Written by: Timothy Hutchinson
Think of all the people you know, all the people you have ever met, and all the people you have ever seen. Now think of all the people they have ever known, seen, or met. How many generations do you suppose you would have to go back till all people living, or who have ever lived, are accounted for — the entire family of man?
Generation upon generation ago, some 3,500 generations, all the people you have known, seen, or met have ancestors who sat across the same campfire, shared their same meal, shared the same shelter, and harbored the same fears as your ancestors.
Perhaps 3,500 generations ago, only 40 souls were found in all of the valleys, in all of the plains, in all of the mountains, in all of the jungles, in all of the islands, and in all of the places left on the vast expansive world.
Imagine how all lives were precious and of vital need to each other. Each life was a hunter, a gatherer, a caregiver, a caretaker, a wisdom keeper, a teacher, a student, a babysitter, a source of solace, a fighter against oblivion, and no life was ever too small not to be needed.
When we focus on our differences — a shade of melanin, a people’s faith or supreme being, a lifestyle, or a birth place — we curse our own ancient mothers who held your ancient self and kept you warm, kept you fed, and loved you … you.
Celebrate differences. Learn from each other.
Know that we are all far, far, far more alike than we are different.
We are the family of man.