Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1210680
Everybody Brings Something Marty Edward s Diversity is what makes the world go 'round! It's t he "spice of life!" Diversity makes our meals taste better, our work force more effective and give s us the privilege of being individuals. The Bible illustrates diversity in terms of "spiritual gifts." (1Cor12) Our mentorship for incoming members speaks of S.H.A.P.E. (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality and experiences. ) The Black Sheep are men, women, black, brow n, white, yellow and red. Some are really strong and some a little less so. Some have a lot of money and some have a lot of time. Some are like "Tigger" - full of energy and bounce s every where they go . A nd some are like "E y ore" who start their mornings ...around noon. Diversity is both a blessing and a struggle. Our differences are good because together we complete the job, the family, the church, the ministry. Our differences are a struggle when we don't appreciate or validate someone else's abilities or limitations. Smart people might make fun of those who have more muscles than brains. Muscle men are tempted to look down on the "nerds" but it takes both to build something great. The important things to remember are (a) God made us to be unique but we must (b) grow in our weak nesses (c) maximize our strengths and (d) have patience as everyone else around us does the same. Black Sheep HDFC is also both blessed and challenged by our diversity. Some are better riders than others. Some have more time th an others. Some have more money. Some are more creative, some are smarter, some are younger and in better shape and some bring with them experience and wisdom. The most important things for us to remember and PAGE 4 / WWW.BLACKSHEEPHDFC.ORG practice are (a) loving one another (b) respecting one another (c) and being patient with one another. Consider the disciples. Were they the Lord's "dream team?" Uh... not likely – and yet they didn't choose Jesus, Jesus chose them! (John 14:16) One was a political extremist, one was a dishonest tax collector and as far as we know, the rest were fisherman and in the end they all ran away from Jesus – but in the end they (less Judas) were the ones who took the Gospel to the world and all died a violent martyr's death ... except John who was abandoned on an island of rocks. All of this become s especially important at the chapter level. When I hear someone teasing someone else because they're riding an older bike or unable to ride as fast or as far, a litt le part of me on the inside dies. Jesus would never have done that. Jesus always challenged but never belittled his team. Every member we have brings something to th is ministry and they are here because God has called them. We are to encourage them in areas where they might grow, celebrate what they do well and in the meantime, be patient . Every member of Black Sheep must • obey our bylaws • participate regularly • pay their dues • get along with others and • use their gifts and abil ities to the best of their ability. Each member, however, will likely look different from the other. In fact, our chapters even take on different personalities of their own. • s ome mostly ride locally (within 100 miles of home). • some regularly take long ex tended rides . • s ome are very organized and procedural. • s ome operate by the seat of their pants. • some don't have a monthly breakfast. • s ome spend most of their time with HOG. • some do much less with HOG than others. • s ome have no women in leadership. • s ome are led by the women. • some raise a lot of money, some don't. • some visit a lot of hospitals, some don't.