Be Who You Are

I was scrolling down my twitter feed, minding my own business when I saw it. The generalized statement, targeted at no one in particular, grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. I got so choked up over it I began having a mini panic attack. “Great, I’m doing it wrong. She’s a prominent blogger – she knows what she’s talking about. I should change my site. What other mistakes am I making that I don’t even realize? I’m a loser. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this – there are tons of great writers out there – I’ll never be able to compete.”

Then, in the middle of my anxiety-fueled, neurotic tirade, I felt His presence, His peace. That’s her opinion, not the standard, and even if it was, does it really matter? Don’t compare yourself to others. You have your own unique voice, your own style. I need you to be who you are. I need you as much as I need her, just in a different way – for a different purpose.

And He’s right. Who cares if there are elements of my site that are not what “professionals” use? So what that I don’t do things the same way everyone else does? Why am I worried about fitting into a mold that wasn’t made for me? My specific calling hinges on the fact that I am me. If I try to be someone else my purpose is compromised.

Be encouraged today. No one else has your irreplaceable voice or distinctive story. No one else can do exactly what you can the way you can. No one else is specifically designed to reach the people He has prepared for you. He made YOU with others in mind, so be who you are – that’s who He needs you to be.

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. – Dr. Seuss

Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out? – Oliver James