On Oct. 18, thanks to the efforts of Taj Khan of the Lodi Muslim Mosque and Rev. James Crowe of the United Congregational Christian Church, Lodi Christians and Lodi Muslims met together in the Lodi Muslim Mosque for a worship service.

It was a somewhat wary mix of people. Christian women fumbled with their head coverings, Muslim men probably hoped some well-meaning woman would not extend her hand for a handshake — most of us were unsure of how to behave.

In the reverent setting, though, I soon forgot about formalities as I sat quietly, letting the peace of the gathering surround me. I prayed we would find a way to live in harmony with our neighbors those in Lodi, and those in other countries.

On that evening, the people of our city took a giant step toward getting to know each other. Sure, it was a bit awkward, but we learned Christians and Muslims have many similarities. Sure, we have differences, but we can learn to respect our differences. Sure, we come from places and cultures all over the world, but we have one important thing in common: The U.S.A .may be likened to a big quarrelsome family where each of us has a strong opinion about everything under the sun.

However, when big trouble comes, we are all Americans, and anyone who overlooks that fact is making a huge mistake.

God bless America.

Virginia Snyder Lodi

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