Friendship for Girls: Teaching Healthy Habits to Our DaughtersChikamu

Celebrate Our Differences

“Hi, my name’s Jasmine,” Jasmine said as she noticed a new girl who walked into their classroom at the beginning of the year. “I’m Elsie,” the other girl responded shyly. Jasmine noticed right away that her new friend was a girl with Down syndrome.

Over the course of that year, Jasmine spent time playing with her new friend Elsie, inviting her to play tag, and talking with her about movies she was interested in. They went to a Star Wars movie together.

Jasmine said that even though most of the time people were kind to Elsie, sometimes others appeared uncomfortable or didn’t want her to be around them. This upset Jasmine. She knew how kindhearted Elsie was and wanted her to always know she was welcome, that she belonged.

Jasmine continued her relationship with Elsie even after the school year ended. 

It’s not unusual to feel uncomfortable around others who are different from us, and it’s okay to notice differences. Our differences are what make us unique. But we shouldn’t stop at noticing differences. We can also get to know others to find out what we have in common. Jasmine realized pretty quickly how many common interests she and Elsie shared—the movies they both liked and the games they liked to play. Their similarities bonded their friendship. No one should be left out for being different, because in some way or other we all are different. Instead, we should make everyone feel welcome.

The Bible says that all people are created in God’s image, so everyone has value in his eyes. Since we are all made in God’s image, we should celebrate all the ways we are unique. As girls who love Jesus, we can be the ones to welcome people in, even when others do not, because we see the value God has placed in each of us.

Parent Conversation Starter

Discuss the things that make each of us different and unique. Why do you think it’s a good thing to celebrate our differences? What do our differences tell us about God as the Creator of everything?

Things to Think About

How have you included someone who, on the surface, may have appeared different from you?

Maybe you often feel different from those around you. How have others included you?

Daily Act of Friendship

Include someone who is different from you but in need of a friend, whether at school or in another activity.