We as people of faith: Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’is and many more, know something, and we hope you know it too. We want to share this truth – a wisdom we have known for a long time. For some, this is a reminder. For others, consider this a beautiful gift to you.
The truth is we are all brothers and sisters. Born in this time to God, Allah, Hashem, the Divine, the Universe, the source. Growing up and living together in the same home, in a neighborhood we call the world and universe, guided by the love of God.
Like brothers and sisters – there is a deep rooted love for each other. There is a bond between brothers and sisters that is lifelong. When our nature guides us, we support each other. We celebrate the joys we experience in this life. We are happy for each other. We comfort each other in times of sorrow – sharing our time and offering loving words and deeds. And we challenge each other to do our best, to use the gifts our God has given us to do God’s will.
Like brothers and sisters we live in the same household and we do not always see eye to eye. We may argue, we may turn away for a moment in anger and disappointment. Yet, as brothers and sisters, we come back together, we work with each other, knowing that our relationship is more important. In such times, we strive to understand and reconcile. We do whatever it takes to work together to make the family stronger because we are family.
We build respect for each other, knowing we have different views, opinions and beliefs. Because we love each other, we look beyond these differences and enjoy the good about each other. Like brothers and sisters we know to strengthen the family unit, we have to work with each other. We bring laugher and we share our unique skills to make our home comfortable and warm.
Like brothers and sisters we honor our parents and each other, doing our part to express gratitude, love and appreciation. Our gifts of love, come in expressions of compassion, curiosity, joy, encouragement, spending time and sharing the traditions that have kept the family healthy and together. We know the importance of seeing each other and keeping connected, especially for special occasions and the many milestones of life.
Every year on the fourth Thursday in November, families throughout our country gather to rest, remember, rejoice and give thanks. During this time of thanksgiving, let us come together as members of the Austin family to give thanks and celebrate each other as brothers and sisters. We have the chance to celebrate our unity at this year’s iACT Thanksgiving Service on November 19th (Sunday afternoon at 3pm) at Riverbend Church. We’re honored and excited that this years’ service will be hosted by Austin’s Muslim community.
Recently, during a concert at the Circuit of the Americas, the incomparable Stevie Wonder said, “We are all in the same race, the race against time, and we cannot afford to be divided.” We agree with Mr. Wonder that we are in this world together and must spend our time in unity, not in division.
We invite you to join us on November 19th at Riverbend Church. Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’is and many more people of all faiths, as we come together to give thanks for the innumerable blessings in our lives. As people of faith, on this day we will stand in unity. We will stand together as brothers and sisters to remind our city, state and nation we are brothers and sisters indeed. Will you join us?
