Will They Claim Me? 

By Danilo Sanchez

I sit down at the table and look at the beautiful mosaic of people around me 
It is an artwork filled with striking shades of mocha, creme, caramel, and peach 
Some of it rough and worn, other parts are smooth and new to the world 
As I peer deeper into the artwork I notice the beauty and the blemishes 
Not everything is symmetrical 
There are different sizes and shapes,  
different groupings that would appear to contrast, 
But when brought together are vibrant and complimentary 

In one voice the mosaic calls out to me: 
< Who are you? Tell us your story > 
In a quiet voice I respond:  
< I am a mix of peach and caramel 
I am both foreign and familiar 
I am both inclusive and shepherding 
For some I may be too revolutionary, for others I am behind the times 
For some I may pose a threat, to others I am safe > 

I await the verdict 
I desire to belong to this mosaic, but is the feeling mutual? 
Will they claim me as their own? 

A cacophony of voices bounces off the walls  
as they deliberate my words 
The mosaic is silenced by a rushing wind that moves among the people 
Passing through bones, flesh, and hearts 
The Great Painter speaks: 
< He is my creation. Like you he is both beautiful and broken. 
I have called him to be part of this mosaic. 
Welcome him. > 

The Mosaic sings in harmony 
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
To you be all honor and glory.” 

The Great Painter is not done the masterpiece 
There is more yet to be completed 
More will come that will want to join us 
Will we claim them? Embrace them? 
Will we hear their story? 
Seeking to find the beauty and brokenness in them, 
The way the Great Painter does