February is Black History Month. It is a month when we celebrate and embrace all of those who have made exceptional contributions to our country of African descent. Few of us think of the beauty and wonders of others unlike us. Many may wonder, why celebrate people of other races or cultures? I am so glad you asked… because our Father does. Let me illustrate.

 

In this picture, what do you see?

 

 

A bouquet of white flowers, right? But not just one kind of white flower, do you notice the roses, carnations, daffodils, and others surrounded by life in the greenery? They are amazingly beautiful just the way they are. Perfect! If you are like me, I love flowers. When my husband or someone gets me flowers, my heart is overwhelmed with joy and laughter. I feel the same way when I get a card… I am mushy that way. So, just think of how I feel when I behold the beauty of flowers; how much more our Papa. Our Father created flowers for their beauty, fragrance, and to be enjoyed by Himself and us.

 

Now look at this picture and tell me what do you see?

 

 

 

 

Wow! Just a few pink roses and pink carnations make the bouquet even more beautiful! How can a white bouquet become even more beautiful you may ask? Just add a little more color.

 

Finally, what do you see in this picture?

 

 

 

We see an awesome expression of our Father’s handiwork displayed before us. Every flower is in full bloom displaying its beauty and grandeur. They are perfectly arranged next to each other to show forth their color, splendor, and uniqueness. Even though they are all flowers, they are not all the same… our Papa made them that way.

 

• They are different colors
• They have different textures
• They have different smells
• They are grown in different environments
• They need different nutrients to help them grow properly

 

And, just like these beautiful flowers, we are all ONE in the Body of Christ; those who have given their hearts and lives to Christ. However, we are uniquely different by design. If we were all white flowers then it would be so easy to understand another white flower because we have a lot of attributes in common. But when you add the various flowers of other colors, textures, smells, raised in different environments, and are nourished by different kinds of food, the relationship becomes more challenging. Our Father uses our differences to reflect His love through us. It is easier to love someone like us than others who are different, right? It takes time, patience, and care to get to know them, understand their uniqueness, and life challenges. We find it easier to clump everyone together in our experiences and make them like us, rather than reaching out to learn and embrace others of different cultures, races, and backgrounds.

 

I wish there was not only a Black History Month, but an Asian, Indian, Chinese, Latino, Brazilian, and other culture Month. Many of my white brothers and sisters say to me, “Tresca, when I see you, I don’t see color!” I asked them, “Why?” It sounds very innocent but it says to a person or flower of another color, “You are just like me…a white flower; I don’t notice that you are a pink, red, or a yellow flower.”  But, we say “Notice us and embrace who we are… our Father does! This is what diversity and inclusion look like.”

 

In Christ, none of us are outcasts or have superiority over the other. We are ALL in His Grand Design!

 

For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. ²⁸ There is [now no distinction in regards to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all ONE IN CHRIST Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise. Galatians 3:27-29 (Amplified)

 

The Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit Celebrate Diversity living in the hearts of their children! Do you?

 

 

After these things, I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 (Amplified)

Celebrate the Uniqueness of Every Flower, We are Different… That’s a Great Thing!!