bits from bob....

THINKING ABOUT DIFFERENCES

by Robert J. Young
Main and Oklahoma Church, McAlester, Oklahoma
March 7, 2003
©, 2003, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

I am thinking again about problems. Every person and every group of persons has problems. At some point, life to goes to pieces for almost everyone. Many of the problems we face are common and shared by many human beings, yet we have different ideas about solutions. Each of us has a "framework" through which we view problems--a combination of heredity, past experiences, and education, whether formal or informal.

Thus I am also thinking about differences. One subject discussed often today is the difference between generations. In l940, 80% of all homes in our nature had a grandmother present, in l987 the number had decreased to 2%. There are few three-generation homes today, and inter- generational dialogue is less frequent than in days gone by. That is unfortunate. Most of what I've learned I've learned from people outside my generation. Today some are suggesting we must choose sides between the "old folks" and the "young folks." Labels may pit the "traditionalists" against the "progressives."

Such is only part of the story, and we would do well to hear "the rest of the story." While some may oppose change simply because "it's never been done that way before," many ask serious, thoughtful questions that deserve thoughtful answers. It's not likely we'll make much headway toward solutions unless we can at least talk to those who share the same problem, even though we may see the problem differently.

We face the challenge of understanding the problem, understanding one another, and understanding our changing world. Sometimes I am wrong. Discussions that point that out should not be threatening. The whole truth seldom rests with one individual. I may never know and understand the truth unless you share with me and I share with you. Let's resolve to do it!-- despite our differences.


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Last updated March 7, 2003.