Making faith Connections...

A Mormon, a born-again Christian, and a Buddhist walk into an elementary school...sure, it sounds like the start of a bad joke, but really it is the story of my first day in fourth grade.  I became fast friends with them--two girls who shared my sense of humor and taste in books.  As the year progressed and I spent more time at my friends' houses, I discovered that we had something else in common--families with a strong commitment to our faith traditions.

On the surface, our home lives were very different.  I spent three hours each Sunday at church, while my Buddhist friend and her family would go on hikes and meditate.  At the time, my exposure to spiritual music was mostly LDS hymns, so I remember being surprised by the Christian rock music myh born-again friend exposed me to.  The three of us would talk about our religious differences from time to time, but mostly we just loved being around each other and respected what the others held sacred.

I love my friends of other faiths.  I love learning what they believe and how they connect to the divine.  I loved reading the story of an LDS congregation in California that offered to share their stake center when a Jewish synagogue burned down.

What started as an act of charity led to significant blessings for both communities, not the least of which are new friendships, deeper understanding, and mutual respect.

Making faith connections with our neighbors is instrumental in building strong communities, but what about within our own families?  Did you know Charles M. Schulz, creator of the world-famous Peanuts comic strip, has a daughter who became a Latter-day Saint.  Schulz was himself a religious man, though not a member of any organized religion.  His devotion to God showed in his comic strip and guided his private life.  And although he did not share his daughter's views on the restored gospel, Schulz was still a proud and supportive father who rejoiced in the points of faith they shared. 

Whether with our own family members, neighbors,or friends, finding common ground is a beautiful way to strengthen relationships and promote good in the world.  And one of the best ways to share what is sacred and good in the word is to share the light and love that we receive in holy temples.  

All I can say is "I love to see the temple!"

Erin Hallstrom

Associate Publisher LDS living...