Putting Into Practice: Diversity & Inclusion - Illustration

Picture yourself wandering through a lush valley, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. This is the scene painted in Psalm 23—a place of safety and abundance, where the Good Shepherd tends to the needs of His flock. But within the comforting embrace of this psalm lies a profound challenge: How are we, as followers of Christ, embracing the diversity that surrounds us?

Let’s take a moment for personal reflection. As you meditate on “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” consider how this assurance of provision applies to those who feel marginalized in our communities. Do we extend the same care to the stranger, to the different, to the one whose story diverges from our own?

This week, I encourage you to engage with your community in a tangible way. Perhaps it’s as simple as inviting a neighbor from a different background over for coffee or volunteering with an organization that advocates for inclusivity. In doing so, you embody the essence of hesed—loving-kindness—that our Shepherd extends toward us.

Commit to a daily prayer, asking God to open your eyes to the ways you might be called to respond. Seek out a local organization dedicated to fostering diversity, and consider how you can support their mission, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about their good work.