, people seem to love the idea of America as much as they love tearing it down.
They pick it apart and find things wrong, corrupt or different. They assume they know all about our culture because we’ve been under a glorified spotlight for years.
Unfortunately, that spotlight sends out contradicting messages and more often then not, false realities.
I’ve found myself wanting to run away from so many conversations. I cringe when I hear the common expectation that Americans should know as much about “so and so’s” country as they seem to “know” about America.
Its frustrating to say the least, and to be honest, I have to concentrate to not roll my eyes and walk away anytime someone wants to ask me what I think about Donald Trump.
There’s something about pride that’s hard to grasp. It causes us to take things too personally. It can overtake our thoughts, emotions, actions, and even drive us to do things outside our character.
There have been so many times these past 11 months I’ve bit my tongue as I stood across from someone, deciding to be silent and listen to their rambles. And many times, I have talked back, pointed out things they said were wrong, or asked a question causing them to think about the words they put out into the world.
Honestly, I regret both stances at different times. I don’t think there is always a right answer, a correct approach or proper response.
But I do know that swallowing my dignity, and taking a calm approach in love is more important than their opinion of my homeland.
Because my nationality does not define me. My race, culture, and gender do not define me.
God does. God defines me. My worth is in being daughter of Christ.
And when I am caught up in my pride and an offended stance, I lose focus on this very reality. The reality that I am child of God AND so are the people across from me.
It is hard for me to look past these things and see a person, a child of God. But I know God does. He looks past all of those things and see’s His sons and daughters.
The very one He pursue’s everyday and chooses to love unconditionally.
And if God, knowing all He does, and seeing everything can do that, I need to do so as well.
I need to start removing myself from the emotional part of conversations and see the person for who they are. They are not defined by their race, culture, opinions, political stance, or denomination.
They are defined by their creator.
By no means is this an easy stance to take. And by no means am I perfect at it. More often then not, I can be quick tempered, sassy as all get out, and offensively sarcastic when I am annoyed over a reoccurring issue. At least in my head.
But working to see this new perspective and change my thoughts bring out a kingdom perspective that changes much more than a conversation. It changes my very character.
