Being inclusive is not a natural act or decision for most. I find the my self struggles to decisions to include everyone in something because I am tightly holding onto the concepts of qualifications, rights, maturity, paying dues, and age. There are so many things that disqualify someone from being able to handle, qualified to participate, or even mature enough to listen! The scope of any opportunity is bound by the qualifications of those who are able to participate as part of the process.
I am so glad that God doesn’t uniformly endorse this logic! God’s allies come in all sorts of colors, shapes, ages, maturity levels, and packages. Some are intellectually smart, others are compassionate. Everyone comes with something to add to the equation and mix, even if it isn’t what you or I think would be the best or most appropriate.
As I listen to ideas being presented – some brilliant ones that if we were able to completely grasp, endorse, and empower society as we know it would be changed for the better – I stand in awe at our collective ignorance. Ideas are trashed because of the individual who presented them made a mistake yesterday. Concepts are ignored because the lifestyle of the individual is different from our own. Experience’s lessons are passed over because of the economic status and standing of the person who is sharing. Nothing seems in scope unless one is of the right breeding, schooling, and life style!
I rediscovered the beauty that can come from the hands of those who do not think that they are creative artists. Wonderful and sensuous creations from imaginations full of God’s gifts. I rediscovered the insights that come from the mouths children full of love, compassion, and idealistic acceptance. I rediscovered that God uses even the useless, pouring “out my [God’s] Spirit on the servants, men and women both.” (Joel 2.29)
God’s allies come in all shapes and colors. The invitation is open to all, including you and me! Nothing is a barrier except our “no”. Anything is possible. Everything is in scope.
