Being a radiation therapist for over 20 years, I have come to a simple understanding of non-judgment towards all people. Contrary to what we have been taught to believe, we are not to turn people away for their varying beliefs.

If an Atheist, Muslim, Christian or Jew enters the Center for healing, it is not my place to turn them away and I am expected to treat them. We all have varying beliefs but with hopes of understanding unconditional love. Those who find it…live happily ever after, those who don’t… Attack those who have.

If Christ were here today, would he place his hands on those who were not labeled of his own? But what are his own? As humans we have labeled Christianity, Buddhist, Muslim, whatever the label maybe, only to forget what matters most…Love thy neighbor as thyself.

Regardless of belief, we can interact with those who do not share the same belief. Interacting does not mean follow. Instead you know what you know, and that is all you need to know. The path we take, or walk, is our own. We are here for such a short time and we are meant to enjoy this canvas of life.

The canvas of life has been painted for us to enjoy each and every day, why would we do anything other than that? Why do friendships end due to varying beliefs? All of this is a mystery, as we continue to fight amongst ourselves. We fight amongst various religious beliefs, political views and which sports teams we follow, but more absurdly we fight amongst our own groups.  

Instead of cutting off ones hand for the differences, receive it and learn to enjoy the differences of our cultures. Not all people are bad people…why not learn to trust one another, live by faith versus by flesh. Living by faith, we extend a hand to help another; living by flesh we cut the hand of in need. Contrary to all beliefs, we continue to fight amongst ourselves.

When we come to a place of happiness, others will undoubtedly approach you asking, “How did you become so happy?” Without stuttering a word…”I simply chose to be.”

Stepping into the Canvas extending a hand, extending it to our Muslim brothers and sisters, Christian brothers and sisters, Atheists, Buddhists, Sikh, Baja…whatever the following, we extend a hand to those in need. Give and we shall receive. Worry not about the terror within the world, but worry about restoring peace. Whatever our background, we are all a part of the same tree of life, we should be so foolish to fight amongst ourselves.