Where are you really from?

What a terrible and meaningful question!

On Sunday, we saw how this question can be asked with unchecked assumptions that prevent us from the kind of curiosity we need for meaningful connection (catch the full conversation and sermon here).

After worship, many of you shared about the times this question has been posed to you because of how you look or how you speak. Some also shared times that you asked this question yourself, not realizing the assumptions that you had made about the person you were asking!

Today, when I ask, “Where are you from,” I don’t do so with any assumption except for that you are ‘from’ many people, places, and experiences. What I want to know are the things that have formed you: both extraordinary and mundane. When this question is asked with curiosity unattached to assumption and when we have the courage to answer it, connection can bloom.

So I’ve been meaning to ask: where are you really from?

If you’re willing to share, I’d love to know. I also know that there are many others who would love to hear from you and to share themselves.

Instead of reading a lengthy post from me, take a moment to follow the prompt below. Fill in the blanks by following each line’s prompt in the parentheses. The result is a poetic snapshot of who you are and where you are from- just like the poem I shared at the end of Sunday’s sermon.

If you’re feeling courageous, share your finished work with someone you trust or someone who you’ve been wanting to become closer with. You can also share it with me: karyn@fumcpdx.org. I treasure reading each one.

I Am From: The Poem of Our Life 

I am from (specific ordinary item), from (ordinary item), and (any item).

I am from the (description of home… adjective, adjective, sensory detail).

I am from the (plant, flower, natural item), the (greater detail or description).

I am from (a family tradition),
and (a family trait),
from (name of a family member), (another family member or family name),
and (family name or childhood friend).

I am from the (description of a family tendency)
and (another family tendency/idiosyncrasy).

From (something you were told as a child)
and (something you were told as a child that is no longer true).

I am from (representation of religion/spirituality, or lack of it).

I am from (place of birth OR family ancestry),
and (two food items representing your family).

I am from (consider three people, places, and experiences that contribute to who you are).