Marty Toepke-Floyd (North Dakota, USA)
God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27 (NRSVUE)
On a recent walk, I spotted an oak leaf lying among maple leaves. The fallen beige leaf stood out on the golden carpet of maple leaves. Its rounded lobes contrasted with the sharp points of the other leaves surrounding it. Still, together, the leaves were beautiful.
How often do we notice someone who is different? Skin color, style of clothing, hairstyle, age, and other features may set them apart from the crowd. Maybe we are the unique people where we work, live, or go to school. Sometimes people stand out, and that’s just fine.
God creates each person with unique gifts and abilities. Even though we are different from one another, we all bear the image of God. Together with one another and the Divine, we collaborate to establish justice, make peace, and promote love.
Some people may desire that everyone conform to the same appearance, style, or belief, but God creates variety. The diversity of the natural world and humanity bring wonder and joy in their myriad expressions of God’s creativity. Let us embrace God’s work of love and our calling to celebrate that labor.
I will give thanks for how God has made me unique.
Those in my community who stand out
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