Being Different - Reflection by Dean Sue

Recent experiences have caused me to reflect deeply on being different.

One of the opportunities I have had since lock down is to undertake some online training organised by the National Church. The training is about how you lead in times of change and what they call disturbance.

As I have worked through the modules and engaged with my fellow Deans I have been reminded, as if I need reminding, that we are all different and that we all have something to contribute to this beautiful world and to the church.

My leadership style may be very different to yours, but what is clear is that different organisations require different skills from their leaders depending on the culture of the organisation. This for me also means that different roles and jobs require people with different personalities. In the Cathedral team we are a very mixed bunch as I am sure you know. We look different to each other, we respond to different situations in our own unique way and we have our own personality and character. And surprisingly we get along with each other despite or because we are different.

The key I think to ‘getting along’ and working together is the fact that we respect each other, we value what is different in the other person and we work with the skills and gifts we have to further the Kingdom of God in the Cathedral. On the whole we tend not to be egotistical, we recognise that it is not about me, but it is about what God has given each of us through our skills and gifts.

As I reflect on these positive experience of working together I have been wondering why as human beings we so often find it so difficult to value one another and to recognise that we are made in the image of God.

This lack of respect for one another has once again come to the fore through the shooting in Wisconsin of Jacob Blake only three months after the death of George Floyd. Why do we find it so difficult to accept, value and respect people of different faith, different culture and different race? Why does difference threaten us?
As I ask these questions I continue to reflect on what I believe.

I believe that God has created us equally. I believe that God has given us gifts and talents to serve him. I believe that God has created us in his image and we need therefore to honour Christ in all people. I believe that the world is a rich place of different nations and different peoples and that’s what makes our world such a great place.
 
What do you believe?

Dean Sue

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.