Struggle as Spiritual Growth: Challenges as Blessings

On Sunday, March 21st, PIIPA, Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council, and United Mercy Mobilization Alliance, hosted another forum as a continuation of the October Interfaith Conference on Giving & Forgiving.

Sister Cathy began the session and welcomed all our returning community members back for another session together. This forum was centered around the importance of our personal narratives, and how they have helped shape us into the people we are today. We wanted to answer three main questions:

Could you share a personal struggle in your own life that has made you who you are today?
Is there a story that you have inherited from your family and faith group of origin that has helped to shape your life today?
What challenge is part of your life that you consider being a blessing?

Dr. Sunnie Epstein and Imam Mekeye Abdus Salaam then shared their own personal stories, with Sister Cathy leading the way to small groups where everyone was able to share their experiences.
Our goal was to work together in a more meaningful way, to learn more about each other and truly see one another through the stories we hold. We wanted to continue to build bridges to one another.

This past year has been filled with challenges. Many had to adapt to work environments, students had to adapt to online learning, some were more fortunate than others. However, many found that this was the first time they were able to reconnect with family and friends, or even reconnect with themselves. The human experience is one of adapting to our surroundings.

We thank all who joined us Saturday afternoon who shared personal experiences and were vulnerable for the sake of bringing our community together.

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