there are times when the world, full of faces and voices, feels like a desolate place. my little self, so full of passion for expression and connection, feels solitary in a great big world. there are times when i am energized by that alone-ness, and there are times when it just feels uncomfortable; when being me seems too much different from being everyone else.
sometimes i stand in a crowd and i think, “does anyone think like i do? does anyone at all see this, hear this, feel this the same way i am?” and with a resounding “no,” the uniqueness of each person around me echoes back in waves that overlap one another. i know i’m not the only one, and i mourn the times i see others scramble to change themselves, to morph into something more muted, more bland, more like-everyone-else.
because we’re each one unique. we’re created in the Image of One who intended our reflection to be one of grace, and of beauty, and of the utter other-ness of Him. over time, i often would mourn my uniqueness, and long to be just a little less different… because sometimes, different is lonely. and yet, as i study the lives of those around me, and i seek to see them with new eyes, i celebrate the beauty that is that different-ness.
there’s been a public hijacking of Truth that taunts us, and i especially long to speak against the lie that tells women, my sisters, my friends, that they must change, that they must stray from their Original design and calling and run after something “other…” something that betrays their beauty, their loveliness, their reflection of the One who loves them without fail. because even when we are alone, we are not alone. it is our very striking difference from one to the next that draws us together, and it is our sameness in womanhood that makes us beautiful.
sometimes i embarrass my kiddos when we’re in line at a store and i blurt out to the lady in front of me, “did anyone tell you today you’re beautiful?” and sometimes the receiver lights up, and sometimes they look at me strangely. because no one says it, do they? but sister, you are. you’re beautiful, and you’re not alone. just wanted to say it in case you might need to hear that as much as i do.
p.s. – i’m writing as part of a beautiful community of creatives who share each week for five minute friday. go take a peek at what they have to say!
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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
August 29, 2015 at 6:10 amWell, I’m looking at your picture. Did anyone ever tell you you’re beautiful?
You are.
Did anyone ever tell you that your gift for words tugs at the heart?
It does.
Did anyone ever tell you that God has gotta be really, really happy when He looks at you?
He is.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser recently posted…Your Dying Spouse 49 – Alone In The Fight {FMF}
admin
August 31, 2015 at 7:09 pmoh, Andrew, to have brothers who speak deep into our hearts must be the greatest gift our Papa gives… tears sprung up immediately i saw yours. how many times i’ve told another she was beautiful, but the sweet, shocking joy to hear it from one of His own, spoken to me. thanks so much for stopping by… and for your commitment to write beauty. He is GOOD.
Jeanne Takenaka
August 29, 2015 at 8:30 pmWhat an absolutely beautiful, poignant post. Your words resonate with me. I’ve struggled with feeling like I was alone in some of my struggles. The wonderful thing is, God does make each of us unique and beautiful and precious to Him. He also has reminded us that we share common struggles that we can help each other through. And I love your desire to remain uniquely you, not becoming molded to what this world says is acceptable.
You got me thinking today. Thank you! And thank you for stopping by my blog. 🙂
Jeanne Takenaka recently posted…Alone: Blessings in Alone Time
admin
August 31, 2015 at 7:08 pmJeanne, yes, YES, yes!!!! how awed i am that our Papa uses any means to connect his people… thank you for coming to visit, and for sharing your beautiful True-spoken words. 🙂
Bethann
September 1, 2015 at 10:07 pmJeanne, your reflections are spot on! Loved your #fmf !!
Bethann
Bethann recently posted…Tuesday Tip | Easy Homemade All Purpose Cleaner
Cindi
September 5, 2015 at 8:18 pmso beautiful… love to dance… and i do that also … tell strangers that they look lovely. even if it doesn’t make their day, it makes mine.
Cindi recently posted…23/365 … in 5 ~ “yes” to {this moment…}
admin
September 28, 2015 at 2:36 amyay, cindi! and so true, it will make our day maybe even more… such blessing. hugs!