Today, I witnessed an awkward meeting between two strangers.

Immediately one mentioned his name to the other, the tension between them erupted like a volcano. Without ever knowing each other, the bias the name triggered was palpable.

I could not step in to diffuse the situation as they were strangers, but I could not help but imagine how just being you can be a source of discomfort to another.

“May your namesake not represent you poorly in this life.”

I am thankful for those who give me the benefit of the doubt, and delay judgment until they know me.