She is six. The same age as all those kids. Who just got shot. Her soft, pastel pajamas and bouncing braided pigtails, make their way downstairs. Towards me.
It is morning. And mornings like this. Rich in His Word. Blinds me from silly things. And draws me….to my family. And those that really matter.
And I welcome her. This daughter born of my heart. The one whose name means, “Victorious”.
Her and “Rosetta” tucked tight in her grip…..The fluffy, lavender hippo, who joined us, on Christmas.
Inseparable. The two of them.
And I love them. Both. So much so, that even I can be found cradling this jungle animal, pretending to my little one, that somehow she is real.
Cause sometimes dreaming brakes down logic in the most beautiful way. Dreaming brings dead things back to life. Restores us back to childhood in the most unexpected way.
Those most glorious one’s to be.
And at times, (and I am just a tad bit embarrassed to admit this) I even make Rosetta breakfast. Though sometimes I get scolded, when I forget to get her a spoon.
But, this morning. We just rock. Wrap ourselves in the silence of a day yet to begin. And talk.
“How is Rosetta?” I ask. Remembering Developmental Psychology from all those college classes.
“She is fine. She is fine….except….”
“What?” I beckon. “What is it?”
“None of the dolls want to play with her.”
“Why”….knowing where this is going.
“Well….ummm.” She whispers. “….because she is different.”
And I get it.
My daughter is the only African American in a class of mostly white children. She has an excellent teacher, a Christian. But we are in a rural, middle class, suburban farm setting.
And farmland hasn’t had a ton of African American’s around. At least not where we live.
And this is my very heart of UNITE. The fact that someone, somewhere….possibly in a person you fail to see, or in someone you might rather not see….
Is a person. A real live, eating, breathing person.
They have hopes. Dreams. Hardships. Trials. Lives. Families. A purpose….
Just like each one of those children getting shot by a man who failed to see. That each child, though different…..
God had a plan for each one.
And I don’t want to be like the gunman. Shooting people with my words…..or exclusiveness……or putting up walls because it makes me more comfortable. Or because I fear them.
I want to see people, for who God made them to be…regardless of their differences.
I guess, I have just always been like that. Always looking outside the box. Outside safe social circles. Outside where others might not feel comfortable….or feel like going….
Like talking to the The biker in the back of the church. Or drawn to The homeless man begging on the steps in China.
I just love talking to the one no one else wants to talk to.
Asking: What can I learn from little girls, or shooting cold-hearted men, or even lavender hippos?
This is my heart in UNITE. Please read more if you want help understanding, by clicking here.
If you can relate to an all inclusive, people loving, place that simply wants to love like Jesus did….
You (no matter who you are) are welcome to link-up here!!
And remember, this is a NO RULES LINK UP!
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8 Comments
Such beautiful writing–it tugged at my heart. Praying for your sweet girl.
Thanks Pamela!
This just confirms my heart — wanting to throw the exteriors out so we can see the hearts of those around us.
This was a beautiful post! I would love to have breakfast with you both and the lavender hippo. Thank you for you wonderful perspective! Much love…Di
This is very touching Jen…we can learn so much from every beautiful person regardless of race, culture, or back ground because what makes us unique is our individual life journey, for no two people have traveled the same path. Even though we are different, we can all be united because the love of God unites all Christians.
Love this sister!
Blessings and love as you continue to UNITE!
Denise
Jen – Amen!
Di – Can’t tell you how much I would LOVE you coming to have breakfast with us! 🙂
Denise – So true! Children of God. Created in His image!
Jen, thank you for this post. Each person has a story… a history, lists of disappointments, dreams, insecurities. As Christ followers we’re called to ‘know’ and
‘care’ for them… even the hard to ‘know’ and hard to ‘care’ for…even the ‘different’.
…And what’s wrong with making Rosetta breakfast? Sounds perfectly normal to me!
I appreciate you!
Blessings to you as you UNITE! ~ Mary
Hi Jen
This breaks my heart. I know firsthand of the evil of this. I am from South Africa and for a long time we suffered the same thing. Having a black friend was looked upon as just not right. And now the opposite is just happening!
Mia