[photopress:idl0507_annette.jpg,thumb,alignleft]Jim met Annette while waiting for the show to start at the U2 concert in Seattle a few months ago. They were both seated in the “nose bleed – really cheap seats” section of the Key Arena and struck up a conversation. She asked Jim what he did, which often leads to an interview. Her story highlights the role Bono plays in people’s lives, why people choose to opt out of Christianity and how to talk about differences without becoming mean-spirited. Annette graciously agreed to this interview following the concert. Annette lives in Oregon, is married and is currently in training to become a massage therapist.

Where did you meet Jim?
I met Jim at the April 26th U2 show at the Key Arena in Seattle.

What did it feel like to meet Bono in person?
I may seem silly to some people but Bono is a very important figure in my life because I admire all the work that he does in the world. Particularly for his work in DATA. He’s a rock star that uses his influence and assets for immense good. I’ve always felt that if we all chose one thing that we cared about and used whatever time or influence we had to make a difference, that the world could be exactly what we want it to be. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I believe in that. Bono personifies it, so to meet him felt HUGE – that I had experienced greatness. It gave me renewed hope in the beliefs that I contribute time and money to.

What did you think that Jim was up to with his explanation about his work?
I was fascinated about what Jim does and excited because it is a wonderful example of unification. I loved it that he was using his life to help show all of us that despite what our beliefs are, we can respect one another. The illusion is separation, really we’re all one.

You were raised in an evangelical home, what are your memories of church growing up?
My memories are mixed. I loved it because my Grandparents were amazing role models for me and I loved going anywhere with them. Church was a very important focus in their life. In fact their love of Jesus was their first love. They walked their talk and I admired them for it. I wanted very much to share in this with them, and the reality is that I feel now in my adult life that I do despite following a different path. But as a youth I felt divided, even sad, because I couldn’t reconcile the teachings of “one path to God”. When I say my youth I don’t mean as a teenager, I mean from as far back as I can remember. I had many questions for my Grandparents. I loved the spirit of church but could never commit to my family’s beliefs. That was a very lonely and difficult path to walk for awhile.

How old were you when you consciously decided to not be a Christian?
I would say that I was never a Christian; I just lived in a Christian home. I don’t mean that out of disrespect, quite the opposite. But when I became strong enough as an individual to research all the other spiritual avenues that the world and its people followed I was about 12. I was 16 when I truly discovered and understood Buddhism. Buddhism answered all the questions in my heart and for the first time I didn’t feel so much like an outsider or that I was bad for believing differently than the rest of my family. It was difficult to explain to my family that I didn’t believe that they were wrong or that anyone else was wrong to embrace whatever religious or spiritual path that they chose. It was the opposite. I couldn’t live with the exclusive nature of Christianity. I have much love and respect for Jesus and Christianity. I just feel that God is too big to exclude anyone. This is just my own heart speaking and I am not intending to disrespect anyone else. Buddhism allows for the possibility that everyone has their own path to God. I don’t profess to KNOW anything. As a matter of fact, I readily concede that as a human being I don’t really know anything. I only know what is in my own heart. I live my life personally as seeing everyone as my brother and sister.

Who is your pastor/leader/guru?
My husband is also Buddhist and we attend a Unitarian Universalist Church in our community. Our Minister is Reverend Rick Davis who is also Buddhist. We also have a Dharma teacher that we attend meditation and Buddhist retreats with. His name is Noah Levine and he leads Dharmapunx.

What would you say to Christians if you thought they would listen?
Wow, that’s a powerful question. One that I’m not sure that I can answer without sounding like I think that there is something wrong with Christians, or that Buddhists are somehow better. It might be better if I direct this to Christians in the United States. This is a bit political, but with the current administration there has been an overt favoring of Christian beliefs. The United States was founded on separation of church and state to protect everyone, no matter what their religious belief. It’s one of the most beautiful aspects of our nation. We’re very lucky to not have to worry that we may be persecuted for the path to God that we choose. I suppose that if there were anything I would like to see Christians adopt is a more live and let live approach. We’re all humans having a spiritual experience. We all care about morals and the rights of our brothers and sisters. There’s room for us all.

What does your family think of you practicing Buddhism?
My family has had many years to get over it now, but at first it was a huge issue. I was as black a sheep as you could get! Gradually they relented when, as the years passed, they saw my actions weren’t so far from their own in pursuit of God’s love and walking a spiritual road. These days it doesn’t come up at all.

What do you think Christians could learn from Buddhists about spirituality?
Again, this is tough without sounding holier than thou. I guess it would be that we’re all sons and daughters of God… every plant, animal, body of water etc. is a beautiful reflection of God. We aren’t separate from these things, we’re ONE with them. And we’re not separate from one another except in thought and intention.

When you learned that Jim was a Christian, were you expecting a sermon?
No, but even if Jim had conducted one I would have listened to him from my heart and understood that he was sharing with me something that he holds sacred and beautiful. I would have been thankful because I try to remember that everyone I meet is a teacher and has something valuable to share. I enjoyed meeting Jim very much and found him to be a wonderful person. His dedication to his spiritual path is inspiring. I am honored that he asked me to conduct this interview. I only hope that it has been useful in some way.