Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Be yourself- everyone else is already taken....


As I watched Aleigha and Mya sit at our table today creating a masterpiece with markers, paint, crayon, stickers, and glue-I wondered at how they each had their own idea of what was 'beautiful'. It reminded me of how God must think of us- each of us a different color, shape and size with different gifts. Yet why is it that we are so inclined to look around us and try to be like everyone else? Why is it we are afraid to step out- do something unique- different- be creative- be ourselves-and go against what the world sees as beautiful? Why are we living our life trying to please the world rather than trying to please God? We cling so tightly to those things of material value… we trust in them, believing they will bring us happiness... we trust in them so much that we are so afraid to step out and show we see value in those things that the world views as ‘worthless’ because of what someone else might think. We look around and copy what the world is telling us to view as beautiful and of worth. We dress in what the magazines tell us are ‘cool’ and we carry pictures of the latest stars to the beautiful shop trying to look just like them.
Psalms 139:4 tell says"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well." We are fearfully and wonderfully made by GOD HIMSELF. So, if we really believe this then we know that even those society views as ‘mistakes’, disposable, worthless- ARE OF VALUE. Are we living that way? Do we care about the orphan who is HIV+... are we reaching out to the widow who is alone today? Did we drive by the homeless man without a care today so we wouldn't have to wait in line to buy our $6.50 cup of coffee from Starbucks?

So Go ahead- be yourself- step out- you can do it… today… trust Him- one little step... follow HIM…. Obey- be willing, close your ears and eyes to the world, open your heart to those the world views as less than... see the beauty... live your purpose.
“And God said, “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12