A Different Perspective

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, . . . male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

“Where are you from?” the woman in line behind Ceena and Lynn asked.

“I’m originally from New York City, but I moved here a year ago,” Ceena replied with a smile.

“No. Where are you really from? Your skin is too dark to be from New York,” the woman asked again.

Ceena started to fidget uncomfortably. She is an American citizen who grew up in New York City. Because her parents are originally from India, Ceena is a beautiful blend of her Indian heritage and her American roots. But since Ceena looks Indian, strangers ask her crazy questions that make her feel as though she must choose between these two parts of her that are equally important. Sometimes, people even say really insulting things or make jokes about her Indian culture. It’s incredibly hurtful.

Lynn had no idea Ceena’s daily experiences were so very different from her own until they became friends. But because of Ceena, Lynn realized that sometimes she unintentionally asks strangers questions that make them feel like outsiders. After the woman turned away, Lynn smiled sympathetically at Ceena and resolved to draw others in with her words, rather than make them feel like they don’t belong.

We can talk to strangers about a million other things that do not point out our differences and save the questions about differences until we are close friends. Finding topics to talk about that highlight similarities—at least at first—creates inclusion rather than exclusion.

Sometimes we can act exclusive in our churches too, not wanting to open our arms to people who look or act differently than we do. But Jesus tells us that his family is going to be a beautiful blend of differences—different cultures and skin tones, different ages, different interests. It’s wonderful to be part of a family that welcomes everyone.

Things to Think About

• Think of a time someone asked a question that made you feel excluded instead of included. What could that person have asked or said instead?
• What are some ways you can welcome those around you by highlighting your similarities?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Think carefully about the questions you ask someone when you first meet them, especially questions about culture or heritage that highlight why they are different from those around them.