Embracing Our Differences: A Call for Unity and Love

Too many people are upset, angry, and fighting because others aren’t copies of them. One day, I hope we all evolve enough to celebrate our differences and beliefs. Variety is the spice of life, and God exists, loves, and has a plan for everyone, not just Christians.

The most insidious lie humanity has fallen for is the belief that we need to live, worship, and believe in a certain way to connect with and be accepted by God. We were all born perfect, each a unique facet of the divine. It’s the pressure from others to conform and become little copies of their beliefs that disconnects us from our divine heritage and poisons our minds and bodies.

Why do we keep forcing daisies to grow into sunflowers? Aren’t gardens more beautiful when there are a variety of blooms and plants, each with their own personality and uniqueness? Why can’t we let humans naturally evolve into the beautiful blossoms they are meant to become? Why are we so afraid to let nature and God lead the way?

Reflecting on these questions, I ask: Why are we so afraid of people and things that are different? Why do we allow fear to guide our hearts instead of love?

I choose to believe in love. I choose to believe in God. I am not a Christian, but I know many good people who are. I have to remind myself of them when I recall all the ways Christians and Christianity have harmed me and so many others. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to fit in and keep my beliefs to myself to survive in a climate of oppression and intolerance. Not every Christian is bad, but have I and others been harmed by them? Absolutely. We have a voice and a right to speak and air our grievances, much like my Black brothers and sisters who grew up in a system of White supremacy, a system that made it hard for them to grow and flourish.

This story of oppression isn’t limited to the USA, or to White and Black people, or just to religion. It’s a cycle that manifests in different ways around the world, repeating itself over and over until we, as a species, wake up and realize that we are all one race, we are all connected, we are all family, we are all connected to the same divine source, and we are all beautiful and worthy of love, freedom, and happiness.

So, what’s the problem, and where did it come from? Right now, I would say the answer is fear—especially when that fear leads to a sense of needing power and control over anything and anyone. When you are afraid of not having control, you are succumbing to fear, disconnected from your own sense of connection with God and the world around you. An unhealthy desire for control shows a lack of trust or faith. It’s okay not to be religious; it’s okay not to be spiritual; it’s okay not to care about either. But it’s not okay to try to control others and force them to see the world the same way you do or to do your bidding.

My grandmother Stella was a Pentecostal minister. I don’t believe the same things she did, but I know she’s smiling right now because who in my family would have guessed that I’d grow up to be the one to inherit her shoes? By definition, I preach; therefore, I am a preacher. But I prefer “guide” because I’m not here to indoctrinate you with my ideas. I’m here to support you and champion your unique connection to the divine and your right to believe or not believe whatever you want. I believe that however you choose to express yourself—when not constantly being subjugated to a system trying to oppress you—is your divine birthright and purpose. Our differences are what make us beautiful. Each and every one of you is beautiful beyond measure. You might feel a little sick or dusty at times, but you can heal. You can dust away the grime that keeps you from seeing your magnificent self. You can reconnect with your divine nature and find your voice. And together, we can create a paradise in which we can all live in harmony, differences and all.

I can feel the change in the air. I sense and see so many of us waking up. Like children emerging from a bad dream, we might feel uneasy and disoriented, but God and your family are here to support, love, encourage, and celebrate you and all that you have learned.

I’m not perfect. I get angry, say things I don’t mean, and lash out when provoked. But at the same time, I am perfect because I was created to experience these feelings, and they are telling me important things about my nature if only I would listen. They indicate when something is wrong, when there is danger, and remind me to work on myself. They also call me to help my brothers and sisters by leading by example, showing them the reciprocal relationship between prioritizing, loving, and helping myself. Through this, they can see how God and the universe manifest goodness in our lives when we each take responsibility for our own health and happiness, trusting that God and the universe will provide all that we need.

I know I am of God because I do not know or understand hate. Hate has no place in my heart, and I hope it has no place in yours. If it does, I hope you can heal the pain in your heart and find peace and love within yourself.

In the end, we all have a choice: to embrace love or succumb to fear. By choosing love, we can break the cycle of division and oppression, and cultivate a world where everyone is free to grow into their beautiful authentic selves. Let us celebrate our differences and recognize that they are what make life beautiful. Let us trust in our shared divine connection and believe in a world where love guides our hearts.

I can’t wait to see what the best version of you looks like, and to hear about all the adventures you have and will have on that quest. 

💖Carol AKA A Song of Joy