From the moment we are born each of us has a unique spirit inside that guides us through life. Growing up in a family of multiple children we learn that while our DNA and genetics may be similar we develop our own personalities, like and dislikes. I am shy and introverted at heart but my youngest brother is a world class extrovert who thrives on being actively engaged with people. Our middle brother is quiet and studious and tends to enjoy people in small doses. Our parents created us but did not squelch our spirits. We are who we are and always have been for as long as i can remember.

I am altruistic. I get joy from helping others, not from achieving or increasing my wealth. Money only matters to me for how it provides me with a home and food and security. I believe in sharing my talents and whatever I have with those who are not as fortunate as I have always been. I am unimpressed with titles or power. I most prefer people who are genuine, kind and compassionate. I see myself as equal to my fellow humans in that I see the purpose and value of each of their lives. 

I find joy in quiet moments when the only sounds that I hear are the wind and the chatter of animals and children. I like to read and take walks in nature talking one on one with a fellow human about the meaning of life. I am open to the idea of allowing each and every person to be himself or herself no matter how different their choices may be compared to mine. 

I often consider the idea that I have no particular claim to knowing what is best for each person. I am certainly aware when someone is harming themselves and I try to help them to eliminate habits that are tearing them down. I do not question their lifestyle choices because I trust that they know what they want and what they need to feel whole and happy. I realize who I am as a person, what my true spirit is and I will not push my desires on others any more than I would want someone to make me live a life that is incompatible with who I know myself to be. I know what I need and what makes me happy and generally so does every other person unless others are beating them done for being different. 

Society all too often becomes judgmental of those who are not exactly like ourselves. We may insist that there are religious reasons why the LGBTQ population should not be allowed to exist in what we think should be a Christian world. Because I do not agree with pushes to change people based on our personal feelings II often ask myself why we would ever want to foist our beliefs on others. Each of us should always feel free to be the person that we know ourselves to be. Who are we to question someone when he or she clearly knows what feelings lie in the heart? 

Human variety is a beautiful aspect of who we are. It should never be something that we fear. We certainly all have blood coursing through our veins and hearts that beat to keep us alive be we are far more than just the skin on our bones or the hair on our heads. Inside each individual is  uniqueness that must be fulfilled. The essence of who we are cries out to be recognized. We are happy whenever we are allowed to follow the journey of our inner spirits.

I am grateful to my mother for allowing me and my brothers to each follow our own inclinations. Mama never forced us to do or be anything that did not feel right. She celebrated our differences and loved us just as we are. For that reason we are happy and as confident as anyone can be that we chose the right paths in the adventures of our lives. 

We humans celebrate our differences with festivities and dedicated months. We acknowledge the accomplishments and history of African Americans in February. We have Pride month in June to let the members of the LGBTQ community know that we appreciate that they have found themselves and are able to live unafraid without prejudices based on ignorance. Most especially here in the United States of America we should all be involved in acceptance of the many differences that we each enjoy hopefully in a spirit of freedom. 

I do not understand why it is so difficult for some people to imagine how lovely each person who ever draws a breath is to the world. Those of us who have faith in God should be able to see that the great Being who lives in our hearts is truly present for everyone, not just those who profess certain beliefs. I was always taught that God does not make junk and life of any kind is precious. So why would I ever think that we should shun others whose only difference is being the person they know they were meant to be.?

Think of that beautiful baby who comes into the world. He or she has the ability to lead a wonderful life if only we allow that person to grow and develop just as meant to be, The very moment of uttering the first cries of life are but the beginning of a new soul crying out to be free. .