WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS: YOU'RE UNIQUE, AND THAT'S OKAY

The status read, "Some people were born to be set apart. Accept it!" 

It was a bold declaration, but it seemed that the writer was convincing herself more than others. 

She had resigned that being unique was okay. 

The writer continued, "I'm just different, Don't fit in nowhere. Can't do everything. Its lonely sometimes..."

I empathized with her. 

It is discouraging when your intentions, motives and actions are questioned. It's disheartening when you want to be of assistance, and are rejected. 

It's sad when you want to help, and are pushed out or away. 

There's an inclination to question, or beat up on oneself; to take things personally and become offended. 

Unfortunately, unresolved offenses can breed a hard heart, arrogance, offensive and defensive behavior and speech, or complete inactivity as a person tries to recover from the realization that they are not embraced, included, needed or wanted.

Most people simply desire to be a part of a community. There's a need to belong; to be accepted. When one finds oneself on the outside looking in, it may be a bit of a shock to find out that the air outside is actually fresher, cleaner and more conducive to one's continued growth and survival. 

"Inside" may get more hype because of the "in" crowd, but "outside" is actually where one will have room to flourish. 

Fitting in may appear to be appealing, but can be as restricting to one's freedom as shackles, chains and bars. 

Even if the writer's statement was made out of sadness or a need to affirm herself, it was still true. Everyone will not, should not, and can not fit "in".

The Bible even endorses being different. 

Jesus said, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:18-19

In Leviticus 20:26, God himself says, "You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
Here's David's reminder in Psalm 4:3, "Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him."

Paul boldly and without apology, celebrated his distinction: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood..." Galatians 1:15-16

I wanted to reply to the writer just to encourage her that, although she may feel lonely sometimes, there is never even a fraction of a second when she is alone. If I could talk to her right now, I'd tell her:
That "lonely" feeling is understandable, but can also be a great barometer of the atmosphere. 

Ignore competitions that you didn't know you had entered. 

Pray for people who are so insecure that they indiscriminately hurt others who they mistakenly think are coveting what they have--whether it be material things, position, or other people. 

Don't ever dumb yourself down, fail to act, or forfeit opportunities. 

Other people's evaluation of you, criticism of you, and inability to see your worth is their problem.
Don't ever settle just to fit in. 

You’ll know when it's time to separate yourself, because God won't allow you to get comfortable in places where he doesn't want you to be. 

You have great discernment, and He expects you to use it to know just what is, and is not good for you.

Old people used to say "Birds of a feather flock together". 

Your own spirit will testify of your discomfort when you try to fit in with, or appease others. 

Never ignore your own instincts. 

Definitely do not mistake warning flags and whistles as celebratory symbols. 

You're not going to fit in every place, and you're not supposed to. There is not a single thing wrong with you. Your uniqueness is a blessing. You are neither naive or silly. You know exactly what is good, right, and proper and what is garbage. 

God doesn't want you everywhere, doing everything, and appeasing everyone--He just wants you to do what he called you to do. 

He will take care of your comfort, safety and security. 

Have faith that he will continue to do it.
You know it already, but here it is again--you are never alone...Keep shining your light. Where ever God places you is where you belong, and he will provide everything that you need to thrive.