"The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is the reason that He makes so many of them." - Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, known for his sage wisdom and eloquence, once offered a profound thought about the nature of divinity. While the context is often shrouded in debate, historians and admirers alike point to this enigmatic statement: "The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is the reason that He makes so many of them." It's a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy or who find themselves overlooked in a world obsessed with appearances. Lincoln, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of national unity and strength, seemed to understand the power of humility and the value of the ordinary.

It's tempting to interpret this statement as a simple endorsement of the common man. Lincoln, after all, was a champion of the working class and a fierce opponent of elitism. He believed in the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their social standing or personal attributes. Perhaps his statement affirms that God, too, sees beyond the superficial and finds beauty and worth in the everyday people who make up the fabric of society.

But there's a layer of complexity beneath the surface. Lincoln was a deeply religious man who grappled with the mysteries of faith. The phrase "common-looking people" could also be interpreted as a commentary on the limitations of human perception. Perhaps God, in His infinite wisdom, chooses to reveal Himself to those who are not distracted by outward appearances, who are open to seeing the divine in the mundane.

Moreover, the idea that God "makes so many" of these common-looking people suggests a sense of divine purpose. Could it be that the vast majority of humanity is chosen by God for a reason? Are we, in our ordinariness, entrusted with a special calling, a responsibility to live out our lives with integrity, compassion, and love?

This statement, while seemingly simple, opens up a multitude of philosophical and theological questions. It challenges us to examine our own assumptions about beauty, worth, and connection to the divine. Lincoln, in his enigmatic way, reminds us that true greatness often lies not in outward splendor, but in the quiet strength found in the hearts of ordinary people. And perhaps, within each of us, resides the potential for something extraordinary.