Six months after I began my work at my present church call, we had to bring on board a new music team. We interviewed a young man who had served in churches for a few years and asked him to play some hymns. In the process, he played a uniquely different introduction to each one, and when asked why, he said, “I like chicken, but I don’t want to eat the same recipe every night.” Or something to that effect. That has stuck with me all these years (thanks Steve!) because it defines, for me, what diversity is. We can all like the same food, but we don’t all have to prepare it differently. We also don’t have to eat the same thing – if you are Vegan or Vegetarian, you go ahead! I won’t stop you – and you shouldn’t be allowed to stop me from eating meat.
I don’t want everyone in America to have to worship the same way or have the same religion. I don’t want a completely progressive political/cultural country, nor do I want everything to be based on conservative values. I don’t want everyone to just be able to walk into this country (open borders), but I also don’t want people seeking a better life as they flee abusive regimes to be abused. You don’t want to join me at a No Kings protest? No problem – just don’t try to make it illegal or dangerous for me to participate. You aren’t Transgender? Neither am I! I will work tirelessly, though, to make sure people who are transgender have equal rights. And if you are a man who is happy being married to his wife (I am!), I think that’s wonderful – nobody will force us to marry another man. But those who want that for themselves should be allowed the same rights you and I have.
This is real diversity. This is equal rights. This is how we balance life in America. My life isn’t yours and your life isn’t mine, and as long as nobody is being injured or forced against their will to do something, we should live and let live. I would rather not go to church than be forced to attend a fundamentalist church, but if that’s your flavor, enjoy! Having money or power or being elected doesn’t give anyone the right to make anyone be something they am not. Diversity is a gift from God, and anyone who opposes it doesn’t really understand the nature of the created order. So, go ahead and eat your blue cheese – I think it’s disgusting, but I would never stop you. All of us would do better if we let each other live our lives in freedom. Which is absolutely the way God intended.
Prayer – Holy God, each one of us is unique and special, made by You to be who we are. Let each one of us afford others the same rights we wish for ourselves. Amen.
Today’s art is “Understand Equality” (2023) by A-Wibaa.