I had the most unnerving thing happen the other day, my youngest child Meaghan came running home in tears, nearly on the verge of hysteria about something that I feel would be an excellent topic in my blog. After about a half an hour of sobbing and carrying on, I was finally able to piece together the picture of just why she was so upset.
It seems that she and a little friend had been playing quite amicably in the yard when a minor dispute arose and from there took a very ugly turn... it escalated into to this child yelling "You can't ever talk to me again unless you're a christian" My daughter wasn't quite sure what to make of this at first but settled on the conclusion that our beliefs were under attack and somehow just because we didn't attend a "main stream" church that somehow it meant we were less than or bad according to this playmate.
I have to admit I was a bit shocked at first, because I really didn't think that the neighborhood children really paid all that much attention to what goes on in our house but obviously I was mistaken. I calmed her down and patiently tried to explain that unfortunately throughout our lives this might be a misunderstanding we will run into on occasion. It didn't necessarily mean this little girl should be banned from the ranks of "friend" but maybe she did not know very much about our beliefs and therefore Meaghan could maybe use this opportunity to educate her friend on exactly what wicca, and pagan were really all about.
I did, however, go to speak to this child's mother because I wanted to make sure it didn't get blown out of proportion any further. As it turns out, the mother had no idea of what her daughter had said and Meaghan and I (as well as this little girl and her mum) sat down and all had a pow wow about how those things can be very damaging and hurtful.
I'm glad to report that since this occurred, Meaghan's friend has been busy asking many questions of her and they have come to the conclusion that everyone is different and it takes all colors to make up the rainbow of our world and that's okay. I'd like to say that these issues could all be solved in this manner but as we all know that we live in an imperfect world. One of the greatest things we can pass on to our children is that of tolerance and understanding.
2 comments:
i am so happy for you and your daughter. i had a friend that was not so nice about my wiccan faith and it didnt turn out as well. it is great that the girls mother was very understanding.
Oh, Liz, my heart was breaking for poor little Meaghan reading your post today. I'm so happy to hear that it all worked out and that the friend is learning about your faith. I have learned a lot and I thank you for that.
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