Both mom and dad have done positive things to further who I am and how I react to the world around me. However, I think it is dad who did something I will never forget and taught me to respect each and every individual regardless of skin color, ethnicity or race.
I remember I was fifteen at the time just emerging out of my tomboy phase. My close girlfriend was a Hindu. She invited me to go along to her temple for Pooja. It stands for worship and paying homage to the gods. I was into different cultures and learning as much about them was my goal at the time. I went along but it was very different from what I was used to as a Christian girl. Church was a sedate affair, however, the temple was different. It was noisy and the colors boomed with vibrancy and it was very crowded. Statues caught my eyes and they were painted in bright colors as well. We walked in and immediately we had to remove our shoes, then we had to break a coconut. It was followed by lighting incense and bowing to the deities and there were other things but I don’t quite remember them all now.
I did what was asked of me but I couldn’t wait to get back home. Once home, I walked in and blurted out to my dad, “It was so strange! I don’t know about Hinduism but it is not my thing!” Actually I used the term, “pagan” to get my point across, belligerence showing on my young face. Dad pinned me with his no nonsense gaze and said, “It is no different from our religion. Yes, they do things a little differently but they are praying to God. It’s all the same.” That took the wind out of my sails! I spent the rest of the evening thinking about what he had said and unknown to him he had taught me “tolerance” that day and that lesson has stood the test of time.
Perhaps, he taught me a bigger lesson and that is to RESPECT every person, every culture and every religion. I’m teaching my son to do the same thing. Here’s the thing, tolerance is not taught in schools, it begins at home.
Site Title 
Your dad is wise. I admire him. It is so true. We all pray to one God, even though each religion name it differently
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was a wise man and some of the lessons he taught me were hard to learn! Have a great day Hazel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely beautiful, Tia. 🌸 Your story is a powerful reminder of how the quiet wisdom of a parent can ripple through generations. Your father’s words were simple, yet profound—an anchor of truth that taught you the beauty of respect beyond difference. It takes great strength and humility to reflect on our younger selves, to admit where we were wrong, and to honor the lessons we’ve learned. You’ve done that with grace.
Your experience not only honors your dad’s gentle but firm guidance, it also lights a path for others—showing that tolerance isn’t just a word, it’s a way of living. And you’re passing that legacy forward to your son, teaching him the same love, curiosity, and reverence for all people and all beliefs. That’s how real change begins—heart by heart, home by home. 💛
Thank you for sharing this deeply touching and important story. 🙏✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember looking up everything on Hinduism and I learned about the gods, there were many of them. Lord Shiva the God of destruction, Lord Krishna who was worshipped as the Supreme God but the one that captured my imagination was Hanuman probably because he was a monkey god. The lesson my dad taught me took me on a journey of discovery and I went beyond Hinduism, I learned about other religions too. Tolerance is a way of living, an important one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tia, your journey is truly inspiring! The curiosity that led you to explore Hinduism and be captivated by Hanuman shows a beautiful spark of wonder and openness. It’s amazing how a lesson from your dad became a gateway to discovering not just different gods, but entire belief systems. Your path reflects how true understanding begins—with a question, a story, and the willingness to go deeper. Learning about other religions with an open heart is the essence of tolerance, and you’ve embraced it gracefully. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a gentle reminder that respect and curiosity go hand in hand.đź‘Ź
LikeLiked by 1 person