You’re darn right about that. I’m 40 years old, and I still don’t understand why being authentic is a problem. I’ll be cheeky enough to say that I hope I never do get it. Each individual is uniquely and wonderfully made, and I don’t understand why people are willing to suppress what makes them special for the approval of others. And furthermore, some choose to accept things that hold them back so they can “fit in.” They could take personal responsibility to be their best and rise above conditions and/or circumstances to become better people, but they won’t for fear of rejection. They reject the unlimited favor of God in lieu of favor from people – people who are imperfect, limited, and whose loyalty wavers depending on what you can do for them today.
That’s a bunch of crap.
What’s wrong with being yourself? It’s a big world in an infinite universe, and it’s an honor to be created with a place and purpose in it, but most people choose to confine themselves to small corners of it. Why? You can be lifted to greater heights than any person can put you in if you patiently work toward the light of truth, keep doing good, and don’t give up. But we’re impatient, and prideful. The world values the small view of today; not the big picture of eternity. The devil has a good thing going on earth, and a lot of people roped into it – even believers. He can’t take a genuine soul, but he can steal it’s purpose, and all it takes is a little criticism or rejection to put you in that box “where you belong.” And too often, we crawl right in it for the sake of false comfort and forsake what we truly are. That is the saddest story in all of creation.
The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to purpose or personal preferences – we just get so stuck on ourselves that we don’t respect the differences in others. I talked about this a few entries ago, so there’s no need to recap it, but I will remind you that if people have a problem with who you are then it’s their problem, and they have to deal with it. People will make their own decisions about you, and there’s nothing you can do to change it, so give them something real to love or hate, and stop worrying about it. If being yourself makes you stand out, then the problem is with others, not with you. You can’t rock a boat that you aren’t in – and conforming to what others want from you won’t fix whatever is wrong inside themselves that’s truly making them unhappy. Remember: you can’t bring anything out of other people that isn’t already in there. So stop worrying aboutthem so much, and focus on being you. Yours is the only life you can live, so stop giving your effort and energy to others and start channeling it on making your life the best it can be. Your life is bigger than the petty concerns of conformity, so proudly claim your authenticity and live by it. Destiny won’t come to you. You have to make it through your actions and choices every day.
Call me what you will, but I’m not giving away what makes me unique – especially to people that don’t value or appreciate me anyway. I may not understand the big picture, but I have greater faith in it. God’s favor is the only favor that matters to me.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great weekend.
Bye!