Why are we all so vastly different? We are, after all, human beings. We all have the same basic physical makeup. We are either male or female – there are no alternatives, regardless of what some would have us believe. The human anatomy is basically the same: unless there are physical defects that would cause one to be “different” from the norm. Two eyes, two ears, one mouth, two arms and legs, ten fingers and toes – you get the picture. We are, indeed, all made from the same two models: male and female.

But, having said that, how can we, who are basically the same, be so different? Some like vanilla, others like chocolate, while others might like Salt and Straw’s Balsamic Vinegar Ice Cream (yes, that is a real flavor – I looked it up!). Some like hot weather, while others like it frigid. Some head to the mountains while others head to the beach, while still others like to stay home. Some are red, others yellow, some black and some white (as the song goes), but we still have ten fingers and ten toes. The same, but oh, so different!

But wouldn’t it be nice if we could look beyond the differences and see the remarkable resemblances. One might have black skin, while another has red, but they are still human beings. A third might have skin that is a light shade of brown, while another has such dark brown skin they look almost black. A white person might be “pasty” white, while another white person has bronze colored skin. One person might have blue eyes, another green, another brown, another hazel. One might be tall, another short, one skinny, another not skinny.

Different – we are all different. The human race – and by the way, the human race is the only race – is made up of male and female of all different colors, sizes, shapes, body builds, hair color, eye color, personal preferences, etc. etc. So why can’t we look at each other as fellow humans? Why do we categorize and classify?

I would like to issue a challenge if you are willing to accept (think Mission Impossible!). Let’s make a concerted effort to begin looking beyond the color of one’s skin. Let’s begin laying aside whatever differences we have held onto to this point of our lives. Let’s not allow the prejudices of the past continue to influence our present.

Teresa (my wife) and I have always tried to help our children look beyond the color of one’s skin. Because of our efforts each of our three children have been friends with people of color (that’s a strange term, isn’t it – we are all people of color!). We have had them over for dinner, for sleepovers, for family events, have taken them to church with us, have enjoyed their company immensely.

I can’t honestly say that I am a totally non-prejudicial person – we all have prejudices. But I have worked hard trying to never allow the color of one’s skin be one of mine. I am no better than anyone else. We are all in this boat called life together. It would be a much better world if we could see beyond the differences and enjoy our distinctions.

Why not, soon, very soon, strive to get to know someone who is “different” from you? It may be an individual of another ethnic background, or a different cultural background, or a different skin color, or a different political opinion, or a different religious perspective, or, or, or… How do you go about doing that? Invite them out for a casual lunch, or for a private dinner at your house, or a quiet conversation in private, with no distractions. There is no wrong place or time – whatever, whenever fits into busy schedules. Once we get to know each other, we will begin to appreciate the differences, and the distinctions, as we better understand what makes the other person believe and behave the way they do. Give it a try!

Blessings!