“See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.”  Isaiah 55:5

“I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” Ephesians 3:14-15

I remember friends who enjoyed walking in their retirement years.  They enjoyed imagining what strangers might be like, their work and hobbies, all based on appearance.  I have done the same while traveling. Briefcases signify business travelers; shorts in March are vacationers; teary, long hugs at dropoff; joyful shrieks at Baggage Claim.  We also judge … the scruffy, pierced and tatted where we didn’t know we had places.  We skitter away.

We sing about peace and unity: “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”; “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing in Perfect Harmony.”  Too often we live our lives “humming the tunes” rather than “singing– acting out – the words.”  We are impatient with failure to be like us, to assimilate into our societal norms.  We are fearful and mistrusting of those who don’t look like we do.  We forget that they bear children and mourn their dead, laugh and cry, make music and paint pictures ………

Diversity is not just difference of color and ethnic traditions, disabilities and sexuality.  It is, put simply, variety.  Various talents and strengths build the body, between neighbors, within congregations and families.   

We may not travel the world, but the world has come to us with richness of tradition, art, color and FOOD!  Jesus taught us openness and hospitality.  We pray to reflect the light of Jesus whose light was for all time, and for all people.  “It’s a small world after all ….”

Loving God, We need your help with loving our neighbors as ourselves, and recognizing ALL as our neighbor.  Amen

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party