The Dalai Lama is in Dallas today visiting at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Glenn has the amazing opportunity to meet the influential spiritual leader. What will Glenn and the soon to be 80 year old possibly have in common? Glenn shared his thoughts before the meeting and a message for anyone who thinks people of different faiths can’t unite.
On his Facebook page, Glenn wrote:
On my way to meet with the Dalai Lama.
On my best behavior. I have met very holy men before.
They are always very different people.
When they are the real deal and truly have peace, you feel almost transparent around them. It is the way we felt when I met Billy Graham. We were supposed to spend half an hour with him. We arrived in the morning and ended up leaving late in the afternoon.
I will never forget his grace, peace, advice and kindness.
Anxious to meet with his Holiness today.
On a separate note. I didn't want to come empty handed but what do you give the Dalai Lama?! I am sure he has a copy but I am bringing him an early copy of the scriptures from my faith.
While many were excited for Glenn to meet such an important world leaders, some were critical of anyone being referred to as "holy". Other said Glenn didn't deserve to meet such a peaceful man. Rather than respond with anger, Glenn wrote a message preaching love and openness.
I am again amazed at some of these early comments.
What part of my message did you not hear? I am going to meet with all men, even those who think they hate me.
We are all in this together. I am not mixing theology, as he knows who is his and I know who I am and worship.
Can we not show each other respect? If everyone I know loves Jesus. I don't know nearly enough people.
I got up this AM and did my scripture study, then I studied the Torah with a wonderful rabbi in Toronto who shared really profound sacred concepts with me and now I am on my way to meet with the Dalai Lama who I am sure will speak to my heart as well.
Why must we condemn other faiths? Why must we judge other people. Discernment is different than judgement. To condemn one to hell is about as judgmental as we could ever get don't you think?
I am going to leave that up to The Lord. I will continue to look for His light and his grace and peace in Everyman that I meet.
Politically I am sure we do not agree. Theologically we do not agree. But if I only met and showed respect for those people who did, my what a narrow, shallow and small world I would live in.
I will speak truth as I understand it. But I will listen more than I speak. For I am sure that he has a few things worth hearing.
I challenge you to leave your comfort zone once a week. Reach out to someone and find even the smallest common ground.