knowyourneighbor

Living cheek-to-jowl

"This kind of cheek-to-jowl living can be intrusive. . . . It also happens to be one of our greatest strengths." Bishop Richard G. Edgley quoting an unnamed Utah-based humorist

Bishop Richard G. Edgley's October 2007 General Conference talk titled Enduring Together paid tribute to the many, many kindnesses taking place in every ward, every day throughout the world.

After briefly recounting several tragedies that recently occurred within the Latter-day Saint community, he observes:

"In each of these instances, we saw an outpouring of love, service, and compassion that was inspirational to all.

Bishops arrived, home and visiting teachers went into action, and Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Relief Societies organized to take care of both spiritual and temporal needs.

Refrigerators were stocked, houses cleaned, lawns mowed, shrubs trimmed, fences painted, blessings given, and soft shoulders were available for crying on.

Members were everywhere."

He concludes his talk with, "I rejoice in belonging to such a loving and caring organization. No one knows better how to bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. What happens to one happens to all."

What would happen if we lived cheek-to-jowl with all of our neighbors, regardless of our respective faiths?

We as members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints galvanize on behalf of the commnity in times of disaster, whether hurricanes, fires, floods. What would happen if we began to serve and serve with all the neighbors in our ward boundary?

In short, what would happen if "all" included more than members of our church?

Disney Channel's Pass the Plate

Disney Channel recently introduced Pass the Plate, a series of interstitials meant to promote healthy food choices.

Each of the six segments focuses on one food item – mangoes, rice, fish, tomatoes, bananas and spinach -- and takes viewers across the globe on a tour of how these foods are enjoyed by kids and families in each country.

Family recipe examples are a Mango, Spinach and Chicken Salad from the U.S., Sliced Mango on a Stick from Mexico, a Mango Lassi from India, a Beef Mango Stir Fry From China and a Fruity Icy Pole from Australia.

While I know that Disney's primary purpose is to demonstrate that they are giving back, I like Pass the Plate, I really like it, nonetheless.

Perhaps because when we want to reach out to someone, we frequently give casseroles or cookies, and if we are feeling especially open, we invite others to share a meal.

Know Your Neighbor.

Reach across the Aisle.

Pass the plate.

When was the last time you shared cookies and casseroles with someone?

A recipe?

A meal?

Was it someone with whom you had something in common other than our faith?

Do We Need the Community?

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (“Letter from Birmingham City Jail”):

I am impressed by students at a very special school, Crossroads College Preparatory, in St. Louis Missouri, who say the best thing about their school is the people. From teachers to students, there is a community of mutuality that is inspiring.

I know, I am an insider if you will; my son attends the school. And I had the opportunity to get an even closer look recently when the St. Louis American asked me to write a story on the school for their special edition on education.

Regardless, listen to what Lydia Jackson, a junior at Crossroads had to say, “There is no middle school or high school hierarchy; there is no division by class.”

You should have seen the photographer’s mouth drop. Wiley has taken photos at many schools.

Wiley said, “Where do you see a school community that has no class division? I never have.”

“That’s your story right there!” he told me.

Indeed. It’s a story.

Too bad isn’t it? Too bad it’s not more common.

Here are some ideas you can take-away from the story:

1) Teachers encourage the upper classman to mentor and look out for the younger classman. They teach them the right ways to foster a united community. Their work is deliberate. A united community doesn’t just happen.

2) The mission statement is not just a nice thing to aspire to, the Crossroads community lives it. Everyone – students, parents and teachers – have bought into the mission.

3) A “culture of kindness” is reflected in the fruits of the community – the students have a better learning experience and are more productive in their studies. We can accomplish more when we are united.

4) People who experience a “culture of kindness” see a positive view of the future, they become visionary and hopeful in their approaches and ready to lead out to better communities. Success breeds success.

As Crossroads exemplifies and as Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned: collaboration is a key to success in just about any endeavor. Even in our church work.

See: “Think Outside the Cultural Hall”

What can you do to unite your family, auxiliary or quorum, with others who may be different from you to accomplish the good work of the church and the community?

Can church work be more fruitful if we work with our larger communities?

6 Billion Stories

I am a people watcher.

When I wait in an airport I love to watch people and think about what might be their story.

Now I don’t have to wonder.

Renowned French photographer Yann Anthus-Bertrand has produced a film titled: 6 Billion Others. In the past, he has given us a unique view of the world with his inspiring aerial photography of the earth. Now he focuses his lens on the people of the earth sharing their testimonies of the meaning of life, death, hopes and fears.

The premise of the project I totally buy into: “Every single person has got something interesting to say. And every person has the right to say it, even if they don’t know it.”

People matter.

And listening matters.

Bertrand says, “Nowadays the only way we can go forward is to move towards our fellowmen. Understand them.”

I think this is true.

Last week I attended a program, hosted by the Missouri History Museum that highlighted the leaders of black institutions in the St. Louis area. Their organizations support families and culture and impact our economy in important and needful ways. More importantly, these founders shared stories of triumph in adversity and perseverance in strengthening families and preserving heritage. This is a positive African American story not often highlighted in the media.

I was sad that most of the audience was African American already familiar with the organizations and their stories --- they were preaching to the choir.

What they do is valuable. They have an important story to share. And they have the right to share it. Yet in our racially divided city of St. Louis, listening to each others’ stories can meet with resistance.

I found myself wishing more white folks could hear their stories. Some people accuse the African American community as turning their backs on their own. And some others just simply don’t know the story. If we listen, we will learn the truth.

Can you listen this week to someone’s story -- someone who is different from you?

You don’t have to travel the globe. Start with 6 Billion Others.

Then your neighbor.

P.S. Thanks to Mike Magleby for bringing this website to my attention