So I have been thinking quite a bit recently about when I first learned the concept of diversity. I'm not sure the exact point at which this became a reality for me, but I could certainly tell you times when I was reminded of it. One of the more profound moments that I realized diversity was when I was asked one day why I daily choose Jesus. It was asked by a very wise and invited mentor in my life at the time. My first response was the "right" answer concerning eternal life. He asked me again and I replied in a modified answer, but for some reason I knew and so did he that this answer would not sustain me much longer in my relationship with Christ as it related to those around me.
He asked me a couple more times in a more poignant tone and I broke down in tears when the reason rushed into my heart. My answer was so hard to share because it not only answered the question, but it also revealed a lot about my heart, my worldview, and my battle in life. I choose Jesus on a daily basis because he loves people that don't look like me, live like me, or talk like me. I can't love everyone, help everyone even if I tried. Most days I am so selfish that I sadly choose not to love others. Days even when this is the sad case Jesus will love them. He loves those that are like me and those that are not like me. No one falls through the cracks with him and no one goes unnoticed. They all get lovingly gazed upon and loved just like me.
Today in service a powerful testimony was given by a former teen in our our church's youth group. This student went to Peru last summer and gave his testimony to a group of local children with special needs. He then delivered his testimony on camera for all of us to be blessed by. Did I mention that this student has down syndrome? One of the most profound things I have heard on diversity was stated by this young man, "We are all different, but God made us all the same because we need his love." I have NEVER heard diversity put in a more beautiful way than that.
I am different from everyone in some ways, but I wrestle, I need, and I breathe for life just as anyone else I pass by and may not notice any given day. I appreciate diversity because it is what my profession of social work is based on, but when it comes to my personal and spiritual life this should be the same. I must begin by honoring diversity in these realms and pointing out the ways that God has made us all to need him and that we must work together to obtain a life in him. Diversity is a beautiful thing. It is what gives us color, creativity, food, and love. It causes us to appreciate, celebrate, and acknowledge the truly awe inspiring aspects of this life that God has given. I hope to continue honoring my differences with people and to be thankful for them when i can.
Well, I am just a bamboo shoot growing a mile a minute; hope to catch you on the next mile!
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