No Matter What

DIVERSITY ...is a word that is commonly misused and misunderstood. Many toss it around to win a debate or advance a cause. Others wait around for the expected benefit or personal reward. Still there are those who seek to achieve a goal that is not their own.

In essence, diversity is a beautiful gift from God. A self-centered society has made it far too complicated. Regardless of nation, tribe, or tongue, we exist to serve all mankind. Many are guilty of creating enemies in their own mind. This is accomplished by attributing varied skin tone, unfamiliar language, and cultural differences to all that is wrong with the world.

I was at Barnes and Nobles Bookstore recently and overhead a conversation that greatly disturbed me. Lest you think I was eavesdropping, the volume of the conversant kept me from focusing on my selected reading material, not to mention being able to enjoy my grande non-fat caramel machiato.

The individual was on a cell phone with a friend in another city. In attempting to receive help making a hotel reservation, he adamantly opposed accommodations at a place run by "foreigners." For this individual, the English language was the key to all things comfortable. How unfortunate!

I cherish the relationship I have with my friends from Ukraine, Sudan, Liberia, Congo, Togo, Zambia, Afghanistan, Kenya, Eritrea and Uganda. I am enriched and blessed to be in their presence. I value their customs and have great appreciation for their diverse cultures. I hope that you are being blessed in similar ways. -Craig