Good God, Broken World
Cultivating Diversity
“Equality implies individuality.” Composer and musician Trey Anastasio expresses how equality embraces differences, recognizing the uniqueness of individuals. Welcoming diverse experiences brightens the world by making others feel valued. Graham Psychology writes, “Respecting individual diversity is essential for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society. It involves accepting and valuing differences in individuals and recognizing the unique contributions that each can bring. By acknowledging and celebrating diversity, we can create a better world for everyone.” (para. 12).
Evidence of a Creator
The existence of a diverse society is evidence of a creator – God. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2.) Formless, void, and dark, God spoke each detail of the earth into existence. John 1:1-3 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” Individuality serves as evidence of an intentional God.
Good God, Broken World.
God created all individuals with unique purposes. However, it is natural to question why some people are born with impairments, handicaps, or disabilities. It is important to consider that “we are all disabled or handicapped in some way. The need for eyeglasses indicates impaired or “handicapped” vision. Diabetes, arthritis, rosacea, a ‘trick knee’ – these can all be considered disabilities to some extent. The whole human race lives with the reality of imperfection. Everyone experiences less than ideal conditions. We are all broken in some way. The handicaps we live with are simply a matter of degree.” (Got Questions, para. 3). When sin entered the world, it brought imperfection, sickness, and disease. However, “not to say that every disability is the direct result of personal sin (Jesus countered that idea in John 9:1–3), but, generally speaking, the existence of handicaps and disabilities can be traced back to the existence of sin.” (Got Questions, para. 4). Conditions such as disabilities, handicaps, or impairments result from mankind’s rebellion against God. Limitations, regardless of degree, are opportunities to trust God. The evident disabilities in this fallen world include fear, judgment, and an unwillingness or inability to recognize the individuality among individuals.
For All the Glory
When circumstances appear hopeless or imperfect, God can still be glorified. For example, the founder of Echoing Hills, Cordell Brown, has congenital cerebral palsy—being born with this condition. Despite challenges, Cordell witnessed the redemptive power of God. “People with disabilities are just like everyone else. Once any of us feels valued, self- esteem and self-love can grow. With the knowledge that God loves us, there isn’t any barrier that can’t be overcome.” (I Am What I Am by the Grace of God, pg. 51). With two hundred dollars and a dream, Cordell’s testimony continues to impact the lives of people like him. Camp Echoing Hills has revolutionized the lives of individuals, counselors, and volunteers each year as they experience the love of Christ and embrace their God-given individuality.
https://ehvi.org/god-doesnt-make-any-junk/
https://www.gotquestions.org/God-allow-disabled-handicapped.html
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/trey_anastasio_417938?src=t_individuality
https://www.grahampsychology.com.au/blog/the-importance-of-respecting-individualdiversity#:~:text=Respecting%20individual%20diversity%20is%20essential,backgrounds%2C%20experiences%2C%20and%20perspectives.
https://www.bibleref.com/John/9/John-9-1.html
