Today we see the word “diversity” a lot, often associated with the rainbow. Yet there is so little tolerance for anyone who may hold a unique or individual opinion that does not line up with what culture or society dictate, so much that we are all afraid now to be different. We’ve been told that if we believe anything different than what is acceptable in our culture, then it means we must not have tolerance for others. But isn’t that what diversity is supposed to be all about, embracing our differences?
The colors of the rainbow are distinct and unique, they are not blended. Diversity doesn’t mean I have to conform my opinion (or individual color) to blend with yours. So why do we confuse it as such? I can stand next to you in my own right and holding my own opinion, and that’s okay. There is a difference between accepting and respecting. I don’t have to accept your differences and make them my own. I can respect your differences and choices without such, regardless if you respect mine or not. That’s my choice. I hope you can do the same for me.
Think about how the rainbow is clothed in light. Do you know that light contains every color there is? Even though when you look at Light you see but One, if you were to examine the properties of light you would see that contains within it all colors unique and individual. Darkness is void of light and contains absolutely no color at all.
Your soul is either full of light or it is full of darkness. It has nothing to do with the color of your skin, your sexual choices, your religious beliefs, or your political preference.
Jesus said “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus also said “”I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6), and that “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). In Christ is both freedom and light.
“Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.” 1 John 2:9-11
America is great because united we stand, divided we fall. Don’t listen to voices telling you that diversity means division. Watch how division is full of hatred. Hatred comes from the darkness. As long as we are one nation, under God, indivisible, then there is liberty and justice for all. All diversity means is embracing our uniqueness.
Masses are made up of individuals, don’t ever forget that. Every person has a story, and every story matters. Make your story count. Choose Light over darkness. Choose love over hate, and don’t be afraid to stand for what you believe in even if it means you are different.
Alabastersky 