Originally posted on Facebook on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

I've been on an encouraging journey with a group called SOUL (Starkville Oktibbeha Unity League). These are people who want to see Starkville become the best it can be by building on our wonderful diversity rather than being divided by it.

Our most recent get together, organized by Michael Valentine, was to the Islamic mosque here in Starkville. We were graciously hosted and educated about Islam by Dr. Rani Sullivan.

Besides a number of surprising things we share theologically (such as the virgin birth), what struck me most was the common decency of people: kindness, hospitality and a willingness to help. This is the vantage from which I choose to see my Muslim neighbors. This is the commonality from which I hope we all build.