We want to be like everybody else... just different

"Why does everybody look at me like I'm different?"

An innocent question asked by a young individual, for which the answer doesn't come easily.  Perhaps through clothing that sets them apart (or isolates them), not wearing the Hollister or Abercrombie or American Eagle.  Or because they aren't included among the small groups, preferring to spend time by themselves (by choice or by necessity).  Perhaps because they are awkward in small groups (and larger groups).  Perhaps because they are not like us.

Why different?  And if so, why are we so uncomfortable with an individual's differences that we can't find a way to reach out to them, to include them, to make them feel welcome?

Is it because we think we know better?  In our desire to be loved and accepted, we seek out those who will accept us as we are, because they are like us – and politely avoid those who aren't like us – even though we have the opportunity to give them what we all are seeking: love and acceptance.

Whether it's in a student group, or in our main church services, in small groups, in service opportunities... we all know who I'm talking about.  We avoid them, but they are like the people that Christ reached out to, associated with, welcomed into his presence. 

At some point, we are the outsiders.  Who will reach out to us and include us in their circle?  What happens when we have to ask, "Why do you look at me like I'm different?"

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