Have you ever thought about the fact that the sub-groups in our world are what make it so beautiful? Science fiction movies have tried to show us what the world would be like if everyone looked and acted the same, and I just have to say, “ick”. God knew best when he created all the colors and all the personality types.
But, being different comes with its own set of problems. As much as our uniqueness makes us special, people have always mistrusted people who are different than they are. It’s a sad part of human nature. It’s also really silly, because all of us belong to some kind of sub-group.
We have racial groups, political groups and religious groups. There are groups of people with curly hair, straight hair or no hair. We have intellectuals and those with street smarts. There are those who are tall and those who are short, groups who wear glasses and those who can’t see at all. And, people in every group have been bullied at some time or another because of their differences.
I remember in the 70’s when I worked in an upscale department store. The movement to empower “big and beautiful women” had just begun. At the time, I was tall and thin (and, I had been ridiculed and nicknamed “Amazon” for that). One of the founders of the BBW movement had come to do a fashion show of plus-sized clothes. As I stood there and watched the gorgeous models walk down the runway, tears poured down my face. I had never walked in their shoes. I couldn’t imagine what their lives had been like and yet I could sense that they felt beautiful for perhaps the first time in their lives and my heart almost exploded with joy. I’ve never forgotten it. Isn’t that what we all want, to be valued?
There are sub-groups that make me angry too. Groups who spread hate and violence really yank my chain. Yes, they are God’s creations, but something went wrong to make them so full of anger. I often wish that I could travel back in time and smother them with so much love that hatred couldn’t penetrate their souls. That’s a mother’s heart for you. We’re pretty sure we can fix anything with hugs and cookies.
I’ve heard from so many moms who are hurting at the separation in our world today. It’s become “this group” against “that group”, your story versus my story. And, we all have stories, stories of abuse, bullying and unfairness.
Some voices are so loud right now that the rest of us don’t get to share our stories. There is so much to be learned from everyone. Think about how wonderful it would be if we all listened and learned from each other. What an amazing world that would be.
Because, we do all matter. God made it so. That’s a truth that has never changed. We have all been created in His image. How can that be anything less than wonderful?
Every one of us has a story to tell and those stories should be told. We can learn from everyone and unless everyone has a voice, nothing will ever change.
Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
