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	Diversity

See the Wisdom section for more instructions, hints and tips.

When you stop to think about it, you like being with people who have similar beliefs and interests.

But people come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors, interests, likes, dislikes, beliefs - each person is unique.

If you were in a group where everyone was the same, you'd be comfortable, there'd be no arguments, no debates, and everyone would come up with the same ideas. It would be boring and bland. Like a world where the only flavor of ice cream was vanilla.

In a diverse group, everyone has different ideas, different perspectives, and others will come up with things you never thought of.

There is a story in 1 Corinthians 12 that explains diversity with regard to the body. "If the body were all eye, what would happen to our hearing? If it were all ear, what would happen to our smelling?" What if we were only eyes? Then we'd be missing out of the worlds of touch, smell, taste, and sound.

A person who can't see is blind and we call that a handicap because it makes life more difficult for them.

A person who doesn't appreciate diversity is also handicapped because they are missing out on so much. The good thing about not appreciating diversity is that it is our choice so we can change.

Don't be handicapped.

To appreciate diversity we have to respect the other person as being worthwhile and be open to their opinions and ideas.

I once had to work with a guy who had long hair that was dyed different colors and he dressed weird. If given the choice I would not have associated with him. But I had to work with him. When I got to really know him, I found out that he was an extremely nice person, we shared some common interests, he was a good worker, and was very good with his children. I learned a lot from him but the most important thing was not to judge people too hastily if they are "different."

As the Bible story goes we all have talents, it's up to you to find the talent in others. It doesn't matter if they are rich or poor, black or white, male or female, old or young. Everyone has something good; you just have to find it.

Take that as a challenge!