When will we ever be able to get on with getting along? Why have we not been able to put up with each other’s differences? Who ever said being all the same was a virtue? The virtue is getting along when we’re different. The virtue is seeing all people as equals. The virtue is recognizing — even worshiping — the image of God in everyone.
Do you have two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth, walk on two feet and speak a known language somewhere on the planet? Then you’re one of us. And if you don’t have one or more of those things, what tragedy has happened to you that we all can have compassion for and marvel at your ability to overcome?
And by the way, “us” is the right word here — “one of us.” It’s the only word. There is no “them.” We are all a part of one big us.
Let’s face it, being the same is boring and way overrated. Actually, there is greater value in diversity than in sameness, because diversity means we learn more from one another. You see a broader picture. Your arms get wider. Your mind opens up. You understand more because you see more. And you love more because of what you had to overcome to love.
Why do you think God made us so different? He didn’t have to do that. That was definitely part of the overall plan. God made the races. We turned it into racism. Such a shame.
He wanted us to celebrate our differences, not hide behind them. He knew we would struggle over this. But He knew what we would gain through the struggle. He made a world of variety so we would learn to appreciate it. So how are we doing? How can we make it better? Better yet: How can you make it better?
Forgive me for picking a nit from a sentence that I’m sure you didn’t intend to be hurtful, but still could be misconstrued as insensitive:
“And if you don’t have one or more of those things, what tragedy has happened to you that we all can have compassion for and marvel at your ability to overcome?”
That sentence could imply that if someone wasn’t born with all the features you mentioned previously – two eyes, two ears, legs, arms, etc… – then they are somehow the unfortunate sufferer of some tragedy who must be pitied, and surely must be needy for intervention from “normal” people, especially from God’s family.
And then, after receiving said intervention, are these individuals supposed to be showcased and marveled at like they were The Elephant Man or the recipient of some successful procedure that somehow makes them more fully human in our eyes?
When discussing diversity and inclusion, we should be thinking carefully about the words we speak when referring to anyone whom God lovingly created regardless of race, culture, appearance, or abilities.
Of course, we should all be sensitive, compassionate, and service-minded to one another; but it’s remarkably sad how one little misspoken word or sentence can ignite the fires of turmoil in a world already beset by sin.
We are all flawed and any marvelling should be given to Jesus for making each of us whole and complete because of His perfect Love for us.
Shalom, Peace….
Good comments and I will be quick to remove that sentence. You know what? I was not sure about that sentence either. Truthfully, I don’t know where it came from. It’s not even along the topic of the article. I almost took it out, but then thought someone might need it. So I’m with you, Bob, and your comments are necessary. Maybe that’s why I left it in — to get your comments!
We need to stop thinking of the disabled as only needy. A person in a chair can be a good friend and offer you hope. A blind person walk with you through your hard times as you guide them. A deaf person can sign you words of wisdom when you need them. Anyone can be the light of the world and cause people to glorify God.
a blind person *can* walk…