Inclusion: Eyes that See & a Heart that Loves

Brandon Heath sings a poignant song, Give Me Your Eyes. The chorus is this:

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken-hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see!

Eyes that see. A heart that loves.

Inclusion, by legal definition, is one of the most confusing concepts I’ve tried to wrap my mind around. Pages have been written, detailing the proper treatment, least restrictive environment, acceptable wage and employment, and discrimination practices. Whatever happened to the golden rule?

Paperwork, laws, lawsuits, disturbing abuses, and ever evolving legislation is constantly in flux in the hopes of fair treatment of all people- or inclusion.

Really? Is it that complicated?

At the risk of oversimplifying, I believe God has a simpler, more direct approach for inclusion.

He asks us to have eyes that see needs

and a heart that loves people.

When we don’t “see” a human being as a creation of God-

individually unique, all falling short in some measure or manner but still sought after and treasured by their Creator,

if we are blind to the need for all to be accepted, embraced, and brought along in the journey

we are the most impoverished.

I think it’s astonishing that those who are born with almond eyes, seem to see more clearly than most, the value and treasure of all people.

Surprising Treasures:

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:9

how can we do anything less?

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ~ Romans 12:10

I Peter 4:8 New Living Translation
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (and flaws, shortcomings, disabilities, brokenness 🙂 )

Bethany, disabilities, down syndrome, God's love, inclusion, perspective, special needs, treasure

8 comments on “Inclusion: Eyes that See & a Heart that Loves”

Edy says:

March 13, 2014 at 5:24 am

In today’s PC world, we hear words like “tolerance” and “inclusion” to such an extent that they feel like hammer blows. Your refreshing definition goes so beyond rhetoric. It is simple enough to move even little ones to action. Thank you for this sweet reminder of what really matters, to see with Jesus’ eyes because He fills our hearts with His unquenchable, unfathomable love

Cindy says:

March 13, 2014 at 12:13 pm

I think what has been on my heart lately, is that we can legislate and “preach” inclusion until we’re blue in the face but what needs to change is our eyes and heart! I think most people instinctively know it’s wrong to be exclusive and ignore, bully, or shut others out. What has to change is our heart orientation- and only God can take a stony heart and make it like His! thank you Edy- you summed it up completely- our journey is to be filled with His love which in turn, should flow out to everyone we meet. hugs

Reply

Serena Kaylen Crompton says:

March 13, 2014 at 10:52 am

I love this, Cindy. Piercing, and beautifully said. Thank you.

Cindy says:

March 13, 2014 at 12:18 pm

Thank you Serena- To be filled with God’s compassion and love! How that would change our world!

Reply

Jeff Barclay says:

March 13, 2014 at 12:11 pm

Society is desperate for inclusion. Our church’s building is in a nice neighborhood, but in walking around it, one quickly sees how isolated we are from our neighborhood. It is true on the street where we live too. Cars go into garages. People sit on their decks–behind tall fences.

Compounding this is the relational gap between the churched and the unchurched. The gap is even wider between the church and the unconvinced/ the church and the anti-church. Some how, we who claim to have the words of life have to find a way to bridge that distance. If we leave it to chance it will never happen.

I want to broaden the challenge of inclusion. I am going to go out on a limb here. Some will get it. Some will not. Some might even be offended. Is it possible that Christian believers are guilty of treating unbelievers like they are disabled? We see them. Conclude they are different from us, then unsure of what to do or say, we turn away.