Diversity has become a hot topic these days, especially as the Federal government applies standards to not only delete references or training that recognizes and encourages the diverse nature of our country within government agencies but attempts to punish any entity that seeks to honor and promote diversity.
This is a fool’s errand. Diversity is not an initiative; it is our reality! All we must do is look around us at the grocery store, at the shopping center, in the schools, and on our streets to see diversity. We are a nation of people from many countries, cultures, and personal experiences. We are made of people who decided to come to the United States or whose ancestors made that choice. Diversity is a fact of life.
Even so, diversity challenges us to both empowerment and acceptance. How do we work to leverage our diversity to build a strong nation? In some cases, people with specific backgrounds or needs benefit from focused support and accommodation. For example, many institutions have services to support veterans, recognizing their need to reintegrate into everyday life. Why not provide the same support for the neurodiverse, ethnic, and differently abled?
What we need to realize is that our people are our greatest resource, and we must be committed to developing that resource.
A disturbing point is that we don’t often see diversity in the church. As Dr. King said, "The most segregated hour in America is 11 o'clock on Sunday morning". The faithful should not only accept that we are all made in the image of our Creator but called to community.
Another reality—unfortunate as it may be—is that diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. Diversity is a reality; inclusion is our challenge.
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