We are all unique. That is cause to celebrate!
It is not easy to understand or respect the differences in others. Quiet people often get annoyed with loud and boisterous people, and very neat people are generally challenged by messy people. We sometimes see individuals that are different from us as being flawed. The truth is that they may think the same about us.
I remember hearing that "we learn more from people that we different from than those with whom we have similarities". I think that in addition to that, we are complemented by people that we share differences with. If I am a little messy, maybe my clean friend can help me out. Likewise my messiness, may help my very neat friend relax a little. Here are a few more examples.
spontaneity vs. rigidity
fearfulness vs. courageousness
introverted vs. extroverted
Story: I stated a few posts ago that I was a very wounded person years ago. I also was deeply into "church". I remember that the people I went to church with thought I was flaky because I talked all the time. I remember a pastor's wife once went so far as to pray (yes...she laid hands and everything) that GOD would "shut my mouth". In reality, I had something substantial to say, but it often was overshadowed by the foolishness I had learned to speak. In any rate, GOD did NOT shut my mouth then, nor has he ever. It took some time, though to feel comfortable speaking to people because I was always being squelched.
I have learned to celebrate my uniqueness and now believe that my mouth and vocal cords are a blessing and can speak life into others.
Q: Have others failed to see the value of your unique personality, dress, ideals, etc...? Have you felt hindered because you were misunderstood, unappreciated, or shunned by people that were different than you?
or...
Has this not been an issue for you? In what way do YOU celebrate the unique differences both yourself and others? How can you help others do the same?
Prayer: Help us see and celebrate the differences and unique qualities in ourselves and others.
I think differences are the best traits in people. Not everyone will accept differences in people. I have tried through my journey to see the differences in others & accept them, however, when those differences conflict with what I believe to be true & right, I have to back away from that person. I try not to let it cause a hinderance to me. If I can't be accepted for who God made me to be...then you don't need to be blessed with my presence in your life. Your unacceptance of my uniqueness is your problem.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, so true. I have seen it myself. Especially when someone (sorry about this but I gotta tell it like it is) was acting as an agent for the devil and was trying to squelch my gifting. I truly agree that there are differences we can respect and differences that will repel us. I am talking about the former, but it is important to note that there is, in fact, a distinction between them. Some things are not character traits, they are just bad upbringing, bad manners, and bad habits.
ReplyDeleteKima wrote:
ReplyDeleteDifferences sometimes scare others. People assume things about you too. Speaking from experience; my sisters and others take my kind heart for granted. Growing up I always wondered why I cared soo much?, why I cried more than others?, why I loved more than others, why I was more understanding than others.
I have this unexplainable kindness that I cant explain. I have grown to believe that its God working through me. I dont do things because im looking for hi-fives or blessings. Attimes I even put others n their feelings before mine. Sometimes I hate that I care sooo much because i'm always the one getting hurt in the end. Just my presence attimes can comfort some. When I pray I, pray to continue being who I am so I could continue doing his work!