If you know me, you know that I love to learn about people. I am always open to learning about different ethnicities, cultures, and people. People fascinate me. Some folks have multiple layers, and some have no layers to peel back and go deeper with. But no matter the case, if given the chance, I usually try to learn something about a person.
I like to find out things that maybe tell me more about why a person is the way they are. Being a question-asker, but not in a drill-down interview type of way, is my style. I like talking to people, and if they are willing to answer my questions, I am appreciative.
I will ask questions of people I know well and of strangers. Yep, strangers. I have folks I follow online who have some very unique stories, and I have hit their DMs and asked them about their childhood, grief struggles, parenting, prayer, humor, and so much more.
Most people have been willing to answer me. And yes, of course, sometimes they will say they do not want to answer something, and I respect that as well.
Most recently, I have gotten to learn more about Tasha Jun by reading her book before it is released to the public. It is called Tell Me the Dream Again: Reflections on Family, Ethnicity, and the Sacred Work of Belonging. And with each chapter, I am in awe of her story. You get to find out how her life was growing up as a Korean-American. A few topics she covers are:
What it means to be biracial in America today
The joy and healing that come with embracing every part of who we are and
How our identity in Christ is tightly woven with the unique colors, scents, and culture he’s given us.
When I was reading the book this week, I started to think about some of my friends growing up and how they may have felt about the food their families ate as far as scents and maybe having to explain or feel ashamed of those foods. I do not want to give a lot away about the book because I hope you will read it. But one thing is for sure: when you are "different" from those around you, especially growing up in school, you will notice those differences. The best thing we parents and adults can do is keep a dialogue going about how we are all different and how we need to celebrate those differences.
When was the last time you took the time to learn about someone different from you culturally, ethnically, or in any other way? And when was the last time you had a chat with the young people in your life about appreciating the differences of those around them?
Before I close this note, I want to share a couple of things from Tasha with you.
Check out this this playlist one of Tasha’s friends created it for her; you can click below and enjoy it on Spotify. And a few graphic quotes from Tell Me The Dream Again.
Open your heart and mind to learning about people.~ L. Hoover
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for sharing. Good to see you writing again.🥰
Very insightful and wonderful post. My best friend since 1st grade was born in another country and I saw firsthand some of her struggles moving to the states. I embraced having a friend from another country and learning about her culture, food, and beliefs.