A bouquet of flowers. A rainbow. Legos. We don't think of this often, but things are better with color. Can you imagine a day when flowers were all green, the rainbow was just purple, or legos were all red? Or maybe a day when everything was black and white, like we were living in an old movie? Our attention span likely wouldn't last very long. Flowers are beautiful due to their design, how their petals bloom, and their striking colors. A rainbow is magical because of the band of different colors. Lego's are fun because they have different colors and shapes. The same can be said of people. Imagine if you had a friend that was EXACTLY like you. You probably wouldn't be friends. Or imagine marrying your clone. How long would it last?!
A friend of mine opened up and told me about a recent encounter she had while taking her three children to lunch. While her kids played with others on the playground, it was noticeable that one of her children was...well, different. The kids played with another family with no real issues and it just so happened that both families packed up to leave at the same time. As my friend prepared to walk to the car, she made sure the little guy had his hand to hand tether on. Unbeknownst to the other family, my friend's son doesn't realize the dangers of running away in a busy parking lot. The child from the other family noticed the tether and began laughing and shouting that the child was a "dog on a leash," at which his parents nervously chuckled. My mama bones absorbed the hurt in my friend's voice. Her son had recently been diagnosed with autism, and her wound was fresh. Diagnosis or not, us mama's are protective of our babies, we wouldn't want our kids being called names. The Word tells us that we were uniquely designed by God, exactly as we are ("for I have chosen you" Isaiah 41:9). Assuredly, God created her son just the way he was, down to the number of hairs on his little head. I comforted my friend, empowering her with the truth that despite her son's recent diagnosis, he was a treasure. Even with his new label, God had a purpose for his life, and gave him special talents.
In the face of all of the beautiful diversity in our lives, God provides comfort to us by giving us all common ground - by declaring "we are all one in Christ" (Galatians 3:28). We are all God's creation, regardless of whether society labels us as "normal" or "disabled", red legos, blue legos, or green legos. We come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but we are beautifully made, and a special treasure in the opinion of the only one who matters, Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:10 tells us "there are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning." What language does diversity speak in your life? Is your reaction to that diversity one that Jesus would be proud of? Comment below to share how you accept diversity by showing others the love of Jesus.
Cover Photo By Xavi Cabrera
Beautiful story ❤️ i have a son with autism as well it Is not easy but well worth it us moms do the best we can even when we are down spreading kindness and getting more educated on what autism is is so important children with ASD have many abilities they are clever so sweet so i understand and would never change that