| Hi, I’m Nelda Billescas, alias Coach B, Ms. B–daughter, sister, aunt, friend, author. I am all of these, but most importantly, I am a child of God. I am anything and everything that God needs me to be. I fall short sometimes; I am, in fact, human and blessed by grace. Today I want to talk to you about diversity and not putting God in a box. While walking in Memorial Park, I witness the vast beauty of God’s creation: different colors and shapes of flowers, different colors and shapes of leaves, and different colors and shapes of animals, into which human beings are categorized. Each one of these marvelous creations is an intricate design by our Master Creator, all with their individualized purpose and divine plan. Yes, even plants and animals have their purpose in God’s creation. Diversity, in its truest sense of the word, is a concept sometimes overseen as God’s gift to the Universe. The Maker of Heaven and Earth understood the importance and beauty of diversity and its place in creation. God’s creation is as vast as the stars in the sky, each one uniquely designed and making its own journey. We try to make sense of our world through our experiences, but we fall short if our experiences are encased in only what we have seen around us. We are more than our color, our culture, and our last name. We are human beings beautifully designed with our brilliant colors armed with Spiritual Gifts to fulfill God’s purpose. Our society has taught limited views of diversity that often focus on division rather than on God’s incredible creation of human unity. God’s amazing love is displayed all around us and abroad. September 15th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating Latin cultures all around the world. Different Latin countries celebrate their rich heritage to educate others on their history, thereby making our differences commonalities. We are so different physically yet so similar in our DNA. Unwrap the outward beauty and you will find internal structures that make us all the same. Each of us experiences and perceives God in our own way. Is God male, female, non-binary, black, white, or a glistening bright light? Will you be disappointed and ask to return where you came from or will you celebrate God’s diversity and enter God’s loving, open-minded, outside-the-box world? Why wait for confirmation? Just remember that God does not make mistakes. Thus, you are wonderfully and divinely made. I invite you to open a box and read the scripture: “A new command I give you, love one another as I have loved you, so shall you love one another.” — John 13:34 Amen! |
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| Deacon Nelda Billescas View Last Sunday’s Service HERE |