Reflect

Americans have been told that they are divided. This division expands beyond borders and reaches the entire globe, which is impacted by this super power and its internal discord. Divisions fracture, segment, and alienate. There is little room for cooperation and understanding in such conditions. Like children on a playground fighting over a toy, division prevents us from thriving — everyone loses the best outcome. Renowned peacebuilder John Paul Lederach has worked in more than 25 countries experiencing conflict. He says that understanding is the only way to build lasting peace. And the only way to do that is to make an unlikely friend. An unlikely friend can be a person from a different race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, political ideology, or walk of life. When we befriend with the intention to understand, our friendships transform us and build bridges over raging rivers.