I often listen to religious programming on Sunday morning television. Yesterday I was listening to Joel Osteen when he said, “God loves variety.” Indeed. How can He not?
When I look around, His creative work is everywhere – beautiful, intricate, different. From the simple tree (and don’t forget, so many varieties!) that turns buds into leaves, and lush spring green into magnificent bursts of fall color, to tiny organisms that procreate in spite of their simplicity, and so very many other wonders in between, how can one doubt the existence of a God who is so grand?
Yet…when I take that thought a bit further, how amazing that there are so many people in this world, yet none of them exactly alike. Yes, I believe Joel is right: God loves variety – and I suspect He dreams in color!
It is my opinion that God loves every man and woman in prison. Does that shock you? How could God love someone who committed horrific deeds? I don’t believe God loves the crimes…or the illnesses that overtake certain personalities. But I do believe He readily welcomes all. He comforts the lonely, understands the angry, and gives hope to those who have lost hope. I have no trouble believing that a God who loves the challenges of diverse plant life, amazing organisms, and the intricate process of human development, is also a God who thrives on the diversity of human beings.
I recently heard from a prisoner who spoke about how he tries to help others from within. He said he was influenced by a man “on the outside.” If a life – even a life behind bars – can be changed by the actions of one man on the outside, we need to realize how powerful are our actions and words!
Today I honor the diversity of people – in prison and out. Today I honor the abilities we all possess to create change. It has been said that variety is the spice of life. Today I encourage every one of us to recognize our spice within and to take the power and use it. You never know…you might just become the catalyst for the next change you want to see!
The Prisoner's Prayer Book 