Beach Church? you say. Yes, Beach Church, a non-denominational organized church run by the cruisers in George Town, Bahamas on Volley Ball Beach. Now that’s a mouthful.
Even with all the spectacular beauty in the islands, it’s still nice to come together through community and give praise. The enormity of our blessings sometimes can be taken for granted and this informal service where new folks introduce themselves and welcomed with open arms, and folks moving on are wished fair winds is a reminder just what community means.
So back to the message of inclusive verses exclusive had me thinking. The lay person delivering the message was talking with cruisers and no matter how hard we as a society try there are still clicks and gaggles of exclusiveness. Do any of us really try to exclude any human race from our ranks?
I think the clear answer is no, yet even cruisers can get caught up in being exclusive and only socializing within ourselves. How can we really experience the culture of where we visit if we only stick with other sailors? So, though we are open minded and explorers we have to remember to include the society we travel within.
Bahamians, especially those in George Town understand their economy is enhanced by visiting cruisers and are open and friendly. In fact they encourage visits to their houses of worship and will open their arms to any visitor. This is a very religious country expanding from Catholics, Baptists, Methodists and most other denominations. You can have a population of only a couple hundred on any of the 700 islands and still have as many as three churches.
Take a moment to think how your life is exclusive despite your best intentions of being inclusive.
What ways can we be more inclusive in our everyday lives?
Fantastic post. I think sometimes it’s very easy to unknowingly be exclusive. You are at a party where you know everyone except two or three people so you stick with the crowd you know. Or maybe it’s a work when a new employee is hired and likely feels very out of sorts. It’s easy to stick with what we know and who we know.
At the same time, I try to remember all the times I’ve moved and all the places I’ve worked and those people that reached out to me and how amazing that made me feel. So at the party or at work, I try to always remember to be inclusive. Because that’s what I’d want in return.
Wonderful Nancy – really!! Thank you for the reminder!
Natalie, I just knew you’d be inclusive. I know it’s hard at times, but I really love when people bring me into new situations.
I love the idea of the beach church … and I’m not religious … but this is such a fine example of community and acceptance. Based on what I know from friends who are cruisers and, as you have often expressed, the cruising community is very good at this as you travel the seas and waterways. Like Natalie, I moved around a bit as a youngster and have never forgotten how much I appreciated being welcomed when I was an “outsider”. It’s something we all need to keep in mind. Thanks for this!
Patricia, You’re very welcome. I think we all have to remind ourselves to step outside the comfort of friends to welcome new ones.
I really do try to be inclusive. I have found,to my delight, I then open up a chance to make a new and wonderful friend. 🙂
Carol, knowing you I can’t imagine you’d be anything but inclusive. The new friends we can make is fantastic. Keeping the old ones close to our heart is even better. Then the new become old and our world becomes richer.
Amen . Big Hugs to my old friend. 🙂