No One Else
You are yourself, and no one else.
I am sure you have heard that phrase a time or twelve. Whether in movies or television, in a book, or spoken by someone you know - it’s an adage that is passed from generations past, to generations coming.
Depending on your self-view, this may be an empowering statement, or a dejecting one.
Maybe you spend most of your time wishing you were someone else. It’s not uncommon, especially in adolescence (or mid-life). It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. I think that if everyone were honest, they would all admit they’ve had that thought cross their mind at least once in life.
The phrase, however, is meant to be emboldening. The world doesn’t thrive on cut and paste. It doesn’t need carbon copies of one archetype or personality or collection of traits.
More than that, if you believe in the Maker of the Universe, it is a core truth that He is highly creative & intrinsically various in how He knits together each and every person. He knows the world needs the exact composition of characteristics that you have. That He specifically chose when forming you together. He knows that I don’t need to possess exactly what you do. You fulfill the formula He wanted to make. He sees you and names you wonderfully complete. So then, I am given different measurements of complexity - because He saw that the world needed one of me.
We are meant to harmoniously compliment the spaces around us. Together, as unity, but as individuals as well.
You can serve and give in ways I cannot. I can bring something else to the table big enough for us all.
I have to admit, I am talented in prose and forming encouraging words. It brings me the utmost joy to do so. However, I severely lack the ease of believing all of the truths apply even to me. It’s not easy to explain, yet I do firmly and fully and deeply know the worth you possess is unfailing and unequivocal. Though extending the same belief inward is a life-long struggle.
Still, I believe in its truth, and I believe He sees me with the same loving tenderness He sees us all. Therefore, I must allow it to trickle down and take root within. I must practice living in the freedom I am confident to preach elsewhere.
Step into the confidence of all your pieces. The whole of who you are and all you contribute, is unique. It is needed.
