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?