Ok, so those aren't the exact lyrics to American Idol Season 8’s coronation song, but that’s the main gyst of that god-awful song we faithful AI viewers endured this year.
Sorry to tell you, songwriter and lame-excuse-for-a-judge Kara Dioguardi, but there ARE boundaries. Specifically it was cultural boundaries that were the topic of conversation at our recent Time For God (TFG) conference.
Language barriers are a huge boundary that separate cultures. The lack of language boundary between English and American cultures is comforting, but it carries with it a deep impact. The language barrier is absent, which means all the other boundaries that separate English and American cultures are all the more noticeable and raw. Differences in relating with each other, communication styles, expectations and cultural values and norms are shoved onto center stage; a center stage that can be foreign and uncomfortable, even if you “know your lines.” Feeling at ease with the language is often paired when gentle reminders that this still is very much a foreign country. While the language barrier remains a central element of these first months for many of our co-workers, Kris and I have found ourselves catapulted swiftly into the heart of some pretty deep and difficult cross-cultural issues. Living, working, and relating (especially to teenagers and my peers) in this culture has brought with it challenges I would have never fathomed initially.
Our conference was a much needed chance for the 12 UK YAGMs and a handful of others to reflect on mission work in the United Kingdom. The UK YAGM program is fundamentally very different from the other programs. “Mission work” and “missionary” carries a certain connotation, one that, no matter how negative or incorrect, doesn’t typically equate heading into a westernized culture to do God’s work. I know that the work I am doing here with SPEC is vital and legitimate, no matter the implications that surround it. Surprising boundaries that go far beyond the English language are complicated. Yet, when these boundaries and walls start to be broken down, the joys of being brothers and sisters in Christ really start to be realized. I am proud to be a part of the UK YAGM, Time for God and SPEC communities. The blessings continue. Thanks be to God!
TFG+ Conference
Amen.
ReplyDelete-Becca