I want YOU to read this!!!

(that maybe a lame title...wasn't sure what else to title this post)

Sometimes I get scared when introduced with a new concept or idea.  When things are unfamiliar or different, I may welcome fear instead of courage.  And I shy away from what is facing me.
Can we agree that we can all do that sometimes? 

This topic is sitting heavily on my chest.

I hear lots of bashing from people about people.  And I absolutely can't stand it!  But sometimes I don't stand up!!  And that makes me just as guilty as the one speaking. 

It's no secret that I have a little meat on my bones.  In our society, this is a hard weight to carry (no pun intended).

I'd like to think that you would be my friend, approach me, welcome me, and see me as worthy of your time, even though I don't meet the status quo.  I'd like to believe that we could be friends, that you would love me unconditionally, and that you would cherish me for me.  My imperfections and all.  (Please don't feel sorry for me or think I'm down on myself.  I'm just using myself as an example. :) I'm good!  This isn't about me...but others.)

The imperfections that God loves and sees as and is making beautiful.  How wonderful is that!!!!???

It is discouraging to think that you may not consider me friend because I don't meet your standards on the surface.

I am afraid that we are side stepping people that could impact our lives in such a positive way, because of the choices they make, lives they lead, way they look, disability, how they act, illness, living situation, or whom they love.

Is it terrifying to anyone else that the divide between the "them" and "us" seems to be growing?  Or are you more comfortable with that? 

Because, it is troubling to me that we are errecting so many barriers when we could be extending love.

Different is beautiful!  Oh, it is so beautiful!

In any other situation, when I am anxious or concerned, I turn to God.  I ask Him for His comfort, wisdom, guidance, and peace.  I ask that He lead me.

What if we took that same approach when we are facing someone different? 

What if instead of turning and running we turned and asked Him? 

What do you think He would say? 

Would He tell you to bypass those that are different than you?  (Because, I bet they are looking at you and thinking, "You're different than me.")

Or would He tell you to LOVE?  Would He tell you to welcome?  To encourage?  To view them as precious?


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 I am not saying all of this as I sit on my high horse.  No, I am bending low, crunched in a ball, heart pounding, knowing I can't sit quiet.  I am working through the words as I type.  I am just expressing this from a place that aches to see equality and love among people.  From a place that wants so badly to see people of all types, sharing meals, holding hands, exchanging loving glances, laughing, and embracing. 

You may see that my words are not eloquent.  They are not.  I also pray you see past my words to His love.

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When we, instead, side step the comfortable and stride into what we are fearing, we see all that we may have missed out on...something incredible!

God is love!  Let's show it!