Tag: cultures

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Celebrating Black History Month

Often, I like to watch television while I pay bills, research various topics, or write. It helps motivate me to sit still and, ironically, helps me focus. Typically, I wouldn’t watch something where I need to focus, but rather a rerun or a documentary.

I don’t have cable, but I subscribe to a couple of apps, so I can still watch certain shows. Thankfully, I can hit pause on Roku, so if it’s too distracting (i.e. interesting!), I can return to it later.

Yesterday, I started watching a show called “Black Patriots: Heroes of the American Revolution” on the Military/History Channel. I love history and stories that highlight courage and heroism! I also read stories about many tenacious Veterans at work. Though, I was bummed to miss a lunch ‘n’ learn about Felix Battles, a “pioneer barber” who fought in the Civil War and helped settle Moorhead, MN, as a successful businessman.

Free grunge usa flag american flag illustration

Last night, the Black Patriots show was so interesting that the only way I could focus on my blog was to write about it! 😉 I had heard about brave men like Crispus Attucks (the first person killed in the British/American conflict) and Phillis Wheatley (the poet who corresponded with George Washington). But, I learned some new-to-me facts about their lives.

I also learned about the Rhode Island Regiment, a game-changer in battle. Black people served in several ways: soldiers, spies, and scribes. One comment that struck me is that whites were fighting for independence from England, but blacks (slaves and ex-slaves) were fighting for their lives, liberation, and equality.

I was surprised to learn that approximately twenty percent of the population had African roots. Yet, they were deemed as sub-human and, at first, were prevented from fighting in the war. Many of these slaves escaped to fight (first) on the side of the British… and later for the American side. Some were also sent to war instead of the slaveowners with the promise of freedom IF they survived.

I’m not sure if that would have felt like a better or worse deal, but they made a big impact. Not to mention the Native Americans who fought for American freedom. It is mindboggling to consider how it must have been, but the extra soldiers on the American side turned the tide in many ways. Sadly, not all would see the benefits they fought for. Many died or remained enslaved. Even worse, some of those racist attitudes and power struggles still persist today.

I loved watching the show yesterday and am so grateful to the people fighting for freedom. At the same time, this content should not be saved for one month a year. We should continue learning about various cultures and American history (positives and negatives) and be open to changing our minds.

Perhaps it feels uncomfortable, but there are greater things at stake. Individually and as a nation, we are stronger when we unite and honor our differences. We often can’t have peace or freedom without fighting for it. There is grace, forgiveness, and restitution, but failure to learn from history affects us all.

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God, thanks for all the brave men and women who served, sacrificed, and died for freedom. And for those on the frontlines today. May we fight for justice and persevere through the challenges. Help us not take it all for granted but do our part. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you celebrating Black History Month? What are you doing to move out of your comfort zone?

Tasks: Reach out to your black/African/African American friends. Encourage them. Be their ally and learn from them. Support their businesses! Enjoy a meal with them, and spend time together. Let them know they are not alone. Furthermore, ask about their experiences. Be a good listener and be willing to go deep; it’s not their job to teach you (that’s your responsibility!).

Posted on in Being Gracious, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Words

Lessons in Miscommunication

On Monday night, Lydia and I started a movie that was based on Malta, an island in the Mediterranean. She had never heard of this before, so I had her look it up online. We found the flag and other pertinent details about the country.

I also told her that’s where (the Apostle) Paul was shipwrecked on his way to be tried in Rome. He was bitten by a poisonous snake, and the natives were surprised when he was unharmed. Paul was invited to winter there, and he healed several people and discussed Jesus with those in charge. (See Acts 27-28)

So, last night, we went to the store and bought blueberries, among other items. At home, Lydia noticed they were from Chile and asked where that is.

L: Is that near Italy?

N: No, Chile is in South America. Italy is in the Mediterranean… Oh, let’s finish that movie tonight, if we can.

L: Ok, sure! Was Paul born in Italy?

N: No, he was born in Tarsus (modern day Turkey?). He was a Roman citizen, but he was also Jewish, from the tribe of Benjamin. He ended up in Jerusalem and persecuted those who first believed in Jesus. But, then he had a lifechanging encounter with Jesus! 🤓

L: Oh, so does that mean Aunt Livi is Jewish?

N: 🤔 … ??  Oh! I thought you meant the Apostle Paul because we were talking about the Mediterranean! But, you were talking about Uncle Paul. No, his family is Italian, but he was born in the US. And, no, he’s not Jewish and neither is Aunt Livi!

L, cracking up: Mom!! Oh my gosh!

Ah, lessons in communication… or is that miscommunication?! 😆

Perhaps I went a little overkill with Lydia. But, I try to take advantage of all the opportunities I can! Plus, I sincerely thought we were on the same page!

Lydia and I laughed so much at how one thing lead to another. Though, I wonder how many times we make assumptions about someone means. This example is funny, but sometimes, there is more at stake!

This was a good reminder for me to make sure to pay attention to what Lydia is saying and what she actually wants to know. I don’t need to overexplain, and I don’t want to be insensitive to her needs. It pays to pause and listen!

If anything, we can take a cue from the Apostle Paul. We can speak up and speak clearly, pointing people back to Jesus. While I may not always do it perfectly, I am grateful He already knows what’s on my heart and mind. May we use our words to bring glory to God, trusting He will give us the right words when we need them.

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God, thanks for always communicating Your love for us clearly. Thanks for making Your love personal to each of us. Thanks for listening and leading us every day. May we listen and understand Your heart so we can translate that to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have a funny story of miscommunication?

Tasks: Tell me your favorite (funny) story of miscommunication… bonus points if it is with a kid! Remember to pause periodically to make sure you are communicating correctly.

 

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Not So Different

On Sunday, one of my African friends came over to hang out. We had a great time sharing a meal, talking about food, clothes, shopping, church, work, and family. Then, we played games with Lydia. Our usual.

My friend complimented me on a new houseplant. I laughed and told her it was fake. These days, I don’t have much time to devote to real houseplants, though I do enjoy them!

She then told me that some of her houseplants found homes with other friends because she always kills them. Apparently, her other friends were quick to tell her she doesn’t have a green thumb. How ironic other cultures have similar nuances!

My friend often gives me updates about her other international friends. For example, one of her Middle Eastern friends had twin boys earlier this year. I have not met the babies since the family moved out of state recently.

So, on Sunday, we watched a video of the mother talking to her seven-month-old boys. They were so cute, and I could really see their personalities coming through.

It was fun listening to the mother’s language, and it made me happy the boys will grow up knowing her language first and English second. It is good they will learn about her culture and their heritage, as well.

To my surprise, I could understand the gist of what the mother was saying. Well more or less! I could not understand her exact words, of course, but I could understand her tone of voice. Every mother I know says the same things to her precious baby!

It seems she was saying how big and how strong and cute they were. One of the twins was moving his arms and legs like a choo-choo train and she mimicked those sounds.

It happens all over the world. You probably know exactly what I am talking about!

Years ago, when I was pregnant with Lydia, some people visiting from Singapore were trying to guess my baby’s gender. They had a whole set of old wives tales they were relying on to make their decision! The same ideas exist in other cultures, too!

Even further back, I once traveled to Sweden to visit some friends and still remember with exact enunciation the phrases, “Kan du klappa? Kan du vinka?” which means “Can you clap? Can you wave?” There was a baby boy and his family kept excitedly asking him to show me.

As I sat and talked with my friend on Sunday, I was reminded that our similarities outweigh our differences. We have very different hair, skin, cultures, backgrounds, and preferences, but we both love Jesus. And, God brought both of us to North Dakota!

Over the years, we have both helped each other problem solve. We have learned a ton from each other and are better off for it. In the end, we are really not so different.

There is so much going on in our world right now. I hope each of us can remember to set aside our preferences and enjoy each person for who they are. We can celebrate our differences and rejoice in our similarities. It really doesn’t matter, just treat each other well.

Each person you see is loved by God. Each person represents a part of His character and creativity. Think about that for a minute. All of that diversity within each of us shows you just how vast God is. We cannot put Him in a box or contain Him!

We need each person’s contribution; none of us is better than the other. If you sit down and share food and conversation, perhaps you’ll learn just how much you have in common! Everyone feels the need to belong. For those of us who know Jesus, we are family.

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God, thank You for creating so many different kinds of people. It shows us how wonderful You are, to think up so many special characteristics. Help us love each other well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Which do you typically notice first, someone’s differences or similarities to you?

Tasks: As you go about your week, see if you can notice any similarities across cultures. We all laugh, enjoy selfies, like to celebrate, tell jokes, eat fruit, kiss our babies, value hard work, have bad days, become sad, etc. In the end, we are not so different!