Embracing Life's Differences

We are surrounded by things that are different; old and new, tall and short, male and female. It is a thing that happens naturally. Differences allow us to see from different points of view, cherishing what is uncommon. Unfortunately, there is a difference in socioeconomic status where there are lower, middle, and upper classes. The differences in these classes are usually determined by money, occupation, appearance, possessions, education, and a few other things. This status has caused us to look down at some and envy others. We don’t realize that it doesn’t matter at which end of the scale someone is, we end up with the same outcomes.

If we focus on two extremes of the socioeconomic status, lower and upper, we will see very similar outcomes with their families. When coming from a lower class there is usually a single parent in a home. This parent is the sole provider for the family and often must work long hours to make ends meet. This leaves their children with no structure, no child bonding/influence, no modeling for correct behavior. Without these fundamental things for children, they often become more prone to getting into trouble, scoring low academically, and behaving inappropriately.

Now let’s take an upper-class family. These families often consist of two parents who both work, leaving little time to be with their children. They will hire a nanny to tend to the children, and because the children’s parents have never given them structure/limits, when a nanny steps in they are often overwhelmed by the misbehavior and lack of control the children have. The children don’t have any time for bonding with their parents because they’re gone. This causes very similar outcomes with upper-class children and lower-class children.

I have only described a few outcomes of these socioeconomic status classes, but I believe I have made my point. Although these families come from completely different worlds, the structure and balance of their home is what really matters. If these two families created strong bonds, structure, and love in their home better outcomes would pursue. If we saw people for who they truly were, and not what they showed on the outside, we would make changes that would help others around us.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I want to bring up an example of a man who has influenced me throughout my life, and that is Jesus Christ. When He was born, He was placed in a manger, where there was no crib for a bed. His family lived the humble life that a carpenter could provide. The Son of God was not born within the walls of a palace, with servants who came at every bid and call. Jesus Christ showed us how we must treat others, no matter who they were or where they came from. He healed the sick, gave the blind their sight, forgave those who sinned. He had charity towards all, unlike those who were greedy for wealth and power, looking down on those who were different and who sinned.

If we are to change the lives around us, we must show charity towards them. We must have compassion, we must have empathy. Although we are not all given the same circumstances to bear, we can encourage and support one another in our differences and challenges. We can “stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, [and] hold up the arms of those that hang down” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley (2016), 209). Although this is a change that isn’t instantaneous, it can be achieved. Let us turn our hearts outward instead of inward. Let us make the changes necessary to create a more beautiful future!