Do you believe that people from different faiths can be friends? I do, absolutely. In fact, if you exclude making friends based on beliefs, you may be missing out on some great experiences and denying someone the gifts you have to offer.
I have a friend I met while working through a temporary agency twenty years ago. I'm naturally curious and enjoy meeting people from other countries. I have to know their whole life story.
My friend was from Viet Nam. I asked him to share his story with me. It was like nothing I've had to endure. The first time our family went to his house for dinner, my kids were nervous. He had brought the food to the table where he was going to entertain us. the kids saw raw meat and whispered to me, "Do we have to eat it? What if we don't like it?" I whispered back, "Just try a bite and say thank you."
Well, he started laughing and said, "You should see the looks on your faces. Did you think I was going to make you eat raw meat?" We all laughed. He put on a cooking show just like in the restaurants. The entree was similar to a burrito rolled up in something like rice paper. The kids loved it and asked for seconds and thirds.
At Easter, I asked if I could give his kids Easter baskets. He said yes. When I gave a concert at my church, I asked if his kids could wear their traditional outfits for one of the songs I was doing with all the kids. I was wanting to find multicultural costumes. The kids from church who showed up didn't have multicultural costumes but showed up in their Halloween costumes. I am very easy going so I just chuckled and we did our song.
I introduced my friend to a man who had been a missionary and ambassador to Viet Nam. It was very touching.
My friend was Buddhist and we were Christian. I am thankful to have known him. He was a loyal friend and the most patriotic citizen. Hopefully, we've blessed each others' lives and are better people for it.
Another man I met on the airplane was from the Middle East. You know me, I asked to hear his story. It was amazing. We exchanged contact information. I sent him my books and CD and he sent me a beautiful set of cups. He was Muslim. There was nothing inappropriate and we weren't looking for a date. He was just an elderly man with an interesting story. I told him my story as well. It was really fun sharing our stories.
Most likely, when you meet someone from another country, you may have different faith backgrounds and cultures. We don't have to convert each other at that moment but we can share and make a connection that can last a lifetime
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