Many face difficulties I cannot imagine. The struggles of their lives are real and painful. For some, this causes a feeling of despair and desperation.
Although I have not experienced this problem often in my own life, it does not mean I am unable to empathize or understand the plight of those who struggle with fitting in or feeling like they cannot.
In fact, I believe if I pay close enough attention, I can see the struggle to belong being lived out in the lives of people around me.
What can I do about it? How can I help those around me see being different does not have to be something that divides us. It actually allows us an opportunity to consider things from a vantage point we may not be able to see.
Though true, it seems in our world being “different or unique” is seen as a bridge too far by many.
This can cause those outside the so-called norm to feel isolated and cast aside by a culture demanding conformity to be accepted.
I have often wondered if those who exist outside the box our world puts us in are not just simply “different or unique”.
If so, is it possible these people may possess a view of the world those who are seen as “normal” may miss altogether.
What if we stopped long enough to allow the very things that make people “unique or different” to be what we appreciate about them, instead of not accepting them because of those differences?
If we did, I believe allowing someone who is “different of unique” to speak into our life may be one of the greatest contributions we can find.
It is fascinating how a world who clamors for acceptance, equity and individualism can be so unaccepting of those who do not fit the mold that has been created.
As with everything in life, we decide how we respond to those around us. The question is, are we ignoring someone because they are not like us? Or are we afraid to see their uniqueness as something we cannot attain.
We were created on purpose for a purpose and our Creator did not make a mistake. I believe He revels in the beauty of the differences in each of us. If that is true, then why do we not stop long enough to marvel at those differences ourselves?
Perhaps, the answer is fear of the unknown or the pressure to be a part of the group keeps us from embracing the things that make us “different or unique”.
Regardless of the reasons, we are the ones who are missing out when we leave others out of our lives because we cannot see and appreciate the very thing we claim to seek.
Being a people who are all about allowing others to be “different of unique”.
1 Corinthians 14:7, “Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?”
Comments