Love One Another
By Becky Savage, the First Presidency
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:34–35 NRSV
My husband and I finally received a call from the adoption agency. They wanted to talk with us about a girl for possible adoption. The first picture we saw was of a 22-month-old, caramel-skinned little girl with curly brown hair. She had a gorgeous smile and big brown eyes.
We were thrilled. Our family was happy for us.
The challenge was the difference in the colors of our skin. In those years, most prospective parents adopted children with their same skin color. Questions came from people of all races. How could we? What led us to believe we could raise a child of color? There is too much prejudice in society. Children need preparation to deal with the insults and mistreatment they will endure.
Despite the predictions, we have found love and acceptance. We adopted a second daughter two years later. She also is a child of color. Both daughters are accepted and loved, especially in our church family. Our daughters have lifelong friends met at camps and in a church that accepts them as beloved and equal children of God.
Surely, our daughters and their friends show love one for another.
Prayer for Peace
Loving God, who sees beyond our outer layers, may we see with your eyes. Help us know people before we notice their color or their size. As the colors in the rainbow live side by side in harmony, more beautiful together than apart, may we also shine together in peace.
Spiritual Practice: Weaving a Life
Hold, or imagine holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads, mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave?
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I see shades of brown from dark to light. I see people precious in your sight…and precious in our sight as well.
