This video is a part of the Healing the Heart of Democracy Discussion Guide and can be found with more videos and resources in our “Healing the Heart of Democracy Hub.” You can explore the hub, download the guide, and find all of the videos along with additional resources here.
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Hearing each other’s stories, which are often stories of heartbreak, can create an unexpected bond. When two people discover that parallel experiences led them to contrary conclusions, they are more likely to hold their differences respectfully, knowing that they have experienced similar forms of grief. The more you know about another person’s story, the less possible it is to see that person as your enemy. (5)
Q. Can you tell a story about two people—possibly yourself and another—who hold differing convictions on a moral or political issue, and yet have found a way to move from distrust to understanding by learning more of each other’s stories? How do you understand the fact that it’s rare in this society for people who have regular access to each other—neighbors, colleagues, congregants, and others—to know very much about each other’s stories?
