Committed Conversations

With all that is happening in the world, you would easily think that prominent leaders like the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu would get wrapped up in the thoughts of “why us?” Though during this panel at Seeds of Compassion I caught a refreshing discussion of these two leaders not only bringing a positive but optimistic outlook on the questions which were asked about pain and suffering. When one youth asked, “What do you do to redeem yourself after a failure?” The Archbishop responded “God is not going to give up on you after one mistake, he will not pick you up and throw you out.” This was a comical yet refreshing response to a commonly asked question.

The more and more I watched each of the leaders interact and laugh, the more I listened. These leaders have gone and are going through some of the roughest times in history. For them to be able to keep their cool and truly believe that keeping their faith will bring them through was inspiring. “God is not finished, he is still working on you.” Stated the Archbishop. All of his advice and answers were not just directed to people who believe in a certain God, but in all God’s.

In our world today it is easy to look just to your own religion for support, the leaders on the panel today proved that you can look toward one God, God’s, or spirits to find inter peace and compassion.

-Jenika Swanson, Bellevue Hope