We Are All God's Children: Embracing DifferencesSample

The Power of Stories

Everyone has a story, a history that shapes who they are. Some stories are filled with happiness, while others are marked with seasons of intense pain. For the past decade, I have spent a great deal of time trying to learn the stories of others I have crossed paths with and in my work with individuals experiencing homelessness. Often these stories came from people with social, economic, or cultural upbringings unlike my own.

One day, I had an opportunity to speak with a person I saw searching through a dumpster for his next meal. I realized what happened when I allowed myself to hear his story. I did not determine what I thought he needed, but I discovered how he truly felt. As a result, I was able to see the bigger picture for the entire community. My heart gained more compassion to stand in solidarity with those who are without an address.

So often when we see others who do not look, act, or talk like us, or who are not part of our social circle, our gut reaction is to look aside or even walk the other way. The bigger the difference, the stronger the impulse. However, the irony is that we all want to be seen and noticed in some way.

Being seen is about having our humanity affirmed. To our core, we all want to be seen as people who possess worth and dignity. Yet as much as we desire that, we often forget and even refuse to see others simply because we view them as different. What if instead we adopted the approach of immersing ourselves in other people’s stories to experience empathy and connection? We might just see people as God sees them.

Speaking of stories, the Bible is God’s story of love for us. We read to find the heart behind the pages and to know him better. We then can strive to learn the stories of his children and act on their behalf. In addition, by reading and applying God’s Word, we will desire to fulfill his commandments to do something for his kingdom.

Prayer

Father, help me to notice your children. Guide me to ask their names. Help me to address them directly, to offer dignity, and to confirm I see and acknowledge them. Please allow me the opportunity to hear their unique stories. Thank you, Lord. Amen.