And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had more of a tendency to look for people who live by kindness, tolerance, compassion, a gentler way of looking at things.
~ Martin Scorsese
Good Company
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
My father had very clear ideas of the type of people I should associate with, and we didn’t always agree about that. One day, an old friend came to visit. My friend had had a hard time, and my father wasn’t impressed with his appearance. “You need to be careful because people will judge you by the company you keep,” he told me. I answered: “But Dad, you taught me to be loyal to my friends, and you told me never to judge a book by its cover.” We both laughed. My friend stayed.
Dad was right, people do judge each other by the company they keep. I have learned to value friendships that stretch me and show me something I want to aspire to and learn more about. But I was right too, because those friendships don’t always look how the world thinks they should.
Interfaith dialogue is a lot like that. We find our friendships and our soul connections in unexpected places with people we may never meet except in a place of intentional diversity. It’s when we stop talking to each other and start judging that things go wrong. I’ve seen that many times, and it’s a lesson I am actively working on.
The Emissaries hosted an online panel discussion to decide whether or not interfaith dialogue has value in a world dominated by conflict. Even though dialogue may be said to have failed, given the amount of religiously inspired conflict in the world, everyone seemed to think it is still valuable and has the potential to build peace.
Someone asked the panellists to explain their best methods for translating the theory of interfaith engagement into a lived experience. Three of the four panellists spoke about verbal engagement – coming together, sharing the messages of our hearts, and having deep conversations. The fourth panellist described a time when diverse faith leaders decided to build a house together. They formed unimagined bonds and friendships as they laid bricks. Common purpose is a powerful unifier, as is curiosity, kind intent, and good conversation.
Like Martin Scorsese, I have learned to appreciate kindness, tolerance, compassion, and a gentle outlook. These are often the ingredients of good company and deep conversation because these values help to build a safe space where we can truly meet each other beyond our differences, heart to heart. Good, true, open-hearted conversation builds friendship, and friendship is a superpower that transcends difference.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thank you, Rev. Berry. Who would have thought that Martin Scorcese, whose films are known for such violence, is looking for people of kindness to be in his life? But it makes perfect sense. We create a much richer pattern of God’s fabric when we harmonize with others of love and integrity. I so appreciate your bringing this to light and to LIGHT! Love, Tom C.
Thank you Tom, you have highlighted what was, for me, the appeal of the quote. If Martin Scorsese can look for kindness and gentleness, then anyone can. Thank goodness for maturity and the willingness to lean into the changes it brings! Thank you for your always kind and thoughtful comments. Much love, Berry
Anne Lise Bure
9 months ago
Thank you 🙏
Jerry Kvasnicka
9 months ago
You’re so right, Berry, that “Good, true, open-hearted conversation builds friendship, and friendship is a superpower that transcends difference.” Perhaps some who come together in this way will awaken to the reality of ONENESS that invites us all to dissolve the religious, cultural and other things that divide us and enter the rapture of transcendent Being.
Katie-Grace
9 months ago
Somewhere in my computer is a story I came across about an Antisemetic biker and an elder Jewish neighbor whom he harassed. The biker was in a very bad accident and ended up paralyzed. His elder neighbor became his helper and friend. They ended up traveling the U.S. sharing their story of love and caring. That story stays in my heart as a reminder that Love will always win when given a chance.
Rick Bischoff
9 months ago
Thank you Berry for your words and your heart. I appreciate the same values as yourself. Kindness and Forgiveness are really up for me today and your words lite up my awareness of the need for these energies.
Thank you, Rev. Berry. Who would have thought that Martin Scorcese, whose films are known for such violence, is looking for people of kindness to be in his life? But it makes perfect sense. We create a much richer pattern of God’s fabric when we harmonize with others of love and integrity. I so appreciate your bringing this to light and to LIGHT! Love, Tom C.
Thank you Tom, you have highlighted what was, for me, the appeal of the quote. If Martin Scorsese can look for kindness and gentleness, then anyone can. Thank goodness for maturity and the willingness to lean into the changes it brings! Thank you for your always kind and thoughtful comments. Much love, Berry
Thank you 🙏
You’re so right, Berry, that “Good, true, open-hearted conversation builds friendship, and friendship is a superpower that transcends difference.” Perhaps some who come together in this way will awaken to the reality of ONENESS that invites us all to dissolve the religious, cultural and other things that divide us and enter the rapture of transcendent Being.
Somewhere in my computer is a story I came across about an Antisemetic biker and an elder Jewish neighbor whom he harassed. The biker was in a very bad accident and ended up paralyzed. His elder neighbor became his helper and friend. They ended up traveling the U.S. sharing their story of love and caring. That story stays in my heart as a reminder that Love will always win when given a chance.
Thank you Berry for your words and your heart. I appreciate the same values as yourself. Kindness and Forgiveness are really up for me today and your words lite up my awareness of the need for these energies.