Often, when people are asked to describe a primary American value, they might say the U.S. is like a great melting pot. I've never liked that allusion, since it conjures up images of a stew. A stew can be quite tasty, no doubt, but it often lacks distinction as everything basically gets blended together until you can't tell one part from another. I prefer a different metaphor; that of a salad. I like the image of the crispy elements that make a salad so unique - with all sorts of different greens, and other vegetables of vibrant colors. But what really makes a salad is the bowl. Think about it, no matter how wonderful and fresh the salad elements are, if they are on the floor they are garbage. It's the bowl that keeps the elements together, keeping everything in balance so that we might enjoy its bounty.
If you agree with me, then you might want to think a bit less about the "salad" and more about the "bowl." The salad is made up of everyone reading this thought; it doesn't matter from which faith or culture or ethnicity you come from, what matters is how we find ways to be in the bowl together.
I submit that what makes America great is that it is still possible for all of us, even when we may feel estranged, to find our way back into the bowl. Long live the bowl!
INTERFAITH UNITY DAY: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Speaking of the salad bowl, the Muslim Council of USA in association with the Harran Foundation, is hosting An Interfaith Unity Day featuring three noted speakers representing Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and a performance called "Sounds of Faith Houston," which will feature evocative music from many faith traditions. The event will be held at the Verizon Theater from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all. To learn more please click here.
INTERFAITH WOMEN'S RETREAT: February 24-26
Please join us for IM's annual Interfaith Women's Retreat that's coming up February 24-26 at Camp Allen. The retreat is called "Love Thyself" and brings women of different faiths together for an intimate weekend to examine beliefs and views as it applies to body, mind and spirit. Find out more information here.
Talk to you in two weeks.
Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
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