Celebrating Our Differences Teaches Us One Of The Most Divine Lessons

Historically, anti-Blackness shamed anyone “different” as being “lesser” or not “normal.” But this was anti-Black code for “non-white.”

In reality, God intentionally creates us to look, speak, act, and even think differently. 

Differences in how we think is called neurodiversity. Often, someone labeled neurodiverse has a cognitive condition like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, OCD, or Tourette syndrome. 

Roughly 10% to 20% of the world’s population is neurodiverse. There is only limited data because  Black people, especially girls and women, are often diagnosed later in life or misdiagnosed altogether. 

Harriet Tubman’s neurodiversity developed later in life. After experiencing a major head trauma as a child, Tubman began having seizures and intense sleep spells in which she’d have spiritual dreams. 

Prior to her injury Tubman had a relationship with God, but this bond strengthened after these dreams began. These dreams guided Tubman throughout her time as an Underground Railroad conductor.

Whether diagnosed as neurodiverse or not, everyone thinks differently. Embracing our cognitive differences teaches us a major spiritual lesson: to be open-minded. 

Neurodiverse perspectives broaden how we think about our faith practices, spiritual experiences, and interpretations of Spirit.

Celebrating neurodiversity creates more inclusive spiritual environments for all of us. True unity comes when our differences make us stronger. Start by appreciating how you are different from others. Take a moment to look in the mirror and appreciate God’s work. You are divine just as you are.