Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

by guest blogger, Carol Lindsay

Why is Project Interfaith Important?

On a sunny day in New York my daughter went walking with two of her friends. They started talking about race and faith issues at their college. At one point the discussion touched on a sensitive subject and struggled to a stop.

“Why don’t you want to talk about this? Is it because I’m white?” one asked.

“Yes,” came the answer, “it’s because you’re white.”

“But you’re my friends! If I can’t talk to you, who can I talk to?”

A good question. Even among friends dialogue isn’t always comfortable. Worse yet, when you don’t have friends on the ‘other side’ of an issue – friends who respect you enough to tell you the truth – what can you do?

Project Interfaith presents a respectful, truthful space where you can talk. You can even ask questions and share confusion and frustration. There are also events where you can sit back, listen, and observe. You can learn interesting things. You can grow.

As a child I was taught exclusive lessons. Lessons designed to make me a little suspicious of people who were “different”. As I grew I found that those lessons were largely untrue. “Different people” weren’t so very different, and “similar people” possessed some very interesting differences.

I’ve learned a great deal. Is there more? Of course! The more I learn the more I learn I have a lot to learn.

And my daughter? She and her friends agreed that their friendship would survive an uncomfortable discussion. They talked gently to each other but they told their truths. Did they agree? No, but they listened to each other and found the sense in each point of view.

Carol Lindsay is a mom, wife, and Orthodox Christian, and technical writer. She had something to say and was compelled to share it. We are glad she did. Are you also a writer? Do you have experience with different faiths, cultures or belief systems? Are you passionate about interfaith work? Whether you’re a self-described blogging addict or a dabbler in the English language, Project Interfaith wants your submissions! Click here to put in your two cents.