Alike and Different

There was a game that I used to play as a music therapist, "Alike and Different" in which people would clap hands while saying "Alike and different, alike and different, we are alike, and different!" Then you would turn to the person on your right and say how you are both alike, and then to the person on your left and say how you are different.

Right now, I am giving a talk at the Arc of NC conference in Wilmington, NC. This is a group that focuses on the place and presence of people with disabilities--especially people with intellectual disabilities and challenges--in faith communities. I am in awe of the way this conference feels like an LGBTQ conference, like National Gay Lesbian Task Force, or an HRC or Pride gathering. We strut out the struggles, pains, losses we feel, as well as have conference workshops on empowerment and technology for overcoming our second class citizenry.

We are more "alike" than "different" from our peers in other groups that struggle for justice and freedom in this country.

Pace!

B