We’re having a lot of conversations about breaking down stereotypes in our world today. This is a great thing, because even though we sometimes use stereotypes to help us figure out who we are, we can also use them to reject people that are different. Stereotypes can become threatening, hurtful and wounding in a variety of ways.
I know a thing or two about being the target of stereotypes and I’m sure I’ve been guilty of projecting them as well. In this short video on untamed women of the Bible, I talk about women who “smash the brands,” in the Old Testament and challenge the names used to label women who tried to express their individuality in ways that were not culturally acceptable. Stereotypes can cause division, suppress identity formation and lead to great suffering, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
For the past decade, I’ve worked with some of the most traumatized and rejected people in our culture who suffer from stereotypes. Homeless, refugees, immigrants and the poor. However, it has been my experience that when we decide to answer the cry for love and acceptance that comes from all human beings, particularly those who have been rejected, prejudice and stereotypes are shattered.
This is one of the first steps in effective social justice, heart change. It is in human community where we learn to trust one another and become open to difference that we discover our own deepest needs are met. This is where things like meaning and purpose are born, in love and friendship among strangers. This is where we overcome our own deepest fears and are able to lift others out of suffering.
I have found that it is impossible to break down a stereotype, or experience change in your heart just by talking about it. The walls between us come down as we decide to take action, to be in community with those who are different than ourselves.
There is a great scripture from my tradition that says, “do not forget to show kindness to strangers, in doing this, many have entertained angels unaware.” (Heb 13:2)
In my work with the homeless population, I experienced this more than once. The presence of the sacred as I opened my heart to the strangers in my community. Of course, my work was always tinged with fear, and I had to use some discernment to keep myself relatively safe. But heart change does require some risk, mainly the risk of moving out of our own comfort zone and opening our minds and hearts to the rejected. This is how the world changes, one heart at a time.
I wrote a song about it called “Tending Angels” and got to work with an award winning film maker, Tracy Facceli, to tell the story in this short music video. We wanted to break down the typical stereotypes of the homeless and show the real reasons people spiral into shelter insecurity. I hope it inspires you to spend some time with those who are different than you, particularly those who feel rejected. It is as simple as offering friendship. What you find might surprise you and it will most certainly change you for the better.
I’m Sherry Cothran, a pastor, singer-songwriter and author who was once known as the lead singer of the popular rock band, The Evinrudes. Check out more of my story here.
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