By Rosalynn Smith

“Mom, would I be Hutu or Tutsi?” my daughter asked as we drove down a Texas highway. This seemed an unusual question from a child born and raised in the United States, descending from at least five generations of American-born citizens. However, after a recent mission trip to Rwanda, Africa, my ten-year-old daughter was left with questions revolving in her imagination.

During our visit to Rwanda, we learned intimate details about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Over a million Tutsi and moderate Hutus were killed in about 100 days, as neighbors turned against each other based on perceived differences in appearance, socioeconomic status, and political stance. My daughter’s compassionate imagination led her to time travel 29 years ago, contemplating how she would respond in such a dire situation.

Imaginations, or the thoughts of our hearts, possess immense power. They can transport us back in time, reshape current circumstances, or paint vivid images of the future. In Luke 1:51, Mary, the mother of Jesus, sings of both a time past and a time yet to come, stating, 

“He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.” 

Mary emphasizes God’s concern for imaginations because of their potential impact.

Imaginations can foster division, convincing us that we don’t belong or are not good enough. God cares about our imaginations and the thoughts of our hearts. Racial tension, ethnic conflict, and political violence often arise from inward-focused, proud, and selfish imaginations, leading to harmful actions.

Mary’s song portrays a God displeased with hatred, who sent His Son Jesus to dilute the hearts of the proud with love and intentional grace. Imagine a world where people’s actions reflect love and intentional grace. Picture a society embracing beautiful differences while still believing they are one people chosen by God.

So, to answer, “Mom, would I be Hutu or Tutsi?” I say to you, daughter, son, you are loved and chosen by God.

Dear Heavenly Father, we lift our hearts in prayer, asking for the strength to scatter pride and selfishness from our imaginations, embracing love and intentional grace. May we, as Your chosen people, reflect the unity and acceptance that comes from recognizing the beauty in our differences. Amen.