December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)
This is a hard question; different from whom? There are many ways in which I'm "different" than the mainstream culture. I have four kids and homeschool, eat very natural food, have all sorts of opinions that aren't one bit politially correct. I'm a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, and not only that, I'm part of the ancient eastern Orthodox Christian church. I have very hairy arms and my nose is pierced.
I've actually given a fair bit of thought to this whole being different thing. Why am I not content with the status quo? Is it a good thing? A pride thing? A bad thing? Why are some people happy to just go along with the flow, not really questioning the norm, and others of us have to question, delve into, rethink everything?. Sometimes it's lonely. Sometimes it's kind of fun.
If any part of my "differentness" lights people up, then I hope it is the light of Christ shining through me, shining in spite of all the ways I dim that precious Light. If there is any beauty in me, in comes from Him.
This post is part of reverb10.
One of the many things that I loved about you when we were traipsing through our teenage years was that you were beautifully different.
ReplyDeleteThat you were always one step ahead of the mainstream in terms of EVERYTHING!
It always seemed that you did what you liked, you dressed how you wanted, you listened to the music you liked and you never let anyone sway you from those things.
Even though I was a year older I always looked up to you and your beauty! I still pull strength in my everyday life from remembering how graceful you were about being so beautiful.
~Melissa
PS I want Karen's Book ~ it is on my Christmas wishlist.
I love this post. You are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post! I don't think you're all that "different" from a lot of us who read your blog. You can find lots of kindred spirits among the Orthodox bloggers :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you've been blogging a lot recently. I really enjoy reading!