Last night I had the opportunity to see a musical movie that portrayed the rise of P.T. Barnum and showed how his circus came to be. It was both interesting and remarkable to step into the life and times of the main character and those previously hidden, shut out, and silenced, but who came to be at the forefront and an important part of the show. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the movie was how beautifully the uniqueness of each individual came to be celebrated and the spirit that was born out of it.

While it may seem odd to pair a variation of the word “beauty” with the word “circus,” it also seems so relevant. We live in times that can feel like a non-stop circus with all the happenings in today’s world. However, in it all, there is still so much beauty to be found, and to be celebrated.

Through many heated disagreements and debates, especially of recent times, silence is being shattered and a spirit that celebrates the unique and diverse, but more importantly, the authentic, is growing. While the events around us can be upsetting and trying, they can also lead to becoming more in touch with values and beliefs, feeling compelled and moved, and living more deeply, or intentionally. In the chaotic and unexpected (as well as in the humdrum and typical, and everything in between), it is remarkable how present God, the author of creation… the author of diversity, is.

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P.T. Barnum

If God intended for all to be the same, or to be uniform, the ark would not have been a zoo, rainbows would be bland instead of full of color—life, and Jesus would have added to the over 600 Mosaic laws instead of simplifying them and being an example of love, mercy, compassion, acceptance and integrity.

Celebrate individuality; it is part of how the human race was created and it honors God. Encourage truth; it is important to keep it real. Embrace all that is humane and always carry hope, remembering that the heart of God is in each of us.