The One With The Differences

We live in a crazy time. A crazy world.

Despite Election Day being past us, things still feel as unsettled as ever. The anger, hostility and divisiveness on display is truly heartbreaking. And before you start to worry, no, this isn’t a political post; I’m not picking on one side or the other, I just mean people in general.

We, as a human race, have forgotten how to be civil with each other.

The ability to agree to disagree has become a lost art form.

Granted, there are certain issues where we all need to speak up against wrong and do it boldly – but boldly never means harshly.

Hatefully.

Spitefully.

Or by resorting to name calling.

And that feels like what it’s come down to.

It makes me sad – especially as a mom – when I think about the world that my children will be growing up in.

I’m not saying this as a doom and gloom, “the sky is falling!” post. My job as a parent is clear.

I’ve been entrusted with teaching these sweet little stubborn souls that even when life is uncertain, we can have total and complete trust in the One who holds the future.

Also, I have a mandate to teach them how we are to live.

“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Ephesian 4:32

We are called to live lives that exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – to name just a few qualities (Gal. 5:22).

Differences shouldn’t be ignored – they should be noticed and enjoyed.

Not as better or worse, just different – and that’s OK. Actually, it’s better than OK, it’s the way God designed it to be.

I want my children to grow up in awe of the amazing God who created so many different peoples, yet said that each one is made in His own image.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

As an image bearer, each person is endowed with specific value. Specific strengths. Talents.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Sure, we each have the same fundamental need for food, shelter, relationships (albeit to varying degrees).

But beyond that, God gifted some with amazing abilities to create music, art, literature. Brains that understand mathematics, medicine, science and space.

Some exemplify kindness, patience, generosity to a level that, for others, is hard to imagine. Some have an ability to and love of teaching others. Some, a heart that cares for others coupled with a willingness to put that care into action.

Some are born with a sense of humor, others, with an innate desire to push every boundary known to man.

So, no. We’re not all the same. We’re different. Thankfully. Just think how boring that would be.

I believe God has a specific calling, purpose and role for each person.

It’s my hope that, rather than getting lost or hung up on the differences and trying to figure out how or why someone can possibly have a different viewpoint that us, we take a step back and remember that underneath the packaging of nature and nurture, we have one very big thing in common:

We are all made in the image of our amazing God.

Click here if you want to read more about what that means.

This Is For My Friend

Often, when things get heavy in the world, I shy away from saying anything, due in equal measures to not wanting to add to the chaos and, also, from feeling unqualified to speak.

I almost did that again.

I still don’t think I’m qualified to speak, but this is for my friend.

In the eight days since George Floyd’s murder, the country feels … on fire.

His death reached across social, racial, religious and economic aisles; a spark that ignited the conversation on race and privileged and quickly exploded in a way unparalleled in my recent memory.

This conversation is important and needs to happen.

It is a conversation that has made me examine myself and identify the privilege in my own life.

Case in point, my husband went running this evening when he got home from work and — aside from the nearly triple-digit heat — I didn’t have to worry.

The same way I don’t have to worry when he drives to and from work each day or goes to the store to pick up milk.

And it’s the same for our son as he grows up.

Yes, of course there are the worries that every parent has for their child, but I have the luxury of not having to worry about “the extras.”

My heart breaks for the mothers who do.

It breaks for the broken; For those who have lost loved ones, who live in fear, for those passed over, talked down to, abused, harassed, insulted, assaulted, kept back, kept down.

To you, I say, “I am listening.”

I care.

And I’m grieving.

I’m grieving because of the tainted mark that the Minneapolis officers’ actions – both active and passive – leave on the countless men and women who daily put their lives on the line because they believe in justice; they believe in protecting and serving; they believe in standing up for and defending the underdog; in protecting the innocent; in preserving right and fighting wrong.

I’m grieving because those same men and women now find themselves collateral damage in a sweeping wave of protest – and, in some cases, in danger.

Justice must be sought.

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. (Proverbs 21:15)

Voices need to be heard.

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. (Psalms 82:3-4)

Change needs to happen.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Violence does not.

In his article, Nonviolence and Racial Justice, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. urged the following:

“May all who suffer oppression in this world reject the self-defeating method of retaliatory violence and choose the method that seeks to redeem. Through using this method wisely and courageously we will emerge from the bleak and desolate midnight of man’s inhumanity to man into the bright daybreak of freedom and justice.”

Yes, “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Because of that, we can have hope.

To my friend, I say,

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

And,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

To everyone else, I say,

“Be kind and loving to each other and forgive each other, just as God forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Let’s make tomorrow better.

Safer.

Kinder.

More loving.

For everyone.