You can respect someone’s humanity without agreeing with their opinions.
With social media dominating our lives, we have discovered a new tool. If someone thinks differently from us, we just block them. We don’t want to listen to their rhetoric, so we don’t. We have carried this “blocking” over into our everyday lives. We can easily create our world to be only filled with those who think like us. It’s a closed door with strict barriers.
What happens when we do that?
What are we missing out on?
But why do we close the door to others? Are we afraid of losing a part of ourselves? If I listen to “those people”, might my ideas and beliefs be challenged? Might I be convinced of their way? Will they try to convert me to their way of thinking, of being? “No, I am happy in my space.”
There is richness to be found when we open the door and let others in. We expand our minds; we grow in our own beliefs and ideas. Sometimes we might change them, but that isn’t necessary.
Listening to other ideas and concepts can also strengthen our own beliefs and convictions as we ponder why we think and believe this way. Other people’s views can help us to see things in a new light. We understand the person. We don’t have to agree with them or what they do. We meet them where they are. They meet us where we are.
Having a conversation doesn’t have to change your view or the other person’s. It is about understanding how they came to see the world as they do. We have a shared humanity. This is the place to live. We are all different. Yet we are all one on this planet.
Open the door to someone* who has different ideas; talk with them, listen to them. Hear their stories. Hear their worldview. You don’t have to agree with them or what they do; just show respect for their humanity.
Let Love Be the Loudest Voice
*Respecting someone’s humanity doesn’t mean accepting harmful behaviour or compromising your own safety
